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D batteries
D batteries are a type of electrochemical cell and are the largest of the D, C, AA and AAA family. As with other standard batteries, they provide an affordable, convenient and portable power source which - if handled properly - is safe and easy to use.
The larger size of D batteries allows them to store more power, with the result that, at equal current levels, they can supply power for longer than other cells such as:
- C batteries.
- AA batteries.
- AAA batteries.
D cells have been in use for over a century since they were first introduced by the National Carbon Company in 1898. In the early days, D batteries were often referred to as flashlight batteries, their higher power capacity making them suitable for large, power-hungry torches.
Today D batteries are still the largest pre-charged batteries commonly available, with their increased capacity and their endurance perfect for applications with high power demands, such as toys and equipment with electric motors and large portable CD players.
Types of D batteries
D type batteries come in two different formats: the lower-priced zinc carbon batteries and the slightly dearer alkaline batteries.
Alkaline technology is particularly suitable for the most demanding applications. Whilst more expensive than their zinc carbon counterparts, alkaline batteries offer various advantages - such as longer, better performance in high-drain applications (including at low temperatures) and a longer shelf life.
In fact the operating time of alkaline batteries when used in power-greedy appliances can be between four and fifteen times longer than the operating time achieved by comparable zinc carbon batteries.
Zinc Carbon batteries, on the other hand, as well as being lower-priced, work best in steady applications where there is less power drain.
Choosing the right D batteries
Once you’ve made your choice between alkaline and zinc carbon, other decisions await you – the first is whether to buy non-rechargeable or rechargeable batteries. As is the case with most things, each has their advantages and disadvantages.
Rechargable batteries are often expensive at the outset, but actually work out cheaper in the long run because they can be used many times so they have a low cost / performance ratio. They also offer advantages for the environment as fewer batteries are disposed of, meaning less chemical pollution.
Non-rechargeable batteries are cheaper to buy initially, but in the long-term, they are more expensive to use because they can only be used once. This, of course, means all the more dead batteries polluting the environment.
The final choice that faces you is which manufacturer to go for – and you could be forgiven for being flummoxed by the bewildering array of battery brands on offer, including (amongst others):
Once you’ve decided which D batteries are right for the application you have in mind, you can purchase batteries online or head down to your local newsagent or supermarket.
