Panasonic Heavy Duty Batteries (Zinc‑Carbon)

Panasonic Heavy Duty batteries provide affordable power for low‑drain, occasional‑use devices. They are non‑rechargeable zinc‑carbon cells offered in AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V sizes.

When to choose these batteries

• Use for: wall clocks, TV remotes, simple LED tap lights, calculators, small radios, basic toys with intermittent use.
• Avoid for: motorized toys, high‑output flashlights, digital cameras, game controllers, wireless mics, smoke/CO alarms. Choose alkaline or lithium instead for longer life and reliability.

Quick picks by device

• Clock or remote: AA/AAA Panasonic Heavy Duty is cost‑effective.
• Portable radio: Prefer C or D for longer playtime; alkaline if used daily.
• Emergency gear (flashlights, alarms): Use alkaline or lithium for dependable runtime.
• Smoke or CO alarms (9V): Follow the alarm manufacturer’s guidance—typically alkaline or lithium, not zinc‑carbon.

Approximate runtimes (real‑world guidance)

Actual life varies by device, temperature, and usage. Expect the following ballpark results:

• Wall clock (AA): about 6–12 months.
• TV remote (AA/AAA, moderate use): about 3–9 months.
• Portable AM/FM radio (2 × AA, moderate volume): roughly 4–8 hours of listening; with C cells: 10–25+ hours.
• Basic LED tap light (AA, occasional): weeks to months of intermittent use.
• High‑drain flashlight (AA): not recommended—brightness sags quickly; use alkaline or lithium.

How these compare to other chemistries

• Zinc‑carbon (these): Lowest cost; best for light, intermittent loads; shorter life under high drain.
• Alkaline: 2–5× longer life in high‑drain devices; better for everyday flashlights, toys, game controllers.
• Lithium (primary): High power, wide temperature tolerance, long shelf life (often 10+ years); best for critical gear and cold weather; higher price.
• NiMH rechargeables: Best total cost for frequent use; strong in high‑drain devices; require a charger.

Storage, handling, and safety

• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place (50–77°F / 10–25°C). Do not freeze. Avoid humidity.
• Shelf life: Typically up to 3 years from manufacture; check the date code and use older packs first.
• Installation: Do not mix new and used batteries or different chemistries or brands in the same device.
• Care: Remove batteries from devices not used for a month or more to reduce leakage risk.
• Disposal: Recycle where available. Do not incinerate, crush, or attempt to recharge.

Specs snapshot

Values vary by model and test conditions; use as general guidance.

Troubleshooting quick tips

• Device dims quickly: Switch to alkaline or lithium; clean contacts with a dry cloth before replacing.
• Batteries run down in storage: Check date code; store cooler and drier; avoid mixed packs.
• Leakage: Safely remove and recycle; clean device contacts with isopropyl alcohol once dry. Replace with fresh cells.

FAQ