Duracell Rechargeable AA NiMH (HR6)

A durable AA rechargeable for everyday and pro gear. These NiMH cells deliver strong, repeatable current for high‑drain devices and can be recharged hundreds of times when cared for properly.

At‑a‑glance specs

Chemistry	Nickel‑Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Size / IEC	AA / HR6
Nominal voltage	1.2 V
Typical capacity	Up to 2500 mAh (model‑dependent; check packaging)
Low self‑discharge	Yes — retains most charge for months when stored cool/dry
Cycle life	Hundreds of recharges with proper charging and storage
Dimensions	14.5 × 50.5 mm (AA standard)
Operating temp (discharge)	About −4 to 122 °F (−20 to 50 °C)
Charging temp	32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) recommended

When to choose these AAs

• Use if: you power high‑drain or frequently used gear (game controllers, flash units, RC toys, LED flashlights, wireless mics).
• Avoid/consider alternatives if: devices sit unused for many months (emergency kits, trail cams) or you need maximum shelf life or extreme‑cold performance — consider primary lithium AA (non‑rechargeable).
• Voltage note: At 1.2 V nominal, most AA devices work normally; some battery meters calibrated for 1.5 V alkaline may show a lower reading even when the cell is healthy.

Expected runtime examples (estimates)

Real runtimes vary with device current draw, brightness settings, and temperature. Estimates below assume an effective capacity of ~2000–2300 mAh under typical loads:

• Wireless game controller (80–120 mA): about 18–28 hours per charge.
• LED flashlight, medium (400–600 mA): about 3–5 hours of continuous use.
• Wireless mouse (10–25 mA): roughly 100–200 hours of active use.

Charging and care

• Use a smart NiMH charger with −ΔV and/or temperature cutoff. Avoid alkaline‑only or Li‑ion chargers.
• Charge rate: 0.2–0.5C is gentle and efficient (e.g., 500–1200 mA). Example times for a ~2500 mAh cell:
  • 500 mA: ~5–7 hours
  • 1000 mA: ~2.5–4 hours
  • 200 mA “overnight” charger: ~14–16+ hours (slow; avoid routine use)
• Recharge before deep depletion: avoid running cells completely flat; recharge when performance drops.
• Store about 30–50% charged in a cool, dry place; top up every 3–6 months if unused.
• Keep sets together: use and charge cells in matched pairs/sets; don’t mix brands, ages, or capacities in the same device.

Compatibility notes

• Works in any device that accepts standard AA cells and supports rechargeable batteries.
• Some devices with strict 1.5 V expectations may under‑report charge; functionality is usually unaffected.
• Do not attempt to recharge in USB “alkaline refresh” gadgets or non‑NiMH chargers.

Cost and environmental benefits

One set can replace dozens to hundreds of disposable AAs over its life, cutting waste and lowering cost per use after the first few dozen cycles.

Alternatives to consider

• Primary lithium AA (non‑rechargeable): best for long storage, very low temperatures, or infrequent use.
• Lower‑capacity LSD NiMH (≈1900–2100 mAh): typically offer longer cycle life with excellent retention if maximum capacity isn’t required.

FAQ

How many times can these be recharged?

Typically hundreds of cycles. Heat, high charge rates, and deep discharges reduce cycle life; gentle charging and partial cycles extend it.

Why do they read 1.2 V instead of 1.5 V?

NiMH chemistry is 1.2 V nominal. Most electronics are designed to run on either 1.5 V alkaline or 1.2 V NiMH without issue.

Can I mix these with alkalines?

No. Mixing chemistries or old/new cells in the same device can cause leaks, poor performance, or damage.

Do NiMH batteries have memory effect?

Modern NiMH has minimal memory effect. Occasional full cycles are fine, but frequent deep discharges are not recommended.

Safety tips

Do not short‑circuit, crush, or incinerate. Charge above 32 °F (0 °C) only. Recycle at approved collection points at end of life.

Note: Capacity, cycle life, and retention can vary by production batch and specific Duracell model; always check the retail packaging for the exact ratings.