At the moment the most common power elements are AAThey can be disposable or reusable. But how can you tell if it's a rechargeable battery or a regular one? That's the question we'll answer today.
Pay attention to the labels
The markings usually indicate what energy source is in front of you.
Here are some symbols that will help you understand that you have a battery in front of you:
- Polymer-based
- Rechargeable – this means that it is rechargeable.
- mAh – batteries don't usually have this marking. However, there are exceptions, such as cast iron cells.
- Lithium-Ion, Li-Ion
- Nickel-Metel hydride, Ni-Mh
- Nickel-Cadmium, Ni-Cd
- Chargement rapide/normale or Quick/normal charge (Designation of time and current) – fast/normal charging;
Inscriptions found on batteries:
- Dry, Zinc Chloride, Leclanche, Zinc–Carbon battery – salt;
- Zinc–air battery – zinc air;
- Alkaline battery, Zinc Manganese Oxide battery – alkaline battery;
- Do not recharge – do not recharge;
- Lithium battery - lithium;
- Silver Oxide – with silver oxide.
Sometimes you come across less common manufacturers. They sell special alkaline batteries that are rechargeable. They can be identified by phrases like "Rechargeable Alkaline Battery."
Look at the voltage and capacity.
Voltage and energy volume are usually different.
- Batteries have a voltage of 1.2 volts or 3.7 v.
- Batteries from 1.5 to 3 volts.
- Lithium thionyl chloride batteries have a voltage of 3.6 V.
You can tell if you have a battery or a rechargeable battery with a multimeter. You can measure the voltage, and if it's between 1.5 and 3.6 volts, it's most likely a rechargeable battery. If it's between 1.2 and 3.7 volts, it's a rechargeable battery.
A lithium battery can be distinguished from a lithium rechargeable battery by the markings.
When measuring battery voltage, take self-discharge into account. Salt-cell batteries' voltage can drop significantly over time. Attempting to charge them may result in electrolyte leakage.
Discharged batteries may still have a small current and, due to this, the LEDs can still work for some time.
But if the battery is discharged, it will not be able to produce even a little energy.
Look at the battery size
Remember that any tablet batteries are not rechargeable.
Typically, batteries have sizes 75400 and 10180. The first number refers to the diameter, and the second to the height. Dimensions are in millimeters.
If the power source has an unusual shape, it's most likely a battery. However, you should still pay attention to the casing and any markings.
Battery markings from IEC
- KR.
- HR.
- ZR.
IEC designation of batteries
- R,
- CR,
- ER,
- LR,
- FR,
- PR,
- SR.
In cases where you are unable to determine the exact type of energy source, it is better not to charge it.
