The World's Most Popular Battery Size
The AA battery — known internationally as LR6 (alkaline), R6 (carbon-zinc), or AM3 (Japanese standard) — is the most widely used battery size in the world. It powers everything from TV remote controls and computer mice to digital cameras and children's toys.
For OEM manufacturers, product designers, and importers, understanding the full technical specification of AA batteries is essential for product development, compliance, and sourcing decisions.
IEC Nomenclature and International Designations
| Standard | Designation | Chemistry |
|---|---|---|
| IEC | LR6 | Alkaline |
| IEC | R6 | Carbon-Zinc |
| ANSI | 15A | Alkaline |
| ANSI | 15D | Carbon-Zinc |
| Japanese | AM3 | Alkaline |
| Japanese | UM3 | Carbon-Zinc |
| Common name | AA | Both |
Physical Dimensions
The AA battery has standardized dimensions defined by IEC 60086-2:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 14.5 mm (±0.5 mm) |
| Height | 50.5 mm (±0.5 mm) |
| Weight (alkaline) | ~23 g |
| Weight (carbon-zinc) | ~18 g |
| Terminal type | Flat positive (+), Flat negative (-) |
Electrical Specifications
Alkaline LR6 (Dukecell Standard)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 1.5 V |
| Capacity (typical) | 2,600–3,000 mAh |
| Internal resistance | 150–300 mΩ |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
| Shelf life | 7–10 years |
| Discharge cutoff voltage | 0.8 V |
Carbon-Zinc R6
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 1.5 V |
| Capacity (typical) | 1,000–1,500 mAh |
| Internal resistance | 300–500 mΩ |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| Shelf life | 3–5 years |
Application Guide by Discharge Rate
High drain (>500 mA continuous):
- Digital cameras, motorized toys, power tools
- Recommendation: Alkaline LR6 only
- Carbon-zinc will fail rapidly under high drain
Medium drain (50–500 mA):
- Flashlights, portable radios, game controllers
- Recommendation: Alkaline LR6 preferred
- Carbon-zinc acceptable for cost-sensitive applications
Low drain (<50 mA):
- Remote controls, wall clocks, calculators, smoke detectors
- Recommendation: Either alkaline or carbon-zinc
- Carbon-zinc offers good value at low drain rates
Quality Parameters to Specify When Sourcing
When issuing an RFQ for AA batteries, specify:
- Chemistry: LR6 (alkaline) or R6 (carbon-zinc)
- Capacity: Minimum mAh at specified discharge rate (e.g., 2,500 mAh at 25 mA to 0.8V cutoff)
- Leakage test: IEC 60086-5 compliance
- Certifications: CE, RoHS, SGS as required by target market
- Packaging: Bulk, blister pack, or custom retail packaging
- Labeling: IEC designation, capacity, expiry date, recycling symbols
Dukecell LR6 Battery
Dukecell's LR6 alkaline battery is manufactured to IEC 60086-2 standards with:
- Capacity: 2,600 mAh (typical, at 25 mA continuous discharge to 0.8V)
- Dimensions: 14.15 mm × 50.50 mm
- Weight: 23.5 g
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C
- Shelf life: 7 years
- Certifications: CE, RoHS, SGS
Available in bulk (loose), tray pack, blister card, or custom retail packaging. OEM labeling available from 50,000 units/SKU.
Request a free sample [blocked] or download the datasheet [blocked].