Phillips Batteries: Size, Chemistry, and When to Use Each

Match the battery your device expects—size, chemistry, and voltage—to get reliable performance and protect your electronics. This guide explains what Phillips offers, how to choose quickly, and practical tips for storage, safety, and troubleshooting.

Product Range at a Glance

• Alkaline: AA, AAA, C, D (1.5V) and 9V for broad household use.
• Lithium coin: CR-series 3V (e.g., CR2032, CR2025, CR2016) for key fobs, scales, and backups.
• Silver-oxide button: ~1.55V SR-series for watches and precision instruments.
• Zinc-air hearing-aid: Sizes 10, 312, 13, 675 (~1.45V) activated by air.
• Rechargeable NiMH: AA/AAA (1.2V) for high-drain, frequently used devices.

How to Choose in 3 Steps

1. Confirm size: AA/AAA/C/D/9V or a coin/button code (CR/SR/PR) printed in the battery compartment or manual.
2. Match chemistry and voltage: Do not swap 3V coins for 1.5V buttons (or vice versa). Use the chemistry specified.
3. Pick for usage:
   • Low to moderate drain used infrequently: Alkaline.
   • High drain or frequent use (toys, flashes, controllers): NiMH rechargeables.
   • Long shelf life backup (key fobs, RTC): Lithium coin (CR).
   • Precision voltage (watches, meters): Silver-oxide.
   • Hearing aids: Zinc-air in the exact size.

Quick Reference

Type / Size	Chemistry	Nominal Voltage	Typical Capacity	Common Uses
AA (LR6)	Alkaline	1.5V	1,800–2,850 mAh	Remotes, toys, flashlights
AAA (LR03)	Alkaline	1.5V	800–1,200 mAh	Remotes, wireless mice
C (LR14)	Alkaline	1.5V	3,000–8,000 mAh	Lanterns, radios
D (LR20)	Alkaline	1.5V	8,000–12,000+ mAh	Large flashlights, beacons
9V (6LR61)	Alkaline	9V	400–600 mAh	Alarms, meters, pedals
CR2032	Lithium coin	3V	200–240 mAh	Key fobs, RTC, scales
CR2025 / CR2016	Lithium coin	3V	~150 mAh / ~90 mAh	Wearables, remotes
SR-series buttons	Silver-oxide	~1.55V	Varies by code	Watches, instruments
PR10/312/13/675	Zinc-air	~1.45V	Varies by size	Hearing aids
AA/AAA (NiMH)	Rechargeable	1.2V	AA ~1,900–2,700 mAh; AAA ~700–1,000 mAh	Toys, flashes, controllers

Recommendations by Device

• TV remotes, wall clocks: Alkaline AA/AAA. Expect 6–24 months depending on use.
• Toys, game controllers, LED flashlights: NiMH AA/AAA for lower cost per use and better high-drain performance. Recharge when output dims.
• Headlamps and camping lights: Alkaline C/D for long runtime; NiMH AA/AAA for rechargeable models.
• Smoke/CO alarms: 9V alkaline; replace on the schedule in your manual (often annually). Test monthly.
• Key fobs, scales, RTC memory: CR2032 or specified CR coin cell; match the exact code and thickness.
• Watches, precision meters: Silver-oxide (SR) for steady voltage.
• Hearing aids: Zinc-air in the exact size (10/312/13/675). Peel tab, wait ~60 seconds, then insert.

Rechargeable NiMH AA/AAA (1.2V)

• Best when you replace batteries weekly or monthly (toys, flashes, recorders, controllers).
• Typical cycle life: hundreds of recharges with a quality charger.
• Charge time: about 2–8 hours depending on charger current and capacity.
• Charger tips: Choose smart chargers with independent bays and automatic cutoff; avoid trickle-charging for days.
• Voltage note: Many AA/AAA devices work normally on 1.2V NiMH due to lower internal resistance and stable voltage under load.

Coin and Button Cells

Lithium Coin (CR-series, 3V)

Codes like CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 indicate diameter and thickness. Match the exact code your device specifies—thinner cells can cause intermittent contact; thicker cells will not fit. Lithium coins offer long shelf life and strong performance in low-to-moderate drain devices.

Silver-Oxide Buttons (~1.55V)

Designed for stable voltage in watches and instruments. Match the SR code exactly or use a trusted cross-reference from your device manual.

Zinc-Air Hearing-Aid (~1.45V)

Activate by removing the tab; allow about a minute for air to enter before inserting. After activation, they discharge continuously and typically last 3–20 days depending on size and usage.

9V for Alarms and Instruments

• Install the correct 9V orientation and firmly seat the clip.
• Replace on a set schedule—do not wait for chirps in safety devices.
• Label the install date on the battery or cover for easy tracking.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Store cool and dry (roughly 50–77°F / 10–25°C). Avoid hot cars and freezers.
• Keep batteries in original packaging until use; prevent terminals from touching metal.
• Alkaline: often 3–7 years shelf life; Lithium coin: often up to 10 years. Check package dates.
• NiMH: Use low self-discharge cells for longer standby; top up every few months if stored.
• Zinc-air: Do not remove tabs until ready to use.

Troubleshooting Quick Fixes

• Won’t power on: Confirm size and chemistry, check polarity, and clean contacts with a dry cloth.
• Short runtime: Choose alkaline over zinc-carbon, or switch to NiMH for high-drain devices.
• Intermittent operation in coin-cell devices: Verify the exact thickness (CR2032 vs CR2025 vs CR2016).
• Frequent resets: Replace the backup/RTC coin cell with the specified CR code.

Recycling and Safety

• Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Do not mix old and new cells or chemistries in the same device.
• Coin cells are a swallowing hazard. Keep away from children; if ingested, seek immediate medical help.
• Remove batteries from seasonal devices before long storage to reduce leakage risk.
• Recycle rechargeables and specialty cells where accepted; follow local rules for alkaline and coin cells. Tape over used coin-cell terminals before disposal to prevent shorting.

FAQ

Can I mix different battery brands or chemistries?

No. Mixing can cause leakage, poor performance, or damage. Replace all cells in a device at the same time with the same type.

Why does my device report “low battery” with 1.2V NiMH?

Some indicators are calibrated for 1.5V alkaline. Many devices still operate normally on NiMH; verify in the manual and test runtime under real use.

Are rechargeable 9V batteries a good idea?

They exist, but capacity varies and may be lower than alkaline. Only use if your device supports them and you have a suitable charger.

How long do zinc-air hearing-aid batteries last after activation?

Typically 3–20 days depending on size, drain, and humidity. Replace the tab only when ready to use and let the cell “breathe” for about 60 seconds.

What should I do if a battery leaks?

Power off the device, wear disposable gloves, and carefully remove the cells. Clean contacts per the device manual and dispose of batteries according to local rules.