Standard Batteries

A staple of modern electronics, our range of standard batteries is an instantly recognizable part of our extensive power products catalog. Found in portable devices in every corner of the average household from TV remotes to wall clocks and smoke detectors, standard batteries are a simple, efficient, and cheap power source fundamental to everyday life.

You'll find hundreds of standardized battery options in the RS range, covering all commonly used types and sizes including lithium, alkaline, 1.5V, and 9V batteries among many others. Use the filters to search by size, chemical system, voltage rating, and more to find the products you need quickly.

Read on to learn more about our range of standard batteries. If you have a question about any of our products, get in touch with our friendly team of trade experts who'll be happy to assist you with your query.

How do standard batteries work?

A battery stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy to provide power to a device. The electrochemistry of a battery is based on the flow of electrons between two electrodes separated by an electrolyte, making up an electrochemical cell. Within that, electrons are produced by a chemical reaction at one electrode and an electrical flow is created as they move to the other electrode.

Having first been conceived at the turn of the 19th century, standard batteries have been an essential of commercial electronics ever since. In the early 20th century, standardized battery sizes (AA, AAA, C, D, etc.) were established to handle different power and current requirements. Different battery types (alkaline, lithium, etc.) have since been introduced to increase efficiencies for users.

What sizes of standard batteries are available in the RS range?

We stock a wide range of standard battery sizes, including:

AA batteries

The AA battery is the most used format in commercial electronics, featuring in a multitude of applications including wall clocks and cordless phones. The 1.5V supply is ideal for devices that need a reasonably high current draw but aren't in constant use. Alternatively, they suit constant-use devices that require minimal energy.

AAA batteries

The second most popular type, AAA batteries are small batteries used in compact portable devices like TV remotes and bathroom scales. Like AA batteries, AAAs produce a 1.5V supply but generate less energy due to their reduced size.

C batteries

The C battery is heavier-duty and used for more demanding portable applications such as larger toys, flashlights, and radios. Also producing a 1.5V power supply, the larger size of the C-cell battery makes it ideal for devices that require frequent, safe, and reliable use.

D batteries

The D battery is suitable for heavy-use commercial devices such as large flashlights, air freshener systems, and automatic paper towel dispensers. The D-cell battery is a large, bulky format capable of providing many hours of use for bigger devices.

9V batteries

An instantly recognizable battery format due to its rectangular shape, the 9V battery is used when high voltage and power are required. Commonly found in devices that are exposed to varied temperatures, such as kitchen equipment, 9V batteries are extremely durable and boast excellent performance in environments ranging from 0-130°F.

What types of standard batteries are available in the RS range?

We stock several standard battery types, including:

Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries offer the highest energy density among standard formats, which means they store more energy and last as much as four times longer than other chemical equivalents. Sizing is restricted to 9V, AAA, and AA lithium batteries and you'll generally pay more per battery. But their lightweight build and market-leading durability make them the most popular choice for today's commercial electronics.

Alkaline batteries

Alkaline batteries are inexpensive, economical, and easily disposable, making them a value choice for moderate-to-heavy-use devices at low power. They also function well at extreme temperatures and are available in virtually all standard battery sizes.

Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries are a cost-effective solution for users looking to save money over time. Great for high-power devices, rechargeables are available across multiple chemical systems including lithium-ion, NiCd, and NiMH. We supply rechargeable AA and AAA batteries for a great-value, long-term use solution for many household and commercial devices.

Why choose RS for standard batteries?

Whether it's our range of reliable, cost-effective standard batteries, or any one of our extensive range of power products, we pride ourselves on being one of North America's leading providers of high-quality electronics. Regardless of whether your needs are domestic, commercial, or professional, we strive to offer value for any application you might have.

We're also committed to first-class customer service. If you need any help with your purchase, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable support team. Alternatively, head over to our expert hub where you'll find a range of useful resources and industry information at your disposal.