Types of Batteries
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Types of Batteries

Since its conception in 1800, the battery has become an indispensable and convenient form of power for most electrical devices.

Various types of batteries can be used in items from mp3 players and flashlights, to laptops and motor vehicles. And the magic is as simple as a chemical reaction that causes electrons to flow from the negative terminal to the positive in order to create electricity. These chemicals range from zinc/carbon in everyday AA batteries to the lead/acid combination in car batteries. But for all the variety in battery types and sizes they have one thing in common—portable power that’s efficient, convenient, and indispensable.

 

Knowing what’s out there in terms of battery supplies could help you make the right choice for your device, ensuring not only longer life for the power cells in question but also of your actual device. Making use of battery power that’s incompatible to your device could result in subpar performance and irreversible damage. Avoidance is better than repair, and in this case knowledge really is power! Batteries can be divided into 3 main categories: Household, Industrial, and Vehicle battery types.


Household Batteries

These are the most common types of batteries used in everyday applications. If you’re thinking AA, AAA, C and D batteries, then you’re on the right track. These batteries are available as rechargeable, which you can use multiple times and non-rechargeable, which are good for a one use. Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) are most popular when it comes to rechargeable batteries. That’s because these chemicals allow for extended run-life per charge, superior performance, and a longer overall service life as well. Rechargeables are perfect for high-drain devices like gaming console controllers, and cell phones. Non-rechargeable batteries refer to your everyday alkaline zinc-carbon variety available in common AA, AAA, C and D battery sizes, as well as mercury and silver oxide button cells. Single-use batteries are affordable and therefore best suited to low-drain applications like TV remote controls, flashlights, and wrist watches. Once they’re drained of all power, they should be properly recycled to avoid the battery chemicals from causing any damage.


Industrial Batteries

Only a heavy duty solution can serve a heavy duty application, and industrial batteries are specifically designed to do just that. These are often used as backup power sources in business, or to run machinery and utility systems. Railroad signals commonly make use of rechargeable Nickel Iron cells, steel case lead/acid batteries are used in machinery like forklifts, and large multi-cell systems act as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).


Vehicle Batteries

Although these batteries are also quite large, they are not lumped in with the industrial kind because they’re more user-friendly and don’t have a tendency to spill. Motorized vehicles, like boats, cars, and motorcycles all make use of these types of batteries. From sealed lead/acid to multi-cell VRLA, vehicle batteries are engineered to handle stressful applications with efficient robustness.


When looking for your ideal battery, knowing a little about what you need goes a long way but thanks to us, you don’t have to be an expert because we’ve got you covered. Battery Supplies lightens your load with our extensive range of battery types and sizes conveniently organized for a hassle-free search. Check out our battery categories by function, brand, or voltage to find the power solution best suited for your application. When it comes to online battery supplies, we guarantee superior quality in engineering as well as performance, affordability, safety, reliability, and 100% customer satisfaction every time.