Panasonic Batteries

Panasonic Batteries: Pick the Right Chemistry and Size

Start with your device manual, then match the battery chemistry and size to balance runtime, cost, and safety.

Battery Types at a Glance

Type	Best For	Pros	Limitations
Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)	Remotes, toys, flashlights, radios, clocks	Widely available; strong value; long shelf life (~5–10 years unopened)	Single‑use; performance drops with high current draw and in cold
Zinc‑carbon/manganese (AA, AAA, 9V)	Wall clocks, basic remotes, simple sensors	Lowest upfront cost for ultra‑low drain	Lower capacity; shorter shelf life (~2–3 years); not for high‑drain
eneloop NiMH rechargeable (AA/AAA)	Game controllers, camera flashes, wireless mics, RC toys	Rechargeable; holds voltage under load; low self‑discharge	Needs a charger; 1.2 V nominal may read lower on some gauges
Lithium coin cells (CR2032/CR2025/CR2016)	Key fobs, watches, scales, bike computers, sensors	High energy density; compact; long shelf life (~8–10 years)	Ingestion hazard; single‑use; exact size must match device
Primary lithium cylindrical (e.g., CR123A)	High‑output flashlights, cameras, security devices	Stable voltage under load; works well in cold; long shelf life (~10 years)	Single‑use; higher cost per cell

Quick How‑to Choose

1. Identify size and chemistry your device allows (AA/LR6, AAA/LR03, 9V/6LR61, CR2032, CR123A).
2. Match usage pattern:
   • Occasional or medium‑drain → Alkaline.
   • Frequent or high‑drain → eneloop (standard or pro).
   • Ultra‑low drain → Zinc‑carbon for lowest cost; alkaline for fewer changes.
   • Compact electronics → Exact coin cell (CR2032/2025/2016).
   • Cold weather or high bursts → CR123A (if specified).
3. Avoid mixing old/new or different brands/capacities in the same device.

Use If vs. Avoid If

• Alkaline — Use for remotes, radios, emergency lights. Avoid for speedlights or high‑drain toys; choose eneloop or CR123A instead.
• Zinc‑carbon — Use for simple clocks and remotes. Avoid for alarms and anything with high or spiky current draw.
• eneloop (NiMH) — Use when recharging is practical and performance matters. Avoid if the device forbids rechargeables or requires 1.5 V primaries only.
• Coin cells — Use the exact CR size your device lists. Avoid thickness substitutions unless the manual allows them.
• CR123A — Use for compatible flashlights/cameras, especially outdoors or in cold. Avoid in AA/AAA‑only devices unless explicitly supported.

Simple Performance Expectations

• TV remotes: 2×AA alkaline often last several months to 1–2 years, depending on standby draw.
• Wall clocks: 1×AA zinc‑carbon or alkaline commonly runs ~1 year in quartz movements.
• Camera flashes: eneloop maintains faster recycle times than alkaline; eneloop pro trades fewer total cycles for longer per‑charge runtime.
• Coin cells: CR2032 (~200–240 mAh typical) in a key fob often lasts 1–3 years, depending on usage and parasitic drain.

eneloop Options

• Standard eneloop: ~1900–2000 mAh (AA). Emphasizes long cycle life and low self‑discharge (retains a high percentage after months in storage).
• eneloop pro: ~2400–2550 mAh (AA). Higher capacity for power‑hungry gear; fewer total cycles vs. standard.
• eneloop lite (where available): Lower capacity with very high cycle life; suited to cordless phones and frequently topped‑up sensors.

Charging eneloop Safely

Use a compatible Panasonic NiMH charger with independent channels. Rough time estimate: hours ≈ (battery capacity mAh ÷ charger current mA) × 1.2. Example: a 2000 mAh AA on a 500 mA channel ≈ 4.8 hours.

• Only charge NiMH rechargeables. Never charge alkaline, zinc‑carbon, or primary lithium cells.
• Charge at room temperature; stop if a cell becomes hot, swells, or leaks.
• Do not mix old and new cells or different capacities in one device.
• Store charged eneloop partially to fully charged; top up every few months if needed.

Compatibility and Fit

• Size codes: AA = LR6, AAA = LR03, 9V = 6LR61; coin cells: CR2032 (3.2 mm thick), CR2025 (2.5 mm), CR2016 (1.6 mm); CR123A is also known as CR17345.
• Voltage note: NiMH AA/AAA are 1.2 V nominal; alkaline are 1.5 V. Most devices accept both, but some battery indicators read NiMH as low.
• Do not substitute rechargeable lithium‑ion cells (e.g., 14500 for AA, 16340 for CR123A) unless the device explicitly supports them.
• Observe polarity and the device’s chemistry recommendations before installing.

Temperature & Shelf Life

• Cold weather: Primary lithium (CR123A, many coin cells) outperforms alkaline below freezing; NiMH typically fares better than alkaline.
• Shelf life (unopened, cool/dry storage): Alkaline ~5–10 years; zinc‑carbon ~2–3 years; coin cells ~8–10 years; CR123A ~10 years.
• Self‑discharge: Low‑self‑discharge NiMH (eneloop) retains much of its charge for months; top up before critical use.

Storage, Safety, and Disposal

• Keep coin cells away from children; ingestion is an emergency. Tape used coin cells before recycling.
• Remove batteries from devices stored long term to reduce leakage risk.
• Store in a cool, dry place; avoid heat, crushing, and short circuits. Tape 9V terminals during transport/disposal.
• Recycle rechargeables (NiMH) and lithium cells through local programs; follow local guidance for alkaline and zinc‑carbon disposal.

FAQ

Are eneloop batteries better than alkaline?

For high‑drain or frequently used devices, yes. NiMH maintains voltage better under load and can be recharged many times. For rarely used items, alkaline may be simpler and lower cost per replacement.

Can I replace a CR2032 with a CR2025?

Only if the device allows it. Both are 20 mm in diameter, but CR2025 is thinner and typically lower capacity. Use the size specified by the device.

Which batteries work best in cold weather?

Primary lithium cells (CR123A and many coin cells) generally outperform alkaline in low temperatures. NiMH also tends to perform better in the cold than alkaline.

Why does my device show NiMH as partly low?

NiMH is 1.2 V nominal vs. 1.5 V for alkaline. Some battery meters are calibrated for 1.5 V cells and may show NiMH as lower even when the battery is healthy.

What should I do if a battery leaks?

Wear gloves, remove the battery carefully, follow the device manual for cleanup, and dispose of the cell per local rules. Avoid mixing new and used cells afterward.