AA battery

A standard size of dry cell battery

For other uses, see AA battery (disambiguation).

An AA battery is a standard size of single cell cylindrical dry battery. The IEC 60086 system calls it size "R6", and it is known as "double-A" in the United States. AA batteries are commonly used in portable electronic devices.

History

The AA battery was introduced in 1907 and has since become one of the most popular battery sizes. It was standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 1947, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) later adopted the standard.

Specifications

AA batteries have a cylindrical shape with a length of 49.2–50.5 mm and a diameter of 13.5–14.5 mm. They are available in different chemistries, including alkaline, lithium, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and nickel-cadmium (NiCd).

Voltage

The nominal voltage of an AA battery depends on its chemistry:

• Alkaline and zinc-carbon: 1.5 volts
• Lithium: 1.5 volts
• NiMH and NiCd: 1.2 volts

Capacity

The capacity of an AA battery is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Alkaline AA batteries typically have a capacity of 1700–3000 mAh, while NiMH rechargeable batteries can have capacities ranging from 600 to 2850 mAh.

Applications

AA batteries are used in a wide variety of devices, including:

• Remote controls
• Flashlights
• Digital cameras
• Portable electronic devices
• Toys

Rechargeable AA batteries

Rechargeable AA batteries, such as those using NiMH technology, are popular due to their ability to be recharged hundreds of times. They are environmentally friendly and cost-effective over time compared to disposable batteries.

Gallery

• 
  AA battery compared to a matchstick
• 
  Six most common battery types, including AA
• 
  Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries

Related pages

• Battery (electricity)
• AAA battery
• C battery
• D battery

AA_battery

• 
  AA battery next to a matchstick for size comparison
• 
  Six most common battery types including AA
• 
  Eneloop AA rechargeable battery