Batteries & Chargers

There are very few gadgets that can run without batteries. From your remote control, watches, kid’s games and toys to digital cameras, batteries are omnipresent and widely used to provide power to a whole variety of devices. Nowadays batteries are offered in an array of sizes and are well-suited for either specialized applications or general purpose needs. Purchasing batteries, pay attention to their compatibility with your device and the level of power they produce.

Though the choice of batteries available nowadays is immense, they may all still be roughly categorized into two large groups: disposable (primary) batteries and secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Disposable batteries are sometimes referred to as single use batteries and are largely used to provide power to different everyday use devices like flashlights, lanterns, toys, etc. Among widely used primary batteries are alkaline, zinc-carbon, zinc-chloride, nickel oxyhydroxide and lithium-ion batteries. As a rule disposable batteries are inexpensive and can provide up to 1.7 cell voltage to be well-suited for low power gadgets.

Typically more expensive than disposable ones, rechargeable batteries turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run. Apart from having a clear economical benefit, rechargeable batteries are also a more environmentally friendly option. NiCad, NiMH, NiZn and Li-Ion are the frequently used secondary batteries. Lithium Ion batteries are the most expensive, featuring high energy density and commonly utilized for phones, laptops, power tools, etc. Batteries come in a selection of sizes, including A, AA (used in small electronic devices), AAA (for all kinds of electronic devices), AAAA, C, D (high-drain devices), CR20, etc.

An exhausted rechargeable battery can be charged using a battery charger which plugs into the power outlet and restores the battery’s charge by forcing an electrical current into it. Coupled with a battery charger, rechargeable batteries boast enviable longevity. Battery chargers vary depending on the size of the batteries you recharge. Some chargers are used for batteries of one size only, while others can charge different size batteries. There are models that recharge from 2 up to 8 batteries at a time. Slow rate chargers will take a couple of hours to restore full battery charge, while high-rate chargers can cope with the task quicker.