Gold AA Batteries

Batteries power remote controls, torches, clocks, toys, car keys and many other everyday devices. This category covers standard cylindrical sizes, 9V batteries, lithium coin cells, alkaline and silver oxide button cells, and power banks for charging phones and other USB devices on the move.

Sizes and types

• AA, AAA, C and D: alkaline cells with a nominal 1.5V. Packs often also show the international code, such as LR6 for AA, LR14 for C and LR20 for D.
• 9V (PP3): rectangular batteries, sold singly or in packs.
• Lithium coin cells: flat 3V cells with codes such as CR2032, CR1620 or CR1220; the code identifies the size.
• Button cells: small alkaline and silver oxide cells of about 1.5V, with codes such as LR44.
• Power banks: rechargeable packs rated in mAh; a higher figure stores more charge.

Match the size code and voltage printed on the old battery or given in the device's instructions.

Button and coin battery safety

A swallowed coin or button battery can cause serious internal chemical burns within about two hours. Keep spare and used batteries out of children's reach, check that battery covers on devices are secure, and seek urgent medical help straight away if you think a child has swallowed one.

Recycling

Do not put batteries in the household bin; they carry a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol for that reason. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if they are thrown in a bin, especially if they are damaged or get wet. Take used portable batteries to a battery drop-off point, which many larger shops that sell batteries have, and tape over the terminals first.

For smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, see alarms, detectors and testers, or browse lighting.