Almost every electronic item in our house consists of a battery, and depending on the type and functionality of the product, the size of the battery may also vary. Not only for domestic use, the AAA batteries are extensively being used for industrial purposes, as well.
If you know about the AAA batteries and how long the AAA batteries last unused, you can keep the batteries safe, and you will be able to use them properly. Plus, the electronic equipment will not get any internal damage because you know how long the batteries will last and are suitable for use.
On many occasions, we all face a condition where we have to use the AAA batteries in one form or another. Thus, it is essential for you to know about AAA batteries.
On that account, we have come up with an article that will highlight all important aspects of AAA batteries.
AAA Batteries
AAA is a standard-size battery cell with a length of 44.5 mm, and a diameter of 10.5 mm. From cordless phones, digital cameras to wireless doorbells, AAA cells are widely used for various products worldwide. Depending on the type of product or the equipment, the AAA batteries can be used as a single cell and as multiples. It comes in disposable and rechargeable form.
AAA batteries come in different variants with minimal voltage to cater to the need and battery power requirement. For example, an Alkaline AAA battery has a minimum voltage of 1.5 V. In contrast, a Li-ion AAA battery has a minimum voltage of 3.7 V. Other features and capacities may also vary as per the kind of AAA battery.
Disposable AAA batteries are also called primary batteries. It cannot be recharged with a charger and should be disposed of after use. Typically, zinc-carbon and Lithium Iron Disulfide (Li-FeS2) are the kinds of AAA batteries that come with no recharging features.
Based on the brand you are using, these primary AAA batteries can last as long as ten years unused; even some last longer than that, as well. On average, the AAA primary batteries usually last for five years if we don’t take into consideration the top brands.
Let’s go through some famous AAA battery variants based on their type and see how long they last.
Primary Battery
As mentioned earlier, primary batteries are said to be the ones that do not have recharging features. You can have an overview of each below. However, unlike others, alkaline batteries come in both types, which means that you will find alkaline primary batteries and alkaline rechargeable batteries.
Alkaline AAA Battery
Alkaline batteries are the most common all around and have a long life expectancy. They are mainly used for remote control devices, wireless gaming accessories, blood pressure monitors, alarms, clocks, and flashlights. Alkaline batteries are mercury-free, and therefore, alkaline batteries are more durable and not harmful to the environment.
Lithium AAA Battery
Compared to alkaline, lithium batteries are more expensive but have a greater shelf life and can last as long as ten years. Lithium batteries are commonly used in motor toys, game controllers, and devices that require more power than alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries should be discharged properly before you dispose of them.
Carbon Zinc AAA Battery
Generally used for low-drain devices such as wall clocks and TV remote, carbon-zinc AAA batteries are the cheapest among all primary batteries types.
AAA Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are slightly different in shape, and as the name implies itself, it can be recharged with a charger. However, these batteries last for 4-6 months, and they need to be recharged regularly. These batteries usually come with a charger so that you can use the appropriate charger for your batteries.
Rechargeable Alkaline AAA Battery
Long shelf life and higher voltage capacity, these batteries are also known as the Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese (RAM). On the other hand, when we talk about the battery capacity and how long it lasts, RAM battery capacity decreases with each cycle. These batteries are most commonly used in portable devices such as remote controls.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Battery
With a nominal voltage capacity of 1.2 V, NiMH batteries are also widely used in high-drain devices such as digital cameras. The NiMH battery life is nearly five years; however, it decreases over the period time.
Nickel Zinc AAA Battery
Compared to NiMH, nickel-zinc batteries last longer and have a higher voltage capacity of 1.65 V. They are typically used to provide portable power. For most of the applications, it can also replace NiMH batteries.
LITHIUM-ION AAA Battery
Generally used for high-drain devices, this battery has a nominal voltage of 3.7 V and requires a special charger to recharge the cell. It is used in digital HD cameras, laptops, and security alarm systems. Lithium-Ion batteries usually last for 2-3 years, and the efficiency decreases over the period of time.
How Long Do AAA Batteries Last?
It is concluded from the information above that AAA batteries last around 8-10 years based on the brand you are using. The quality of the battery is one of the major factors that determine how long the battery will last, even if not in use.
It is highly suggested that you do not use batteries of different brands in a single device as it can lead to battery leakage and affect the overall performance.
By following and taking note of a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that the batteries last longer. It includes storing the battery at normal room temperature, using only when required, removing the battery from the device when not in use, and using protective covers on both ends of the cell. All these help you in obtaining a better battery life.
Conclusion
We use AAA batteries in our day-to-day life, and knowing about them will help you use them efficiently. This article enfolds all of the important traits, aspects, and types of AAA batteries found in our life. Read it thoroughly and give your life a sense of comfort as you will not have to change the batteries over and over again.