A guide to all about C batteries

C batteries are a household favourite dry cell. Like the AA, AAA, and D, these batteries are cylindrical in shape.

00:12 12 July 2023

C batteries are a household favourite dry cell. Like the AA, AAA, and D, these batteries are cylindrical in shape. In this article, we will go over what C batteries are, the different types of C batteries on offer, and what makes them unique. Keep reading below to learn more about this topic or find them here if you are interested in buying one for yourself.

What are C Batteries? 

C batteries are a widely used type of dry cell battery. As its name suggests, dry cell batteries were created in order to operate with minimal internal moisture, as a result, these batteries became ideal for portable devices. AA and AAA batteries are the most familiar size of dry cell batteries, but they are smaller and therefore have a more limited lifespan when compared to size C batteries. 

C batteries are also known as R14s, after their designation by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) – a prominent electrical standards body. 

Different types of C Batteries

There are a few different battery C types. That said, C batteries are typically divided into two major classes – chargeable and rechargeable. Beyond that, there are plenty of other types as well. Below, we look at each type of C battery. 

Rechargeable

As the name suggests, rechargeable C batteries can be recharged hundreds of times, making them a very sustainable power source. Additionally, some C size rechargeable batteries are built into the device that they power while removable models generally require a separate adapter for the charging process. 

Standard/non-rechargeable

Non-rechargeable C batteries provide a long-lasting and reliable charge for devices with medium to high power consumption needs. To ensure maximum compatibility, C type batteries are typically built to a standard size of 50mm or 1.97 inches in length, and 26.2mm or 1.03 inches in diameter. 

Alkaline

Alkaline C batteries are based on an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. As a result of their energy density and long shelf life, C alkaline batteries are one of the most widely used types of batteries and they are commonly found in a variety of everyday household items. In fact, Alkaline C batteries can be used in devices that require higher power, such as flashlights, toys, and remote controls. That said, alkaline C batteries are typically non-rechargeable and should be disposed of after use. 

Lithium

Lithium C batteries make use of the metallic element lithium as the central anode/central conductor. They are noted for their long lives, but they are different from the rechargeable lithium-ion C batteries usually included in portable electronic devices such as laptops and smartphones. The latter instead derive their charge from the movement of lithium ions. This type of battery is suitable for high-drain devices such as digital cameras and portable audio players; however, they tend to be costlier than alkaline C batteries. They also belong to the non-disposable class and should be recycled once they have reached the end of their lifespan.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) 

NiMH is another type of C rechargeable battery that people may consider buying. It is a super-friendly battery as it does not contain any toxic chemicals. The battery usually has a charge cycle of between 200 to 2,000 cycles. This means that it can be recharged multiple times without losing its capacity. The nominal voltage for this battery type is 1.2V, although it can vary depending on the specific chemical composition of the battery. As a result of its chemical composition, this battery type typically has a long shelf life. 

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)

NiCd C batteries are rechargeable and have a higher capacity than alkaline C batteries. They are commonly used in high-drain electronic devices such as cameras and power tools. NiCd batteries are durable and can be recharged up to 1,000 times, and they are able to withstand deep discharges without any damage, unlike other types of rechargeable batteries. The presence of safe chemicals makes it ideal for use in the biomedical industry. 

C battery voltages

A battery voltage is the electrical potential difference between the positive and negative terminals of a battery. It is typically measured in volts (V) and is the main source of power in most electrical circuits. Here are the different voltages for the C battery. 

1.5V battery

This is the common voltage for most primary C batteries. This voltage is enough to run small appliances and devices. Some applications include toys, radios, watches, torches, and lanterns, to name a few. 

3V battery

This battery is slightly more powerful than the 1.5V C battery. It is usually used to run higher-power devices such as flashlights. Some applications include cameras, remote controls, and radios to name a few.

3.6V battery

Typically, 3.6V C batteries are used solely for professional or industrial applications. Typical applications include utility meters and automatic meter readers, buoys, measuring equipment, professional electronics, and industrial applications, to name a few. 

6V battery

This battery is the most powerful of the C batteries. It is usually used to run high-power applications such as emergency lighting or medical equipment. Some applications include alarm systems, robotics, industrial applications, and more.