Batteries - Giving power to the people
When it comes to batteries there are generally two things a customer needs to understand to make a purchasing decision. What type of battery do I need? What Size/Shape of battery do I need?
Here's our basic breakdown of battery types, sizes and voltages so you can guide your customers towards the right kind of battery for their requirements.
BATTERY TYPE
We stock 4 main types of battery which should cover most requirements.
Alkaline Batteries
The most popular type of primary batteries are Alkaline batteries. They are classed as being more environmentally friendly than other battery types as they do not leak even when fully discharged.
The main benefit of alkaline batteries is the relatively low cost against other types of battery. The main downside is the low power output, which limits its use to devices with low current requirements like remote controls, flashlights and portable entertainment devices.
Super Alkaline Batteries
The basic difference between Alkaline and Super Alkaline batteries is their life span. Super Alkaline are often given high powered names such as Max or Ultra to differentiate them but the basic construction, technology and use is the same as traditional Alkaline batteries.
Lithium Batteries
The main advantages and disadvantages of Lithium batteries are basically the opposite of those for Alkaline batteries. This means that while they cost more than their alkaline rivals, they will last longer. In addition, they are generally lighter which makes them an excellent choice for any mobile devices.
One of the little known benefits of lithium batteries is that they also work very efficiently in extreme temperatures. Alkaline batteries can fail in these extreme hot or cold temperatures whereas the general performance of Lithium batteries is unaffected.
NiMh Batteries
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, or NiMH batteries to you and I, are generally seen as a rechargeable alternative to Lithium batteries. Some, such as the Kodakversion stocked by us, come pre-charged so they are ready to go straight out of the pack.
Whilst there are larger industrial versions of NiMH batteries, in this smaller form they are generally suited to small consumer items where a rechargeable option is preferred such as travelling.
BATTERY SIZE/SHAPE
Most of us will be familiar with the basic battery sizes of AA and AAA. In fact we've probably all been scrambling through our drawers to find a new battery when one of our beloved devices fail, usually the TV remote. Feeling the high of seeing one glistening underneath all the other rubbish you've collected in the "odds and sods" drawer, only for the high to plummet to a low when you realise it's the wrong A size.
In fact batteries are generally categorised by their shape or specialist use so here's a quick guide to what they are.
Cylindrical Batteries
All of these look the same apart from their diameter and a slight difference in height.A Type
These are the most recognisable batteries and are used in a whole variety of household devices in their AA, AAA and AAAA forms.
Standard C & D
These are predominantly used in power tools or flashlights and look like a bulkier version of the traditional AA battery