Page 276 - Lindens Handbook of Batteries

11.14 pRIMARy BATTERIES

34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 26.2

61.5 50.0
77.5
91.7
105.9 C
D

E 20.1
14.6 17.0
F 10.5
8.4
G 12.0
50.5 50.5 56.8
42.7 44.5
30.2

N AAAA AAA AA A B
FiguRE 11.8 Typical alkaline cell sizes and their dimensions in millimeters.

sizes. As an example, the B size is commonly used in bicycle lights in Europe, while the F has been
used in lantern batteries.
Recognizing the need for smaller, thinner, and lighter device applications, the AAAA(4A) pre-
mium alkaline battery has been recently commercially introduced. While initially having limited
distribution, it is now becoming more popular with the sales of smaller, more portable electronic
devices. It is basically thinner than either the AA or AAA cells. Its current applications include
™
Bluetooth devices, flash audio players, remote controls, and noise-canceling headsets.

11.4.4 Testing Standards
With the many different battery sizes and the significant number of battery manufacturing compa-
nies worldwide, it is important to establish standard tests and designation codes for cylindrical and
miniature primary cells so they can be easily compared to actual devices that they would power.
This has been accomplished by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The current
testing standards are outlined in their current publication, ANSI C18.1M, Part 1-2008, American
National Standard for Portable Primary Cells and Batteries with Aqueous Electrolyte–General and
Specifications. For a brief history of the standardization of these cells, refer to Ref. 16. As the num-
ber and type of new devices become commercialized, this organization regularly meets to determine
if their current testing requirements need to be updated to reflect the latest device requirements.
The designations for the different battery sizes are generally known by letters, i.e., D, C, AA, AAA,
AAAA, etc. In addition, battery manufacturers also use their own designations that can be found
on the battery and its packaging. More information about the individual manufacturer’s battery
17
specifications and performance is available on their individual websites. The IEC (International
Electrotechnical Commission) and ANSI also have their own designations. Table 11.9 lists some of
the current tests that several of the more common cylindrical alkaline batteries undergo for advertis-
ing purposes, along with their different codes.