Are LR6 batteries the same as AA batteries? Leave a comment

Are LR6 batteries the same as AA batteries?

The straight and simple answer is yes, most household electronic devices use AA batteries and LR6 battery is just another name for AA batteries.. Batteries differ in the chemistry they use, which affects their voltage, capacity, discharge characteristics, and other characteristics that power delicate electronic equipment.

A standard AA battery has a diameter of 14.5mm (0.57 inches) and a length of 50.5mm (1.99 inches). Labels range from AA to U12, HP7 to Penlight, Mignon to MN1500, Type 15LF, FR6, 15D, R6, 15A, LR6,  316 etc., depending on the country, chemistry, standard, and so on.

Each year, new types of batteries are introduced with different chemistry, capacity, voltage, and other characteristics. There are two types of batteries most often used: Nickel Metal Hydride (secondary, rechargeable) and Alkaline (primary, non-rechargeable), but lithium AA batteries are on the rise.

LR6 battery
LR6 battery

AA Batteries, Non-Rechargeable

Batteries with zinc carbon, alkaline, lithium sulfide, and nickel oxyhydroxide are among the most commonly used AA batteries. Batteries made from zinc carbon have a voltage of 1.5 volts and a capacity of 600 – 1600 mAh. The actual capacity of a battery varies according to its intended use (low drain, high drain), as well as its design.

Alkaline batteries are replacing Zinc Carbon batteries since their capacity is lower. A standard AA battery is an alkaline AA battery. A zinc metal and manganese dioxide react to create these batteries. Their nominal voltage is 1.5 volts, and their capacity ranges from 1800 mAh to 2700 mAh.

In comparison with Zinc Carbon batteries, alkaline batteries offer a higher capacity (thus a greater energy density) and a longer shelf life, with virtually the same voltage.

These are not your standard alkaline batteries, but specially designed batteries that can be recharged multiple times. Batteries like these are commonly referred to as RAM (Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese) batteries. As a rule, alkaline batteries are primary, non-rechargeable batteries.

Nickel OxyHydroxide (NiOOH) batteries are a type of alkaline battery where manganese dioxide and graphite are combined with nickel oxyhydroxide to provide 1.5V typical voltage during high-drain operations and 1.7V at maximum speeds.

As with alkaline batteries, NiOH batteries have a similar capacity, but are able to be drained with stronger currents, so they are often used with high drain devices, such as cameras.

There is an AA lithium battery type that is called Li-FeS2 or Lithium Iron Disulfide, and it has a typical voltage of 1.5 V during high drain applications, but it can also have a maximum open circuit voltage of 1.8 V. Typical AA batteries have a capacity of 2700 – 3300 mAh, which is satisfyingly high in terms of capacity and energy density.

Furthermore, LiFeS2 batteries have an extremely long shelf life of up to 20 years. Therefore, they are a very common choice for security, backup, medical, standby and Every Day Carry (EDC).

  • Cameras, alarms, flashlights and other devices frequently use Li-FeS2 AA batteries.
  • Take into consideration the type of device you have when selecting the best AA primary battery – some devices can handle large voltage differences, but others cannot.
  • Battery Li-SOCL2 (Li-SOCL2) comes in varieties with nominal voltages of 3.5-3.6 volts, peak operating voltages of *3.65 volts, and capacities of 2400-2700 mAh.
  • Incompatible with 1.5V AA batteries, Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCL2) batteries can not be directly used in devices that require 1.5V batteries.
  • Apart from this, Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCL2) AA batteries feature superior energy density and feature a shelf life of up to 20 years.
  • AA batteries equipped with lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) typically have a nominal voltage of 3.0 voltage, a cutoff voltage of 2.0 voltage, and a capacity of 2000 mAh.
  • Battery labels usually include 14505, CR AA, and similar for Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO2).
  • It has been measured that Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO2) batteries can last for 10 years or even longer.
  • Furthermore, modern CR AA batteries do not contain the harmful, toxic chemicals and metals found in traditional batteries such as cadmium, lead and mercury.
  • In devices intended for only 1.5V AA batteries, CR AA batteries should NOT be used since they have a 3.0V voltage.
  • A reputable brand of Alkaline AA battery is a great choice if you’re looking for a primary (non-rechargeable) battery. Such batteries are also affordable, provide stable voltage and long shelf life.

 

AA rechargeable batteries:

NiCd, NiMH, and Li-ion batteries are rechargeable AA batteries. Rechargeable NiCd batteries are older types of nickel cadmium batteries whose nominal voltage is 1.2 V and whose capacity is 600 – 1000 mAh.

Batteries made from NiCd also feature a strong memory effect, as well as a high self-discharge rate and the ability to supply current at a high rate without adverse effects. The downside is that NiMH batteries are replacing CCDL batteries, which contain cadmium (a heavy metal, a dangerous pollutant).

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries typically operate at 1.2 V and feature a capacity of 700 mAh to 1500 mAh, although some models feature capacities as high as 2800 mAh. In today’s NIMH batteries, there is virtually no memory effect (if it exists! ), and the output voltage is more stable than in NiCd batteries. When choosing NiMH batteries, make sure you know the output current required by your device. Some models are designed for high-drain use, while others are designed for high-capacity use.

 

Comparing AA Batteries with Lithium-ion 14500 Batteries:

Lithium-ion 14500 batteries have the same physical appearance as AA batteries but are rechargeable. Typical lithium-ion batteries contain a voltage of 3.6 – 3.7 volts and are based on one of the many types of lithium-ion batteries. You can choose from various capacities ranging from *600mAh to 2000mAh or even more, depending on the intended use and other factors.

The 14500 battery is available in three configurations: for high-drain applications (but smaller capacity), for low-drain applications (but a higher capacity), and for general use (balance between capacity and output current).

The lithium-ion 14500 battery and the AA battery are actually physically interchangeable, but their output voltages are vastly different (3.6-3.7 vs 1.5 volts), which can even result in the device’s destruction (to say the least).

Particularly NiMH devices should NOT be powered via 14500 batteries, unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise.

AA alkaline (1.5 V), AA NiMH (1.2 V), and 14500 batteries (3.6 – 3.7 V) can be used for some devices like advanced LED flashlights, digital cameras, and other similar items, but it is always clearly indicated by the manufacturer.

 

A 14500 battery may also feature the following features:

Protection electronics built into the battery monitor the condition of the battery, protecting it from overheating, overcharging, and over discharging.

It uses a micro-USB port (or similar) to charge individual batteries, simplifying the use of the device.

It is true that such circuitry takes up some space, resulting in a smaller capacity, but the extra features often justify the reduction.

The dimensions of an AA battery are 14.5 × 50.5 mm (0.57 × 1.99 inches). There are three main types:

  • All alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable, with a nominal voltage of 1.5V,
  • Li-FeS2: non-rechargeable, nominal voltage of 1.5V,
  • In NiMH batteries, the voltage is 1.2 volts, rechargeable
  • The Li-ion (14500) battery is rechargeable and operates between 3.6 and 3.7V.

 

If in doubt, always make sure to buy the same type of battery whenever you buy a new battery.

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