What is an AAA battery: characteristics, where is it used, can it be charged

Advances in technology are making many devices smaller, lighter, and require fewer and fewer wires. Some gadgets have gotten rid of the cable altogether, so they need mobile batteries for their work, most often batteries.

The most common batteries are of two types: AAA and AA. But many people confuse them with each other and do not know what is the difference between the devices.

AAA battery: what does it mean

A power supply marked AAA is also called a "little finger" battery. It is often confused with a finger power device. The confusion is caused by their external similarity.

However, AAA is smaller.. So, their width does not exceed 10.5 mm, their length is 44.5 mm, and their weight is approximately 14 g.

The positive terminal is a tiny protrusion on one end of the battery. The negative contact looks like a slightly raised (flat in some models) surface on the opposite end.

Each power supply has additional protection to prevent possible short circuits from corrosion. The role of such an element is a metal or plastic case. Additionally, the device is equipped with insulation from the electrode: in alkaline versions from positive, in saline versions - from negative.

Reference. Before purchasing a battery, pay attention to its labeling. This way you will avoid the hassle of exchanging or returning to the store.

Types and characteristics of AAA batteries

There are several types of power supply with the AAA mark. This must be borne in mind, because the type of electrolyte used, cathode and anode depends on the service life, rated power, capacity, and also cost.

So, AAA batteries have the following parameters:

1. Amperes. Such batteries cannot boast of high amperage. Usually it does not exceed four ampere-hours.
2. Capacity. There are three types of batteries: salt, alkaline, rechargeable. Therefore, the capacity will depend on the option chosen. So, the capacity of a salt current source is 540 mAh, an alkaline one - 1250 mAh, the energy density of rechargeable batteries varies from 300 to 1100 mAh.
3. Voltage. The voltage of salt and alkaline power supplies does not exceed 1.5 volts. For batteries with nickel-metal hydride filling, it is equal to 1.2 V. If you doubt whether the voltage is suitable for a particular device, study its passport.
4. The size. All power sources marked AAA have standard dimensions: length - 44.6 mm, diameter - 10.5 mm.
5. Weight. The parameter depends on the type of used cathode, anode and electrolyte. On average, it is 12 g.
6. Shelf life. Usually this characteristic is indicated by the manufacturer on each specific product. For some power supplies, it is 8 years old. In this case, the operating time depends on a number of parameters: the device in which it is installed, the ambient temperature. The most frost-resistant are alkaline and rechargeable batteries.
7. Temperature conditions. The range ranges from -40 to +60 degrees.

Reference. Alkaline and rechargeable batteries weigh more than the salt cousin.

There are several options for AAA batteries on sale:

1. Saline. This is the smallest option, designed for the minimum load. They are additionally designated with the letter L. Their short service life explains their low cost. They are easy to use, affordable, and fit most household appliances. Therefore, they are the most common. The disadvantages include: high self-discharge, short service life, poor functioning at low temperatures.
2. Alkaline. They are "average" in terms of duration of work and cost. They use potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte. Thanks to this chemical element, the rate of the chemical reaction increases. They are distinguished by high energy consumption, long service life, low self-discharge, and the ability to work at low temperatures.
3. Lithium. They can boast of long-term work, high power. However, these batteries are significantly more expensive than other options.
4. Rechargeable. Such a power source is reusable, that is, they can be recharged if necessary. They are used in devices with high power consumption. The disadvantages include the high cost.

Where is this type of battery used?

The scope of this type of power supply is quite extensive. When choosing, you must take into account the power of the device in which you plan to install them:

1. Saline. They have a small capacity, therefore they are suitable for devices with low electric current consumption, for example: wall clocks, low-power flashlights, baby and table toys, remote controls management.
2. Alkaline. More powerful, therefore they have an extensive scope of use: powerful flashlights, mobile radios, tape recorders and other portable audio devices, photo and video cameras, flashlights, children's toys with motors, hearing aids, power tools with low power consumption, binoculars, pagers, calculators.
3. Lithium. For devices with high current consumption: powerful lights, smartphones, remote controls, e-books, notebooks.
4. Nickel-cadmium batteries. They put in photo and video cameras, cell phones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, electric shavers, radio-controlled toys.
5. Nickel-metal hydride batteries. Suitable for video and photo cameras, smartphones, laptops, tablets, car batteries.

Is it possible to charge such batteries

Of all the existing options, only rechargeable batteries can be charged. Saline and alkaline are disposable.

A wide range of AAA batteries allows you to choose the most suitable option. However, before buying, you should consider the power of the device in which you plan to install them. Do not forget about the quality of batteries, so give preference to products from well-known manufacturers. They will delight you with an uninterrupted and long service life.