AA Batteries: what are they and what is better to use?

Probably, there is no such person who would not know what AA batteries of R6 size look like, which we usually call finger. They are used literally everywhere, from the wall clock and ending with a pocket flashlight. It's hard to imagine how a player, digital camera or remote from a DVD player would work without this most useful invention.

However, despite the fact that they have long and firmly entered our everyday life, not everyone knows what they are like, how long they work, and when choosing in general they are guided by the price. You can, of course, not bother and buy AA batteries, which can always be recharged. But why overpay if the device is used rarely and consumes a small amount of energy? And not in every store they are, but it happens that you need to replace AA batteries urgently and have to buy what is available. Let us consider in detail what they are and how they differ from each other.

• Salt. The most short-lived with a short life. They lose the charge quickly, and can be distinguished by the letter R, which is used when marking them.
• Alkaline (alkaline). Alkaline has the inscription on the body, in comparison with salt, it is better in quality and have a longer service life. For marking this type, the letters LR are used.
• Lithium. Batteries AA of this kind due to the use of lithium are able to maintain the maximum voltage at small sizes. They retain the charge very long and are able to withstand significant temperature changes.
• Mercury. They contain mercury oxide, from where they come from. The size of the batteries is quite large, as well as the shelf life. They are very rare and do not have much popularity.

The choice of a galvanic cell directly depends on the device, where it is planned to install it. By its energy intensity, all devices can be divided into groups:

• Digital Cameras. The energy consumption is not constant, but by fast powerful pulses (flash power). Therefore, it is better for them to buy special type AA batteries that are able to recover quickly and have a strong charge power.
• Intensive energy consumption - toys, powerful lights , etc. For them, lithium batteries or rechargeable batteries are best .
• Average consumption - PDAs, audio players, radios and other digital equipment. Here you can completely do with alkaline elements. One set of this type is capable of ensuring the normal functioning of these devices for 15-20 hours.
• Low consumption - consoles, clocks, etc. In this case, you can safely use AA salt batteries, which are the cheapest. Their capacity will be enough for 1-1,5 years of work.

When choosing "finger" power supplies, you should also pay attention to the labels and recommendations of manufacturers on the packaging, as well as on the brand. Such brands as Varta, Duracell, Maxell, Energizer, have long earned the highest recognition and high prestige. At the same time, the most affordable are Sony, GP, Panasonic, etc.

Now, when buying, it will be very easy to make a choice and purchase those items that best fit your device.