When we are shopping in a rush, it can be quite confusing to decide which battery do I need for each device. We wrote this one page pocket guide, so you have a handy reference when you need it.
A Pocket Guide to Which Battery You Need
- Alkaline batteries could be the right choice, if you only want to use them once. They are streets ahead of zinc carbon ones, and offer great value for everyday electronic devices.
- Nickel-cadmium batteries are entry-level rechargeable batteries, that deliver high-level currents. However, you don’t want to let them run flat, in case they forget how to recharge properly.
- Zinc-air batteries are often a must for hearing aids, because they have excellent shelf life and deliver constant voltage. They are compact too, because one their electrodes is fresh air!
- Silver-oxide batteries can be great, when you need to know which battery do I need for my small devices. Their shelf life beats most comers because they self-discharge so slowly.
- Nickel-metal batteries recharge, and pack more power than their nickel-cadmium cousins. They are a great improvement for energy-hungry electronic devices.
- Lithium-Ion batteries and their derivatives are the most powerful rechargeable batteries on the market. However, they do need caring for, because they work best at room temperature.
Where Does That Leave Old Faithful Lead-Acid?
Lead-acid batteries are the cheapest rechargeable batteries, per the watt-hours of energy they store. However, they do prefer working at the same temperatures as humans do.
There are two types of lead-acid batteries. The first of these deliver high bursts of power instantly. The second are the deep cycle versions that discharge slower and last longer. Just like the batteries we manufacture in Canada!
More Information
Types of Batteries We Use Nowadays
