The AA battery is a small, cylinder-shaped cell with alkaline, Ni-MH, and lithium competition. The AA battery is a commonly used battery made by brands such as Duracell, Energizer, Toshiba, and Atomic. In this post, we will cover different features, factors, details, and equivalent batteries. So let’s get started with what an AA battery is.
What is an AA battery?
- The AA battery is a standard-size, single-cell, cylindrical dry battery. This battery was previously called the D14, U12, U7, or HP7 battery.
- AA batteries are easy-to-carry battery components. The AA battery comes with a single electrochemical cell that is a primary battery or rechargeable battery.
- It comes with different chemistry and construction features. The battery voltage, capacity, and discharging rates are based on cell chemistry.
- The devices that are made for AA cells use 1.2 to 1.5 volts based on working features.
AA Battery Dimensions
- AA cell comes with a 49.5 to 50.5 mm length and has a button terminal and 13.7 to 14.5 mm diameter. The positive terminal button has a one-millimeter height and a maximum of 5.5 diameters, and the negative terminal diameter is 7 mm and length is 0.5 mm.
- The 14500 lithium battery is longer working if it comes with a protection circuit of 53 mm.
- The alkaline AA cell comes with a weight of 23 grams. The lithium AA cell weighs about 15 grams, and the weight of the rechargeable Ni-MH cell is 31 grams.
Common AA Battery Chemistries Chart
| Chemistry | Common Name | Rechargeable | Capacity (mAh) |
Voltage (V)
|
| Zinc Carbon | R6, 15D | No | 600 – 1600 | 1.5 |
| Alkaline | LR6, 15A | No | 1800 – 2700 | 1.5 |
| Lithium | – | Yes | 1000-2000+ | 1.5 |
| NiCd | KR6, 1.2K2 | Yes | 600 – 1200 | 1.2 |
| NiMH | HR6, 1.2H2 | Yes | 700 – 2800 | 1.2 |
| NiOOH | – | No | 2200 – 2700 |
1.5 (1.7 max)
|
| NiZn | ZR6 | Yes | 1500 – 1800 |
1.6 – 1.65
|
| Li-FeS2 | FR6, 15LF | No | 2700 – 3300 |
1.5 (1.8 max)
|
| Li-ion | 14500 | Yes | 600 – 2000+ | 3.6 – 3.7 |
| LiFePO4 | IFR14500 | Yes | 500-750 | 3.2 |
| Li-SOCl2 | -14505 | No | 2400-2700 | 3.5-3.6 |
| Li-MnO2 | CR AA | No | ~2000 | 3 |
Characteristics of AA Batteries
Cell Voltage
- The voltage provided by an electric battery is produced through potential differences of materials that are of positive and negative electrodes for electrochemical reaction. The alkaline battery comes with 1.5 volts, and the common open circuit voltage for NiMH batteries is 1.2 volts.
- Voltage value for different AA batteries is
| Voltage Range | Battery Types |
| 1.2V |
NiCd and NiMH AA batteries
|
| 1.5V |
Zinc-Carbon, Alkaline, NiOOH, Li-FeS2, AA lithium batteries with built-in DC-DC converters
|
| 3.5-3.6V |
Li-SOCl2 AA batteries
|
| 3.6-3.7V |
Li-Ion AA batteries
|
| 1.6-1.65V |
NiZn AA batteries
|
| 3.0V |
Li-MnO2 AA batteries
|
| 3.2V |
LiFePO4 AA batteries
|
Cut-off Voltage
- The least allowable voltage is called cut-off voltage, and this voltage explains the empty condition of the battery. The capacity for NiMH or NiCd battery cut-off voltage is 1 volt per cell and 0.9 volts cut-off voltage for alkaline cells.
Capacity
- Coulometric capacity is the net amp hours of battery at the time of discharge for a certain discharge current from 100 percent SOC to cut-off voltage.
- The alkaline or NiMH battery AA has a capacity of about 2000 to 3000 mAh (or 2 to 3 Ah).
C-rate of Battery
- C-rate used for defining the speed of the battery for discharging or charging based on maximum capacity. The unit of h−1. The A 1C rate is a discharge current that will discharge the complete battery in a single hour. Good working alkaline and lead-acid batteries, come with low 0.05 C or 20-hour discharge.
Self-discharge
- The battery also has self-discharging features if not in use. That is due to the noncurrent generation part of the chemical reaction that exists in the cell also when no load is connected.
- The main feature of the alkaline battery is that it can be stored easily. They have a chemically stable nature and a low self-discharge rate. An alkaline battery loses 2 to 3 percent of real charge in one year if stored at room temperature. The NiMH battery has a high self-discharge and loses about 20 percent of charge at the time of 24 hours.
Degradation
- The degradation of rechargeable batteries exists for every charge-discharge cycle. Degradation normally results since electrolyte moves away from electrodes. The working life of a NiMH AA battery is 700-1,000 life cycles.
Technical Specifications Of Alkaline AA Battery
| Nominal Voltage |
1.50 Volts
|
| AA Battery Capacity Alkaline |
2500 mAh
|
| Chemistry |
Alkaline
|
| Operating Temperature |
0°C – 60°C
|
| Diameter |
14.5mm
|
| Height |
50.5mm
|
Technical Specifications Of Lithium AA Battery
| Nominal Voltage | 1.50 Volts |
| AA Battery Capacity |
3000mAh mAh
|
| Chemistry | Lithium |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Diameter | 14.5mm |
| Height | 50.5mm |
Technical Specifications Of Carbon Zinc AA Battery
| Nominal Voltage | 1.50 Volts |
| AA Battery Capacity |
400-1,700mAh
|
| Height | 50.5mm |
| Chemistry |
Carbon Zinc
|
| Operating Temperature | 0°C – 60°C |
| Diameter | 14.5mm |
AA Battery Equivalent
- Different types of equivalent batteries are used for AA batteries, such as LR06, SUM4, LR6, Duracell MN1500, R06P, Kodak KAA K6A, Toshiba LR6N, LR6A, HP7, Varta 4106, 824, BA3058/U, NEDA 15A, 15AC, AA, Panasonic AM3, Varta 4006, Rayovac 815, and Energizer E91.
- AA batteries come with different compositions, such as carbon zinc, lithium, and NiMH.
AA Battery Type Comparison
| AA Battery Type | Capacity (mA) | Discharge Rate | Leakage Protection | Appplications |
| NiMH Rechargeables | 600-2750 | High | Yes |
High-powered devices for example handheld video games, camera flash, digital camera,
|
| Alkalines | 1800-2600 | Low | No |
Low-voltage devices like toys, flashlights, tv remotes,
|
| Lithium-ion | 2500-3400 | Medium | Yes |
drones, Laptops, cell phones,
|
AA Batteries Used For?
- Digital Thermometer
- Smoke Detectors
- Medical Devices and Instruments
- Memory Backup
- Calculator
- Laser Pen
- Flashlight
- Security System Panel
- Electronic Toys
- Battery Pack Application
AA Primary cells
- Primary cells are non-rechargeable zinc-carbon AA batteries that provide a capacity of about 400 to 900 mAh and capacity value based on testing conditions, duty cycles, and cut-off voltage.
- Zinc carbon batteries and zinc chloride batteries have a capacity of 1000 to 1500 mAh.
- Alkaline battery capacity is 1,700 mAh to 2,850 mAh.
- Alkaline battery capacity is 1,700 mAh to 2,850 mAh and has a high cost as compared to zinc chloride batteries and comes with more charge.
- Non-rechargeable lithium iron disulfide batteries are used for applications where high current is needed, like digital cameras, and constant voltage at the time of discharge.
- Alkaline battery capacity decreases with increases in discharge current, and Li-FeS₂ batteries do not have any effect through high discharge current.
AA rechargeable cells
- There are chemical compositions for AA batteries, such as nickel-cadmium, with a capacity of 600 to 100 mAh. Nickel-metal hydride has different capacity ranges, such as 600–2,750 mAh.
- NiCd and NiMH have 1.2 volts, and lithium-ion chemistry comes with a nominal voltage of 3.6 to 3.7 volts.
- AA-sized lithium-ion cells minimize voltage to 1.5 volts for standard cells.
- NiMH and lithium-ion AA/14500 cells have high capacity for high current drain.
AA Li-ion Battery
- The Li-ion AA size battery has rechargeable 3.7 volts features. At the positive terminal, voltage losses are 1.5 volts.
- The Kentli batteries come with a 3.7 Li-ion electrode in a ring about the AA electrode for providing charging through certain charger types. It provides 1.5 volts for a disposable alkaline AA battery and no losses for the discharge cycle. The lithium-ion chemistry offers less self-discharge at 3 percent per month. The capacity of a 250 mA drain is about 1700 mAh for 1.5 volts less as compared to other chemistries.
AA NiZn Battery
- Nickel-zinc cells (NiZn) are rechargeable 1.65 V AAs, but they are not commonly used. They needed charging circuit features of providing voltage.
AA Battery vs. Lithium-ion 14500 Battery
- 14500 lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that come with a cylinder-like structure and have the same physical size as AA batteries.
- They provide 3.6 to 3.7 volts. Their capacity range is ~600 mAh to 2000 mAh.
- 1500 battery configured for high-drain functions and for low-drain and general applications also uses this battery.
- Lithium-ion 14500 batteries and AA batteries have dimensions that help them to interchange with each other; the output voltage difference is larger, which can cause damage to different devices.
- The devices used for powering through NiMH batteries do not get power through 14500 batteries until manufacturers are not defined.
- The devices, such as LED flashlights, photo cameras, and others, help to use AA alkaline 1.5 volts, AA NiMH, and 14500 batteries.
- The 14500 battery also comes with built-in protection electronics that check battery conditions to protect the battery from overheating, overcharging, and other damage.
- The 14500 battery also provides charging for single batteries through a micro USB charging port.
Difference between AA and AAA batteries
Size
- The basic difference between AA and AAA batteries is size. AA batteries are longer and have a larger size as compared to AAA. the length of 50.5 mm and the AAA length is 44.5 m. The diameter of an AA battery is 14.5 mm, and an AAA battery has a diameter of 10.5 mm.
Chemistry
- Both come with the same chemistry. They have similar anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes. The size of an AAA battery is smaller compared to an AA battery. that affects the chemical energy of the battery. Battery chemistry also affects battery working life; for zinc-carbon batteries of AA and AAA batteries, the working life is from 3 to five years. Alkaline batteries for AA and AAA batteries have a working life of about five to ten years.
Capacity
- The AA battery has a larger size that makes it hold more energy than the AAA battery. The famous alkaline AA battery has a high capacity of about 3000 mAh, and the AAA battery has a capacity of about 1300 mAh.
Applications
- AA batteries have high energy density and are used for high-power uses such as lighting, motor toys, etc. AAA batteries come with low energy density and are part of remote controls and game controllers.
- Lithium-ion batteries used in place of AA and AAA batteries are part of flashlights and cameras. Since it has a high energy density.
- But AA and AAA batteries are used for keyboards, remote controls, and wall clocks.
Cost
- The AA battery is higher power as compared to the AAA battery.
Comparison of AA and AAA Batteries
|
Battery
|
Chemistry | AA Battery | |||
| IEC Nomenclature | ANSI Nomenclature | Dimensions | TCapacity | ||
|
Primary
|
Zinc Carbon | R6 | 15D |
Height 49.2 mm (min) and 50.5 mm (max)
Diameter – 13.5 mm (min) and 14.5 mm (max) |
400 to 700 mAh |
| Alkaline | LR6 | 15A | 1,500 to 3,000 mAh | ||
|
Secondary (Rechargeable)
|
Nickel Cadmium | KR6 | 15K | 600 to 1,000 mAh | |
| Nickel Metal Hydride | HR6 | 15H | 6,00 to 3,000 mAh | ||
|
Battery
|
Chemical Composition
|
AAA Battery | |||
| IEC Nomenclature | ANSI Nomenclature | Dimensions |
Capacity
|
||
|
Primary
|
Zinc Carbon | R03 | 24D |
Height 43.3 mm (min) and 44.5 mm (max)
Diameter: 9.5 mm (min) and 10.5 mm (max) |
500 to 600 mAh
|
| Alkaline | LR03 | 24A |
800 to 1,300 mAh
|
||
|
Secondary (Rechargeable)
|
Nickel Cadmium | KR03 | 24K |
300 to 500 mAh
|
|
| Nickel Metal Hydride | HR03 | 24H |
600 to 1,300 mAh
|
||
Difference between 18650 and AA batteries
Size
- The dimensions for a 19650 battery are about 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length, while the dimensions for an AA battery diameter are 14.5mm to 14.9mm, and the height is 50.5mm and 50.7mm.
Capacity and Energy Density
- The 18650 battery comes with larger features that are used for high-drain devices such as laptops and electrical vehicles. The AA battery has a lower energy density and capacity than the 18650 and is used for small devices.
Voltage
- The 18650 battery comes with a higher voltage that is about 3.7 volts and is best for use where substantial power is needed. AA batteries come with a lower voltage that is about 1.5 volts and are best where low power is needed.
- •
Applications
- The 18650 battery is used where high power is needed, such as in laptops, power devices, and electric vehicles. Since has a high capacity for devices using high power. AA batteries are used for remote controls, toys, clocks, and small devices since they have a small size and support low-power devices.
Rechargeability
- The 18650 battery is made for recharging cells and has a low-cost option for one-time-use batteries. AA batteries come with disposable and rechargeable features, providing flexible features, but recharging types are low-capacity.
AA vs AAA vs AAAA Battery
| Battery Type | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) | Voltage (V) | Capacity (mAh) |
Common Applications
|
| AA | 50.5 | 14.5 | 2 | 2000-3000 |
flashlights, toys, Remote controls,
|
| AAA | 44.5 | 10.5 | 2 | 1000-1200 |
wireless keyboards, Remote controls, computer mice
|
| AAAA | 42.5 | 8.3 | 1.5 | 200-300 |
medical devices, Laser pointers, penlights,
|
FAQS:
What is meant by AA battery?
- AA batteries are cylindrical batteries that come with dimensions of 14.5 × 50.5 mm that are used for different devices such as remote controls, flashlights, medical devices, etc.
Which AA battery is best?
- It is based on the device where we have to use batteries, like alkaline AA batteries, which we get from famous brands that are best to use for performance and cost-based.
- The applications were standby batteries that worked well after many years of storage, and some needed batteries with high cycle
What is the difference between AA batteries and AAA?
- The basic difference is their dimensions. AA batteries come with dimensions of 14.5 × 50 mm, and AAA batteries have dimensions of 10.5 x 44.5 mm (0.413 x 1.752 inches).
- The AA battery has a larger capacity and provides a high current.
Are AA batteries lithium?
- AA battery is based on lithium chemistry and has different capacity and voltage and features.
Can we replace AA instead of AAA?
- The AA battery is not easily put in the AAA battery compartment.
Which is stronger, AA or AAA batteries?
- The AA battery is a larger size and has a high capacity and provides a strong current.
How to charge AA batteries without a charger?
- Charging a battery without a certain battery charge is not the best option; that can cause overheating of the battery and fire.
Is there any effect of temperature on AA batteries?
- For low-temperature chemical reactions, AA and other batteries have features for low energy. Due to less speed in chemical reaction, the self-discharge rate of different chemistry is slow speed.
- For low temperature, use a non-rechargeable lithium battery; an alkaline battery can also handle low temperature but with less handling than lithium batteries.
Are AA batteries 1.2 or 1.5 volts?
- AA battery voltage is based on chemical composition and DC to DC converters and has a voltage from 1.2 V to 3.7 volts. AA battery voltages are 1.5 volts based on zinc-carbon chemistry and are known as heavy-duty chemistry.
- Alkaline chemistry has 1.5-volt outputs and provides better chemistry than zinc-carbon chemistry.
Can an AA battery be used to power a light bulb?
- AA batteries are used for LED flashlights for providing power to small-size LED bulbs.
What are the specifications for AA batteries?
- Types: Alkaline.
- Chemical System: Zinc-Manganese Dioxide (Zn/MnO₂)
- Denoted for: ANSI-15A, IEC-LR6.
- Nominal Voltage: 1.5 volts.
- Nominal IR: 150 to 300 milliohms (fresh)
- Operating Temperature: -18°C to 55°C (0°F to 130°F)
- Weight: 23.0 grams (0.8 oz.)
- Volume: 8.1 cubic centimeters (0.5 cubic inch)
How many hours do AA batteries last?
- The 6AA battery has a working life of about 28 hours, and that is based on battery type.
Are there 2 types of AA batteries?
- The common types of AA batteries are zinc manganese, NiMH, alkaline, and lithium-ion batteries. AA alkaline batteries and zinc manganese batteries are part of remote controls, toys, and other small devices.
Who makes powerful AA batteries?
- The 2 famous brands, Energizer and Duracell, come with good features for AA batteries.
What is the maximum power of a AA battery?
- The AA battery has a 2 amp hour capacity and provides peak current for 2A. The battery provides 1.5 volts when completely charged and reduces to 0.9 volts when discharged.
Is a 1.5 V battery the same as AA?
- The 1.5-volt battery has the same size as an AA battery and rating for devices that needed low power demands like flashlights.
Can you use AA batteries instead of AAA?
- The AA battery is larger in size as compared to the AAA battery and is not used for AAA battery devices.
How many AAA batteries equal an AA battery?
- The 2 to 2.5 AAA battery has the same capacity as one AA battery.
Can we use AAA batteries as AA?
- Normally, the use of an AAA to AA battery adapter allows us to use an AAA battery for an AA battery. The capacity of AAA batteries is lower and does not provide a high current than AA batteries.
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