AAA can be considered one of the most popular batteries. It’s cheap, highly functional, and, best of all, easy to find at grocery stores.
However, many people do not know that, even if it is a AAA, there are many different battery types. You must consider many issues, such as the dimension, type, and voltage of a AAA battery.
Don’t be confused if you don’t know anything about them yet. Scroll down to get more helpful information!
How Much Is The AAA Battery Voltage?
As usual, we can categorize it into two main ones: non-rechargeable and rechargeable ones.
- Non-rechargeable: From 1.5V to 1.8V
- Rechargeable: From 1.2V to 4.5V
| Name | Type | Voltage | Capacity (mAh) | Rechargeable |
| KR03, 24K | NiCd | 1.2 | 300-500 | Yes |
| HR03, 24H | NiMH | 1.2 | 600-1300 | Yes |
| R03, 24D | Zinc Carb | 1.5 | 500-600 | No |
| LR03, 24A | Alkaline | 1.5 | 850-1200 | No |
| – | Lithium | 1.5 | 400-600 | Yes |
| ZR03 | NiOOH | 1.5 (1.7 max) | 1000-1200 | No |
| FR03, 24LF | Li-FeS2 | 1.5 (1.8 max) | 1100-1300 | No |
| – | NiZn | 1.6 – 1.65 | 500-700 | Yes |
| IFR10440, IFR104 | LiFePO4 | 3.2 | 250-300 | Yes |
| 10440 | Li-ion | 3.6 – 3.7 | 350-600 | Yes |
| -10450 | Li-SOCl2 | 3.6-3.7 | 600-800 | No |
Non-rechargeable Or Primary Batteries
As mentioned above, the average voltage of non-rechargeable AAA batteries is from 1.5V to 1.8V. In detailed:
Zinc-carbon
Its voltage is 1.5V. This one is a fairly common and easy-to-find type. However, its capacity is quite low, falling between 500 and 600 mAh.
Alkaline
Alkaline AAA is the most standard type with 1.5V nominal voltage and a capacity of about 850 to 1200 mAh.
Nickel Oxyhydroxide (NiOOH)
This is the combination of nickel oxyhydroxide and manganese dioxide. The average volt battery is 1.5V during high drain use, and the maximum voltage is up to 1.7V.
Lithium Iron Disulfide (Li-FeS2)
It has a typical voltage rating of 1.5V. In some cases, it can go up to a peak of 1.8V. The capacity is about 1100 mAh to 1300 mAh.
Rechargeable Batteries
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel Cadmium AAA battery voltage is lower than the standard range of non-rechargeable or single-use batteries at 1.2V. They have a high self-discharge rate and a strong memory effect. However, NiCd ones can also deliver high currents without causing damage to them.
Nickel Metal Hydride
It has a 1.2V nominal voltage, and this AAA battery capacity is standard, from 600 – 1300 mAh. Their nominal capacity and maximum allowable drain current highly depend on the type.
Lithium Ion
- Lithium-ion AAA: Its voltage ranges from 3.2 to 3.7 volts. The capacity usually measures about 350 mAh to 600 mAh.
- Lithium rechargeable AAA: The outcome is about 4.5V, and the capacity is similar to the Lithium-ion.
What Else Should You Know About AAA Batteries?
Size
AAA batteries are more compact than AA ones. The length of a AAA battery is about 44.5 mm, and the diameter is 10.5 mm. The nominal voltage, weight, and designations differ depending on its battery chemistry.
Types Of Batteries
We can categorize them based on usability: disposable or rechargeable ones. Or in other methods, people classify these single cells according to their chemical composition.
Non-rechargeable
- Zinc Carbon
- Alkaline
- Nickel Oxyhydroxide (NiOOH)
- Lithium Iron Disulfide (Li-FeS2)
Rechargeable
- Niken Cadmium
- Niken Metal Hydride
- Lithium Ion: This one includes Lithium-ion and Lithium Rechargeable.
Features And Usages
Features
- Various types and easy to find in store
- Range from low to high prices
- Easy to use and store
- Compatible with different devices
- Lifespan can last up to 10 years
Uses
- For automatic toys and portable devices
- For remote controls
- For LED lighting with high power
- For GPS units
- For flashlights
- For modern electronic devices
Differences Between AA And AAA Batteries
- A typical AA battery is larger than a AA one.
- When compared to AA, AAA batteries carry less mixture.
- AAA batteries have a lower charge capacity than AA ones.
- AAA batteries are used in low-power devices, whereas its counterparts are applied to high-power devices.
How Can You Tell That A AAA Battery Is Good?
Power
As usual, the standard voltage is about 1.5V with all sizes of AAA batteries. However, this power level may be affected by the device you use it with. For example, when you utilize them for TV remotes, it will be different than for car remotes.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of a device refers to how long it will last when you aren’t using it. In fact, it is unlikely that you will use all of them when purchasing a pack of items. So having a few extra spare ones on hand can be useful.
Most of them have a shelf life of about 10 years or so. The real issue with long-term storage is leakage, not shelf life.
Battery Life
How long will it last if you use it on a device? Many factors are at play when it comes to the battery life, including the device that uses it, environmental conditions, etc. Moreover, a AAA battery’s size and design also impact how long it lasts.
On the market, many batteries are made with reliable components that allow them to work longer than their less expensive counterparts. Of course, these ones are more pricey, but they allow you to use them for longer without replacing them.
Leakage
Many products suffer from leakage, particularly lower-end models. It refers to the process by which fluid leaks from it. This can be caused by many factors, resulting in device damage, skin irritation, etc.
To avoid leakage, go with a product with a “leak-proof” design. The liquids are safely contained within it, with little to no possibility of escape.
Chargeability
AAA ones are not all disposable batteries. Some of them are rechargeable, which means you can use them again even after they’ve run out of power.
Rechargeable ones are more costly, and you need specialized chargers for them. But if you use them frequently, they can be a great long-term investment.
Price
There are numerous cheap items available, some of which are excellent value. In fact, the high-drain devices can quickly deplete them, making them a false investment. It’s advisable to find the suitable one with a balance of performance and price.
FAQs
What Are The Best AAA Batteries?
Some typical and popular products on the market that you can consider:
| AAA Battery Name | Amazon Price |
|---|---|
| Duracell CopperTop AAA Batteries | Check Price |
| Panasonic Rechargeable Batteries | Check Price |
| Energizer Lithium Batteries | Check Price |
| Energizer Ultimate AAA Batteries | Check Price |
| Rayovac Alkaline Batteries | Check Price |
| Panasonic Eneloop Pro AAA Batteries | Check Price |
| Amazon Basics AAA Batteries | Check Price |
How Long Do AAA Batteries Last?
For a non-rechargeable one, it can last until it runs out of capacity. That depends on each battery as well as the frequency of use. Generally, it will be quite short, from a few weeks to a few months.
In contrast, rechargeable ones usually have a longer use time, possibly lasting up to 10 years. Of course, it must come with proper use, charging, and storage.
How To Make The AAA Batteries Last Longer?
As mentioned above, to optimize its performance and life, we need to have appropriate use and maintenance. Here are some tips that you can apply when using rechargeable ones:
Charge It Properly And On Time
Do not let it drain, and turn it off to charge. Recharging them when they are completely depleted will reduce their lifespan and performance. On the other hand, do not charge when it is still full. Many people often worry and charge as soon as the left capacity is lower than 50%.
After the charge level has been displayed at full, disconnect the extension cord. Continued wiring cannot make batteries fuller or last longer but render them more susceptible to damage when overcharged.
Take It Out From Seldom-Use Devices
Take the battery out when you are no longer using a certain gadget. Even when not in use, they can run out of capacity and are more prone to damage due to not being stored properly.
Put Your Battery In Fridge
This is ideal for NiMH ones. While stored in the fridge, they will retain 9/10 of their full charge. At room temperature, it’s possible that they’d only keep a portion of this.
How To Test AAA Batteries With A Multimeter?
To test the voltage with a multimeter, you can follow this instruction:
- Unplug the battery from the electrical circuit.
- Set the multimeter to 2.0-3.0V DC voltage by turning the knob.
- Selecting the 2.0-3.0V range on your multimeter, this one is suitable for a 1.5V one.
- Connect the red probe’s plug to the multimeter’s VΩmA port and the black one to the COM port.
- Connect its leads to its positive and negative terminal.
- Measure with the multimeter. If the reading for a 1.5V one is greater than 1.2V, it is still safe to use.
- When the reading is significantly low (for example, 0.5V for a 1.5V battery), it is likely faulty or dead and must be replaced.
Conclusion
To sum up, the average and standard AAA battery voltage can vary from 1.2V to 4.5V. The reason for this difference is that it depends on whether it is non-rechargeable or rechargeable.
When choosing a battery to buy, pay attention to the equipment you need to use to ensure you pick the best fit. And don’t forget to check the buying guidelines for more useful information!
See more: AA vs AAA battery
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