Common Questions About Batteries Answered

Batteries are essential for everyday electronics, from TV remotes and toys to smart home sensors and safety devices. Yet choosing the right battery — and using it correctly — can be confusing with so many sizes, chemistries, and claims on the packaging.

This guide answers the most common questions about batteries, helping you choose the best option from Maplin’s range of AA, AAA, rechargeable, lithium, coin cell, and specialist options.

Most household electronics rely on a small number of battery types, each designed for different power needs.

AA batteries are one of the most widely used sizes. They provide a good balance between size and capacity.

Common uses include:

• Remote controls

• Wall clocks

• Children’s toys

• LED torches

• Game controllers

AA batteries are available as alkaline for everyday use and rechargeable NiMH for high-drain devices.

AAA batteries are smaller than AA but still very common.

You’ll often find them in:

• TV and streaming remotes

• Wireless keyboards and mice

• Smart doorbells

• Compact electronic devices

Because they have lower capacity than AA batteries, an AAA battery tends to drain faster in high-power devices.

9V batteries are commonly associated with safety and specialist electronics.

Typical uses include:

• Smoke alarms

• Carbon monoxide detectors

• Radios

• Test and measurement equipment

Many smoke alarms still require 9V alkaline batteries, making them an important household essential.

Coin cell batteries are flat, round batteries used in compact electronics.

Popular types include:

• CR2032 – key fobs, smart sensors, scales

• CR2025 – watches, calculators

• LR44 – toys, medical devices

They are often lithium-based and offer long life despite their small size.

Understanding battery chemistry helps you choose the most cost-effective option.

Alkaline batteries are single-use and designed for convenience.

Advantages:

• Ready to use straight away

• Long shelf life (ideal for spares)

• Reliable in low-drain devices

Best for:

• Remote controls

• Clocks

• Emergency torches

• Smoke alarms

Rechargeable batteries can be used hundreds of times.

Advantages:

• Lower long-term cost

• Reduced waste

• Better performance in high-drain devices

Best for:

• Gaming controllers

• Cameras

• LED torches

• Frequently used smart devices

Although rechargeable batteries cost more initially, they usually pay for themselves after a few months of regular use.

To choose the correct battery:

1. Check the battery compartment

2. Look at the user manual

3. Match the size and voltage exactly

For example:

• AA and AAA are not interchangeable

• CR2032 and CR2025 are different thicknesses

• 1.5V alkaline batteries should not be replaced with lower-voltage alternatives unless specified

Using the wrong battery can cause poor performance or damage.

Battery life depends on several factors:

• Device power demand – high-drain devices use more energy

• Battery capacity (mAh) – higher capacity means longer run time

• Chemistry – lithium and NiMH batteries perform differently

• Temperature – extreme heat or cold reduces lifespan

For devices used daily, rechargeable batteries often deliver better overall performance.

It’s best to avoid mixing batteries.

Do not mix:

• Old and new batteries

• Different brands

• Different chemistries (alkaline and rechargeable)

Mixing batteries can lead to:

• Faster drainage

• Overheating

• Leakage

Always replace all batteries in a device at the same time.

Lithium batteries are designed for long-lasting, stable power.

They are commonly used in:

• Car key fobs

• Smart home sensors

• Fitness trackers

• Medical and measuring devices

Benefits of lithium batteries include:

• Long shelf life

• Stable voltage output

• Better cold-temperature performance

Coin cell lithium batteries such as CR2032 are ideal for devices that need reliable power over long periods.

Correct storage helps batteries last longer and reduces risk.

Best practices include:

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place

• Keep them in original packaging when possible

• Avoid loose storage where terminals can touch

• Keep coin cell batteries out of reach of children

Never expose batteries to heat or moisture.

Batteries should not be disposed of with general household waste.

Instead:

• Use designated battery recycling points

• Take used batteries to local recycling centres

Recycling helps recover valuable materials and prevents environmental harm.

Most households benefit from having:

• AA and AAA alkaline batteries for everyday devices

• Rechargeable AA or AAA batteries for frequently used electronics

• 9V batteries for smoke alarms

• Coin cell batteries for key fobs and smart devices

Keeping a small battery supply at home avoids last-minute replacements.

Understanding battery types, sizes, and uses makes it easier to choose the right power source for your devices. Whether you’re powering everyday electronics, safety equipment, or smart technology, selecting the correct battery improves performance and reliability.

Explore Maplin’s full range of household batteries, rechargeable batteries, and lithium coin cells to find dependable power solutions for every need.