Everyday batteries come in many different sizes and levels of power, with common battery types - such as AA and AAA - universally known. You may use these batteries on a daily basis, but how much do you know about specialty batteries?
Specialty batteries power up the important devices all around us. If you’re in the dark about specialty batteries, what they’re for, and why we need them, read on to discover all about specialty batteries.
What are specialty batteries and which devices need them?
Specialty batteries are batteries made for electronic devices which require a less common battery shape, size, and/or power capacity than the widely known AA, AAA, C, D and 9V battery sizes.
More specifically, specialty batteries are used in the electronic devices that require miniaturization while ensuring a longer battery run time. For instance, some small gadgets, such as car keys and smart home devices, typically require less common, coin-shaped batteries called ‘button cells’. Specialty button batteries pack lots of power into a small size, giving your small or uniquely shaped devices (watches, smoke detectors, car alarms or hearing aids) the long-lasting power they need.
Most button cells are available in the following chemistries: alkaline, lithium or silver oxide. These are identified with two letters: LR indicates alkaline; CR, lithium batteries and SR indicates silver oxide. While alkaline button cells represent a cost-effective solution, ideal for less power demanding applications such as toys and thermometers, lithium coin cells supply power with high energy density and reliability, perfect for calculators, watches and remote controls.
Specialised high-voltage batteries are your go-to for powering up entry devices (such as wireless doorbells and locks), remote controls, and medical devices. These high-power batteries offer long-lasting, stable power output that is optimised for efficiency. Nothing is more important than ensuring you are safe and healthy – high-voltage batteries power up the devices that you need to achieve this. Whether you need an alkaline high voltage battery or a specific CR2032 Lithium Coin Cell Battery, specialty batteries come in a range of capacities and sizes to fit all sorts of devices.
At GP, we strive to empower your everyday life, from powering the devices but also the meaningful moments of life. GP hearing aid batteries, another example of specialty batteries, will allow you to experience sounds you were previously missing out on and feel more at ease in social situations. In our assortment, you may find multiple types of hearing aid batteries with its corresponding colour and code:
All hearing aid batteries types are mercury free and are made to keep hearing aids performing at its best. These are designed to provide superior performance in modern hearing aids and to keep up with the new wireless functionality, enabling the device to stay connected to iOS and Android operating systems.
How to find the correct specialty batteries
It’s important to follow manufacturer instructions and only use the correct specialty batteries recommended for your devices. Battery-operated devices will detail in the manual which battery type and capacity should be used - you can then browse to find the right specialty battery for the device. Make sure to only use the recommended battery voltage and type for your device, as incorrect batteries could lead to damage or even injury. Although the product shape may look similar, always check the battery voltage. This information can be often found on the battery packaging as in the following picture:
Also bear in mind that battery brands may use a different name for the same model. For example, Alkaline cells A76 may be also called as LR44, AG13 or V13GA. To make the battery search easier for you, within the detail page of our specialty products, you may find the model number and all equivalent product names.
Monitoring and replacing specialty batteries
It should be a routine habit to check the batteries of imperative safety devices, such as smoke detectors and car alarms, to ensure the device functions correctly in the event of an emergency. For smoke detectors, ensure you’re testing the battery at least every month to monitor status and replace the battery as it gets low. Typically, this is every 12 months, however, GP Lithium 9V batteries are designed with an ultra-high capacity to offer optimal energy supply to your smoke detectors, with an extraordinary lifespan up to 10 years.
Stock up for unexpected occasions
Stocking up on specialty batteries is a great way to make sure your important devices never go without power. Store unused batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to ensure optimal reservation of power.
GP high voltage batteries last up to 3 years in storage in optimal conditions, while GP Lithium coin and 9V batteries, with the latter ideal for smoke detectors, and wireless IP cameras, will benefit from an exceptionally long shelf-life of up to 10 years.
GP specialty batteries provide long-lasting power with consistent and superior efficiency. With over 50 models of specialty batteries, you may find in our assortment the right battery for your any application device. Operational even in extreme weather conditions, you can rely on GP batteries to power up your devices and your life.