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Did you know?Battery Comparisons...Here you will find interesting facts, and information about batteries that is intended to help you make more informed decisions when purchasing batteries. No matter what you use batteries in, we want you to have the right battery for the right job. If you don't see the answer to your question here, please contact us. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Will I save money with rechargeable batteries?

You may be asking yourself this question. It is a good question and hopefully this information will help you to make the right decision for you.

Although there are other options than the ones covered here, these options are the most common, and anything else would be highly specialized for very special situations. This information covers 6 of the main chemistries:

Rechargeable Batteries:
1. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
2. Nickel Cadmium (NiCad, or NiCD)
3. Sealed Lead Acid (for use in UPS backups, security systems or emergency lighting)

Non-Rechargeable Batteries:
1. Alkaline
2. Lithium (Energizer AA & AAA are the only ones available)
3. Carbon Zinc (General Purpose)
4. Zinc Chloride (Heavy Duty)

All things being equal (same current draw, temperature, etc.) the batteries compare as follows, alkaline being the standard:

1.5 Volt Alkaline AA
- (Standard), $0.23 - $0.47 each.
1.5 Volt Lithium (Energizer AA)
- 2X Energy, $1.99 each
1.2 Volt Rechargeable NiMH AA
- 2/3-3/4 Energy, $3.99 each (2300mAh)
1.2 Volt Rechargeable NiCad AA - 1/3 Energy, $1.75 each (1000mAh)
1.5 Volt Heavy Duty AA - 1/3 Energy*, $0.21 each
1.5 Volt General Purpose AA - 1/4 Energy*, $0.12 each
* based on limited optimal temperature and current ranges in most applications

Benefits

1.5 Volt Alkaline
- Reasonably priced, easily accessible/replaceable
1.5 Volt Lithium (Energizer AA)
- Quick recovery rate, able to easily handle high current applications. These are ideal for camera flashes for example. 10 year shelf life.
1.2 Volt Rechargeable NiMH
- Can be reused many times (more than 500 times), quick recovery rate
1.2 Volt Rechargeable NiCad - Can be reused many times (up to 1000 times), quick recovery rate, cheaper chargers
1.5 Volt Heavy Duty - Less expensive, good for low current applications under certain temperatures
1.5 Volt General Purpose - Less expensive, good for low current applications under certain temperatures

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Disadvantages

1.5 Volt Alkaline
- Doesn't recover as quickly as lithium
1.5 Volt Lithium (Energizer AA)
- Higher priced, not rechargeable
1.2 Volt Rechargeable NiMH
- Needs charger (starting at $16.97), and higher priced, less reliable near end of life
1.2 Volt Rechargeable NiCad - Needs charger (starting at $16.97), and higher priced, less reliable near end of life. Also can develop memory effect
1.5 Volt Heavy Duty - Good in very few applications
1.5 Volt General Purpose - Good in very few applications

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As you can see, the standard Alkaline, or rechargeable batteries are the best options in most cases. The charger and rechargeable batteries may be more expensive initially, but over time you end up saving money with the rechargeables. In higher drain applications you may want to consider the Lithium AA, or the Duracell Ultra (not covered here), and if you have a wall clock, or some other slow drain, steady, low temperature application, the General Purpose, or Heavy Duty may be better for you.

Chemistry

Price Ea.

No. Needed for 500 Uses

Total Cost

You Save

Alkaline

$0.28

500

$140.00

$0

NiMH

$3.99

1

$3.99*

$101.01†

NiCad

$1.75

1

$1.75*

$45.01‡

*Costs do not include 1x (starting at $16.97) charger cost
† Based on 3/4 energy basis
‡ Based on 1/3 energy basis

"Ok, I know what I need now:"
Alkaline
Lithium
Rechargeable NiMH
Rechargeable NiCad
Heavy Duty (call)
General Purpose (call)

"I still have questions..." Call 1-800-624-8681

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