The AA battery is one of the most common types of battery in circulation, so much so that you will find them in many of your household items. These items include everything from your children’s toys to the tv remote and even in the opener for your garage door. All too often, parents will find themselves making a late night dash to the shops for batteries because the birthday present they are wrapping needs AA batteries, and they have no spares in the house. Read on as we look at just how versatile these humble batteries are and some of the other reasons you should always have some on hand. 

What is an AA battery?

An AA battery is a cylindrical one with a fixed size, although as a result of the different materials that are used to manufacture them there are a number of different types. For example, you can get rechargeable and non-rechargeable AA batteries. Non-rechargeable batteries are sometimes referred to as dry batteries, they are a disposable battery, re-portable and lightweight. 

 

Each AA battery has a single electrochemical cell. Primary (disposable) batteries are usually made with a zinc can (as the anode) and a rod made of carbon (as the cathode). The space in between is filled with an electrolyte paste. In addition to those items already mentioned, AA batteries can be used in smoke detectors, vapes and a huge number of other devices. AA refers to the size of the battery, they are the size of a double A, and measure 46mm in height and have a diameter of 18mm.

How long do AA batteries last?

Rechargeable AA batteries will last on average between 500-1000 charges. The length of time it will last in a device before it requires recharging will vary from one device to another. In a child’s toy that is constantly being used it will last for a much shorter period of time than in something like a remote control which uses very little power and isn’t used that much. Of all the different types of AA batteries that you will find available to purchase, those that will last the longest are rechargeable lithium AA batteries. With the right kind of use these can last for up to nine years. 

 

Non-rechargeable AA batteries on the other hand last for a shorter period of time, but again this is dependent on what they are being used for. You should be able to get at least a year of power from AA batteries in an alarm clock whilst a child’s toy that is being played with a lot may only last for such a short period of time that you will feel it is “eating batteries”.

 

A quality battery that is unused will self-discharge over time so whilst you should certainly keep a stock of AA batteries in the home, because you never know when different devices will run out. However, you shouldn’t keep them too long otherwise they may not work when you need them.