Are you a flashlight user? Using a flashlight is a simple and easy task. But the wrong battery selection can damage the flashlight quickly and decrease the flashlight’s shelf life. So, you must check the device’s user manual before putting a new battery in it.
Generally, batteries are not discussed while they are being used in an electronic device. But sometimes the batteries are problematic. As a user, you must have good knowledge about the batteries in your flashlight.
Different types of flashlight batteries
If you want to select the most suitable battery for your flashlight, you must have sufficient knowledge about its power differences. You cannot understand how much power the battery has and how much power the flashlight requires unless you have the knowledge.
1.5-volt batteries
Some flashlights need 1.5-volt batteries. The AA, AAA, C, and D batteries are in this segment. The alkaline batteries are in this segment because they also include 1.5 volts.
Once, the 1.5 batteries were considered the most popular ones. However, there are now numerous alternatives to batteries that are better and have more volts.
3-volt batteries
The 3-volt batteries are also used in a variety of flashlights. Significantly, the popular CR123A batteries, button cell batteries (CR2032), etc., are also in this category.
Lithium-ion batteries
Although some people think the 1.5 batteries are mostly used, that is not true at this time. Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries are mostly used worldwide. Mainly lithium-ion and alkaline batteries have a battle because both of them are especially popular.
Lithium-ion is a type of rechargeable battery. It is a popular battery that is made of lithium oxide, graphite, cobalt, manganese, and carbon. Generally, lithium has both safe and unsafe aspects.
Pros of lithium-ion batteries
i) The runtime of lithium-ion batteries is longer.
ii) These batteries have an extended shelf life. So, these ones are more durable than the other available batteries.
iii) The lithium-ion batteries provide your flashlight with a much brighter lighting capacity. If the flashlight is powered by batteries, the bulbs will usually retain their power and brightness.
iv) The powerful lithium-ion batteries are smaller in size. So, they are also easy to carry.
v) Lithium-ion batteries can be charged very quickly. It is an excellent chance to save time.
Unsafe aspects of lithium
There are some mentionable effects of lithium that hamper human health and the environment. So, as a user, you have to be careful about them.
i) Overheating lithium-ion batteries is very dangerous. It may cause a blast.
ii) lithium gas exposure is harmful to our health. It causes several diseases, including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, etc.
What are alkaline batteries?
An alkaline battery is made of zinc and manganese dioxide. It is a type of disposable and rechargeable battery.
There is a flat end to an alkaline battery. Moreover, if you notice a circular area at the end of the battery, you can identify it easily.
Lithium vs. alkaline batteries: which is better?
Most of the available flashlights use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are suitable for the flashlight’s circuit, and they include a better charge-holding feature.
Alkaline batteries are different types of batteries. They are also commonly used with flashlights.
The most suitable batteries for the available flashlights are lithium-ion and alkaline.
Both batteries are used in the flashlights. But the question is: which flashlight is better in terms of performance?
- Energy efficiency
If you want more energy in your flashlight, you must use a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Its power consumption process is slow, so the battery can last a long time.
On the other hand, alkaline batteries are also good but not as energy efficient as lithium-ion batteries.
- Shelf life
The shelf life of lithium-ion batteries is longer than that of alkaline batteries.
The lithium-ion batteries are better than alkaline for using them for more hours. However, the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is also longer than that of alkaline batteries.
- Price difference
If you want something better, you have to pay more; it is the eternal rule in the world. Lithium-ion batteries are much pricier than alkaline batteries. So, some users choose the alkaline of the two to save money.
At the end of the discussion, we can easily say that lithium batteries are more powerful and appropriate than most others.