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The range of battery types can be confusing, with a range of factors to consider. Aside from battery compatibility, you should also consider performance, type, and capacity. Using this guide, you’ll be able to understand
Useful Information
Battery Types
When you understand the different battery types, it’s easier to make the right choice for you and your devices. It will help you understand their performance, their longevity, and their compatibility.
Understanding the different battery types and their performance, for example lithium and alkaline batteries, will help you identify the right choice. Learn which ones last the longest, which ones are best for high-powered devices, and more.
Lithium Batteries
Longest lasting batteries with leak resistance and superior performance in extreme temperatures. They ensure your high-powered devices operate at their peak helping your devices stay powered up for longer. They generally have a longer shelf life than alkaline battery types, and can be stored without losing their power for years at a time. They’re also lighter than your standard alkaline battery.
Ideal for:
- High-drain digital cameras and flash units that use a lot of power.
- Smart security devices such as wireless cameras, wireless thermostats, wireless doorbells.
- Remote-controlled devices.
- High-use/ high-drain game controllers or gaming systems such as Wii and Xbox.
- Computer accessories such as wireless mouse and wireless keyboard.
- Work-related gadgets such as high-powered LED lighting, laser level or stud finder.
High-Level Alkaline Batteries
Longer lasting batteries that are designed to protect against damaging leaks when left in low-drain devices. They’re great for mid to high-drain devices and can hold power in storage longer than mid-level and low-level alkaline batteries.
Ideal for:
- Smart security devices such as portable cameras, wireless thermostats, and wireless doorbells.
- Wireless gaming accessories
- Remote-controlled devices
- Alarm clocks
- Work-related gadgets such as high-powered LED lighting, laser level or stud finder
Mid-Level Alkaline Batteries
These are long-lasting batteries designed for everyday use and best suited to mid-drain devices.
Ideal for:
- Alarm clocks
- Torches and flashlights
- Remote controls
- Toy cars
- Disposable cameras
- Handheld label makers
- Calculators
- Voice recorders
- Smoke alarms
- Computer accessories such as wireless mouse and wireless keyboard
Low-Level Alkaline Batteries
These are designed for everyday use in low to mid-drain devices.
Ideal for:
- Radios
- Calculators
- Clocks
- Low to mid-drain toys
Carbon Zinc
These are an economical option suitable for everyday use in low drain devices.
Ideal for:
- Low-drain toys
- Small devices
Battery Care
You can get more out of your batteries by following these tips:
- Store batteries at room temperature
- Remove batteries from devices when not in use
- Keep battery contact surfaces clean by rubbing them gently with an eraser or cloth
- Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries in a device
- Do not try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries
Battery Leaks
Alkaline batteries that are depleted or exposed to extremely high temperatures may leak, discharging a fluid which is caustic and can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. This liquid eventually forms a 'white fluff' on batteries and corrodes the battery compartment. This can not only be damaging to your health, but to your device!
Any leaking batteries should be immediately removed and disposed of properly.
Our Categories
Compare the different battery sizes, here in our range at Officeworks.
AAA size
One of the most popular battery types, AAAs are a great choice to have on hand for around your home or workspace. They’re generally used for portable devices that have relatively low energy needs – compatible items such as graphing calculators and toys, gaming controllers, and mailroom scales.
Shop NowAA size
AA batteries are one of the most common battery types, if not the most common. At a glance, they look very similar to AAAs, with just a slight increase in diameter and length. There’s a little extra size and a little extra charge, offering approximately three times the power of AA batteries. They’re used in similar contexts, however, and are a common power source for portable items like torches, digital and instant cameras, as well as label makers.
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C size
C Batteries are another common household choice. They offer more power than AA and AAA batteries, often being used in more devices with higher power needs. They generally have a 1.5 V output for reliable, regular and frequent supply to your devices. You might find them in your torch, cameras, or security alarms.
Shop NowD size
Larger still than C batteries, D batteries are designed for high power-drain devices, some in industrial and commercial applications. You’ll find them in things like automatic washroom products like faucets and soap dispensers, as well as high-powered torches.
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9 V
9V (9 volt) batteries are used in more energy-hungry devices. The classic case is for those ‘always on’ devices, like smoke alarms. They were created as the power source for old transistor radios and are still found in devices like radios and torches – an ever-reliable choice.
Shop NowRechargeable Batteries
Reducing the amount of waste to landfill is always a priority, and the batteries you choose can be part of minimizing your waste. You can find a rechargeable option for most batteries across the major battery types in our range. While there are rechargeable lead-acid, lithium ion, and nickel cadmium batteries, too, the rechargeable batteries you find for home use in devices like remotes and toys tend to be nichkel-metal hydride (NiMH). They help you save money and save the environment at the same time – lasting from periods of years instead of just a month or two.
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Coin & Specialty Batteries
Coin batteries are powerhouses for compact devices. They’re also known as button cell battery, or even a watch battery. They’ve got a longer shelf life and last lionger – you might find them in the keys to your car or your watch. For more information, check out our specialty and coin battery guide.
Shop NowBattery Chargers
Power up the power supply with our range of battery chargers. Paired with rechargeable batteries, they are a more sustainable approach to your usual single use batteries. They’re available for most standard types of batteries, helping you get more life out of your devices while minimizing your environmental impact. While recharging batteries does not give them indefinite life – just like the battery in your smartphone or in your car, the charging becomes less effective over time. However, it can be the difference between getting five years out of a battery and getting five weeks life from a battery; it really adds up!
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