Battery 411 Blog

Battery life is not all the same. Batteries will last various lengths depending on many factors, with one in particular being drain currents of a device. Devices that require large amounts of power, such as digital cameras will use more power from a battery, decreasing its useful life. Devices like smoke detectors and watches do not require as much power, therefore the battery powering the device lasts longer.

To determine battery life, simply divide the capacity by the actual load current to determine the hours of life. A circuit that draws 10 ma powered by a 9v battery life is roughly 50 hours. (500 mah/ 10 ma) The cell voltage of alkalines decrease with usage from about 1.5 volts to around 1.25 volts when half discharged. The voltage is around 1 volt when the battery is discharged.

It is also noteworthy that alkaline batteries exhibit a slightly increased capacity when warmed and the capacity significantly drops at temperatures below freezing. Lithium batteries perform better at extreme temperatures and should be used when applicable.

It is best to keep this in mind when choosing a battery for a particular device. If you have any questions on which battery to use, do not hesitate to call the experts at Medic Batteries at 800-479-6334.

Buying a 123 3V Battery Forged, Counterfeit, Imitation Could Damage Your Device!

Many people believe that buying batteries for their digital cameras or tactical lights is as easy as 1, 2, 3. The 123 3V battery is readily available online and ranges in price from as little as .85 cents per battery to as high as $8.50 each.

So what’s the difference between a Duracell Ultra 123 lithium battery from a reputable company such as Medic Batteries or any other 123 3V battery you might find? The answer is: QUALITY, RELIABILITY, FRESHNESS and 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!

Reports have been released by US manufacturers stating there have been incidents of the 123 3V battery exploding, leaking, and even catching on fire in popular brands of flashlights (such as Surefire) and other equipment, caused by the use substandard 123 V battery.

The professionals at Medic Batteries we recommend using batteries made in the USA, or made to US standards. The Duracell 123 3V battery, for example, is made in Japan, but to Duracell’s US standards. Duracell and Energizer previously manufactured all of their 123 3V batteries in the US, but both have moved the production of their lithium 123 3V battery to Japan. Buying potentially counterfeit and substandard batteries from unreliable sources can be incredibly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

How to avoid dangerous counterfeit and faulty batteries:

· Only buy batteries made in the US, or to US standards set by a respected well-known manufacturer, such as Duracell or Energizer.

· Avoid using batteries that say ‘Made in China’ or ‘PRC’ as these are usually substandard foreign made possibly dangerous products.

· Only buy from a respected company that guarantees the batteries quality and manufacturing standards, such as Medic Batteries where we provide quality products at unbeatable prices with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

As many people are heading off to spring break destinations they plan on taking their laptops, cell phones and cameras. But after the U.S. Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) banned the packing of loose lithium batteries in checked airline luggage in hopes to reduce the risk of on-flight fires, many travelers are unsure of how to travel with their high tech device.

Here are just a few tips when traveling with AA lithium batteries and 123 lithium batteries to help ensure safe and easy travel:

• Keep spare AA lithium batteries and 123 lithium batteries in their original retail packaging, to prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting.
• For loose AA lithium batteries and 123 lithium batteries, place tape across the battery’s contacts to isolate terminals to prevent short-circuiting.
• If original packaging is not available, effectively insulate lithium battery terminals by isolating spare lithium batteries from contact with other lithium batteries and metal. Place each lithium battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package. Do not permit loose AA lithium batteries and 123 lithium batteries to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.
• If you have already charged a non-rechargeable battery, do NOT bring such a battery on board an aircraft.

Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the AA lithium batteries and 123 lithium batteries, as this can cause an internal

Recent tests have shown that Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries last longer in digital cameras than other batteries. The Energizer AA lithium batteries offers superior performance for high-tech devices like digital cameras. These lithium batteries last up to five times longer than normal alkaline batteries and are nearly 35% lighter than alkaline AA’s. Energizer AA lithium batteries perform even in the most extreme temperatures -40° F to 140° F.

The 123 lithium battery is another option for digital camera users. It offers up to 4 times the power of alkaline batteries. The Duracell Ultra 3 Volt Lithium is a high-rate 3 V lithium battery, and can be used to power photo equipment as well as other high-drain electronic devices with M3 technology. They are also good for applications with a high-current pulse.

More battery questions? Call Medic Batteries at 1-800-479-6334 or visit www.medicbatteries.com for help.

Need to know more about your 9 volt battery? You’ve landed on just the page. Read on to get all sort of tidbits on 9 volt batteries.

All the same size? Not exactly. The 9 volt battery is made in various sizes (these tiny size differences are not so easy to notice!) depending on which brand you have purchased and not all may fit properly in a device. The exact 9 volt battery dimensions vary slightly from brand to brand. Some are longer than others, and the manner in which the batteries inside the 9 volt battery housing are joined together vary as well. Some 9 volt batteries are made too large and may distort the battery cavity. For example, the Ultralife 9 Volt Lithium in metal casing is a great battery, but it’s too large for a wireless mic application. There are even size differences among the top brands such as Energizer and Duracell.  Energizer 9 Volt batteries are longer than Duracell 9 volt batteries.

Lithium versus alkaline 9 Volt? A lithium battery is more efficient for high-drain devices. The Ultralife lithium 9V for example has twice the rated capacity of a quality alkaline 9 volt battery and can last five to six times longer than an alkaline battery.

For those who will be using their 9 volt battery in frigid climates or refrigerated areas, regardless of the application, lithium cells operate well because they function well below freezing point. One of the advantages of using a Lithium 9 volt battery versus an Alkaline 9 volt battery is that a lithium battery handles varying temperature ranges much better. In addition a 9 volt Lithium battery, stored at room temperature, will give you up to a 10-year-shelf life!!

More battery questions? Call Medic Batteries at 1-800-479-6334 or visit www.medicbatteries.com for help.

Not all AA batteries are the same. If you are aware of the differences between alkaline, lithium, and rechargeable batteries, your batteries will not only last longer, but you’ll also save some money too!

Discounted AA Batteries – 9 Facts about Discount AA Batteries

1. Rechargeable AA batteries lose their charge faster than alkaline batteries.
2. Most rechargeable AA batteries cannot be recharged until they are completely drained.
3. Rechargeable AA batteries can be charged up hundreds of times in its lifetime
4. Energizer Lithium AA batteries perform better in extreme temperatures, from -20 to 140 F, while alkaline batteries typically perform from -4  to 131 F.
5. Lithium AA batteries last at least five times longer than alkaline AA batteries
6. An AA lithium battery is 33% lighter than alkaline AA batteries and an Energizer AA lithium battery has a minimum ten year shelf life.
7. Choose alkaline batteries for low drain devices – including but not limited to: calculators, handheld devices, meters, and remotes.
8. Remove batteries from idle devices – even when the device is not in use it still uses some power.
9. When replacing batteries, clean the contact surfaces with a new pencil eraser or cloth.

When buying discounted AA batteries, be sure your provider properly stores the batteries (in a cool, dry environment) and only sells batteries made in the U.S.A., or made to U.S.A. specifications. Look for alkaline AA batteries with an expiration date of at least 4 years. For the freshest batteries, shop Medic Batteries.

Choose Medic Batteries for all of your discount AA battery needs. Low pricing, exceptional service and a 100% guarantee on every battery. Medic’s AA discounted batteries ship same day, and special offers and free shipping promotions are frequently available at Medicbatteries.com

U9VL is the model number for the Ultralife 9 volt lithium battery using a plastic housing. It is sold only in sealed foil packaging as model U9VL-FP. An advantage of the sealed foiled package, which must be torn open to remove the battery, is to be able to verify that the battery has never been used. The U9VL is designed for applications in which the battery will most likely be used fairly quickly, such as in many medical, wireless security and music/audio devices.

Ultralife U9VL-J – 9 Volt Lithium Battery, Metal Casing

U9VL-J is the model number for Ultralife long-life 9 volt lithium battery. It is actually a U9VL battery encased in aluminum housing. The aluminum housing reduces the amount of moisture that can enter the battery over time, which enhances its life. It is also slightly larger than the U9VL (U9VL-FP) battery, and may present a tighter fit in a small number of devices with smaller battery compartments that were originally designed to match the dimensions and shape of an alkaline battery, which has more rounded edges. The U9VL-J is designed for applications in which the battery must either last a long time, such as in smoke alarms, or where it may be exposed to low temperatures or uncontrolled heat and humidity conditions, such as in electronic parking meters or other outdoor applications such as automatic watering systems and dog training transmitters.

Note for Wireless Mic Users

When to choose metal casing over plastic casing when selecting a 9 volt lithium battery? The metal casing is excellent for outdoor applications and high moisture situations. Smoke alarms can use either version.

The metal casing 9 volt lithium battery is not suitable for wireless microphone use due to the size of the battery casing. Battery cavity fit will be problematic. Choose the plastic version of Ultralife 9 Volt for wireless mics.

Medic Batteries are experts on 9 volt lithium batteries.  Choose Medic Batteries for your 9 volt lithium battery needs.

9 Volt Batteries – Important Tips On 9 Volt Batteries

• All 9 volt batteries are NOT exactly the same size
• A tiny difference in 9 volt batteries size will make a BIG difference in performance
• Rechargeable 9 volt batteries lose their charge faster than alkaline 9V batteries
• Most rechargeable 9 volt batteries cannot be recharged until they are completely drained
• Ultralife Lithium 9 volt batteries outlast all other 9 volt batteries. Ultralife 9 volt batteries are outstanding for smoke alarms, baby monitors, carbon monoxide alarms, garage door openers, security systems, clock radios and many other 9 volt applications.
• Lithium Ultralife 9V batteries are excellent for extreme temperature applications as they operate in varying temp ranges from -20 degrees to +140 degrees F, much better than 9 volt Alkaline batteries.
• Duracell, Energizer and Ultralife 9V batteries are the safest, most reliable 9V battery options

The dependability of 9 volt batteries relies more on the 9 volt batteries distributor than most people realize because while most 9 volt batteries look the same on the outside, only a reputable company can guarantee the quality of the 9 volt batteries on the inside.  Choose a merchant who offers a 100% guarantee on its 9 volt batteries.  Make sure the 9 volt batteries you buy have been properly stored in a cool, dry warehouse. Look for fresh 9 volt batteries with an expiration date of at least 4 years.

We recommend choosing Medic Batteries for all your 9 volt batteries shopping. Prices are low, service is exceptional and every battery is 100% guaranteed. Medic’s 9 volt batteries ship same day, and special discounts and free shipping promotions are frequently available at Medicbatteries.com.

Since the life you’ll get from your battery is dependent on when it was made, not necessarily when it was put into service, its important to know the date code so you can be sure the battery you buy is relatively “fresh” and hasn’t been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years. 

When you buy batteries from Medic Batteries, rest assured you will receive a fresh battery shipment. Each Energizer and Duracell Procell battery from Medic Batteries has a minimum 4 year shelf life and is date coded with the expiration month and year stamped on each battery.                                                                                      

Energizer and Duracell battery cases are stamped with manufacture date, not the expiration date, so do not be concerned if you receive a shipment with the case stamped  6 month or a year back. The batteries inside are still fresh – and that’s where you need to look – on the actual battery.                                                                                                                                        

Family owned Medic Batteries has provided churches, hospitals, schools, law enforcement agencies, theaters, TV/radio stations and home owners with dependable, long-lasting Duracell batteries and Energizer batteries since 1993.  We’re honest, easy to work with, reliable and experienced battery experts always available by phone to fill orders, solve problems and answer questions.  Let Us Treat You Like Family and Save You 30%-50% Off Retail Battery Prices!                                                                                                                 

Purchase Duracell batteries and Energizer batteries from Medic!  We offer the highest quality alkaline and lithium 9 Volt, AA, AAA, C, D and other popular sized Duracell batteries and Energizer batteries at discounted, bulk prices.

The answer to this question lies simply in how you use your AA and AAA alkaline battery or lithium battery.  Energizer lithium batteries offer superior performance in high drain electronic devices such as digital cameras and MP3 players.  Alkaline batteries are best for low drain devices like remote controls and alarm clocks.  Lithium batteries are built in a spirally wound construction. This design helps the battery meet the high current drains of many of today’s devices better than an alkaline battery.  Energizer lithium batteries also perform well in cold temperatures and weigh 1/3^rd less than the alkaline battery equivalent. 

Though it’s obvious that lithium batteries cost more up front, lithium batteries will still be powering your electronics as the other guy is buying more of his alkaline battery.  The truth is in the battery, Energizer lithium batteries last 5-6 times longer than an alkaline battery.   

At Medic Batteries our Energizer Lithium batteries are guaranteed fresh and ready to provide highly dependable, long-lasting power.  Check out our Energizer lithium assortment packs and other lithium batteries, and don’t forget our lithium batteries ship free and are 100% guaranteed!

Are you constantly in need of replacement batteries? Do you find yourself wondering should you choose the cheapest brand or a major brand, like Duracell or Energizer? Lithium or rechargeable batteries? Like with so many products today: there are a ton of choices with little information and loads of marketing hype. It can be confusing, which is why a battery expert like Medic Batteries is an invaluable resource for information about replacement batteries. 

 Because at Medic Batteries, our knowledge means power! When shopping for replacement batteries, consumers are faced with many options concerning which replacement batteries are the best batteries. Alkaline batteries are good for everyday uses, particularly for low drain devices (those that do not use much energy.) The top of the line lithium batteries are designed for high drain applications and are the best batteries for quick recovery devices like a camera flash. The biggest advantage of lithium batteries is that they do not need to be changed as often. They also have a much longer shelf life.  Rechargeable batteries can be a good investment and are great for the environment, but it depends how you are planning to use them – there are limited applications for which rechargeables can be used.  When buying replacement batteries, use the following guidelines:

Decision #1 - Determine the type of applicationThe two main types of devices are high drain and low drain. Some applications, like CD players, fall about in the middle. Other applications, like MP3 players, or boom boxes, are high drain and need replacement batteries more often or should use lithium, while clocks and desk alarms are low drain. It’s important to select the right replacement battery for your application.

Decision #2 - Determine the ‘use by’ dateSome replacement batteries are stored too long before they are sold. Make sure to check the ‘use by’ date on replacement batteries before buying. The freshest alkaline batteries have a date no less than 5 years away. ‘Expired’ batteries have about 85% of their original capacity and are not the best battery in critical applications.  

Decision #3 - CHOOSING A BRAND…Hundreds of brands claim to be the best battery but only Energizer, Duracell and Ultralife can live up to this promise. These leading manufacturers produce the most trusted, dependable, high performance alkaline and lithium batteries on the market and are the very best replacement batteries for critical applications.  To choose the best battery from these excellent brands, try each kind of replacement batteries and keep track of the life you get from each. One of these top brands is sure to be the best battery for your needs. 

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES are growing in popularity, but are they worth the investment? While the best selling rechargeable brand - Energizer rechargeable batteries - are great all-around batteries and terrific for the environment, rechargeable batteries are not ideal for all applications. The chemicals inside a rechargeable battery are reversible, allowing them to be recharged time and time again, up to a thousand times with Energizer rechargeables. Energizer rechargeable batteries offer good performance and cost less per use than alkaline batteries. However it’s important to know - NiMH battery rechargeable does not hold a charge like an alkaline battery. An alkaline battery is ‘turned on’ when it’s inside a device and the device is operating, a rechargeable battery drains everyday, whether it’s in a device or not. It’s important to re-charge rechargeable batteries often to maintain maximum capacity. You shouldn’t use a rechargeable battery in smoke detectors, baby monitors or wireless mics.