Battery standards
1) Primary and small secondary batteries
Battery classification symbols
| |
Symbol |
Type |
Positive electrode |
Electrolyte |
Negative electrode |
Nominal voltage
(V) |
| Primary batteries |
no symbol
i) |
Zinc-carbon battery |
Manganese dioxide |
Zinc chloride solution |
Zinc |
1.5 |
| B |
Fluorographite lithium battery |
Fluorographite |
Non-aqueous organic |
Lithium |
3.0 |
| C |
Manganese dioxide - lithium battery |
Manganese dioxide |
Mon-aqueous organic |
Lithium |
3.0 |
| E |
Thionyl chloride - lithium battery |
Thionyl chloride |
Non-aqueous organic |
Lithium |
3.6 |
| F |
Iron sulfide lithium battery |
Iron sulfide |
Non-aqueous organic |
Lithium |
1.5 |
| G |
Copper oxide lithium battery |
Copper oxide (II) |
Non-aqueous organic |
Lithium |
1.5 |
| L |
Alkali manganese battery |
Manganese dioxide |
Alkaline solution |
Zinc |
1.5 |
| P |
Zinc-air battery |
Oxygen |
Alkaline solution |
Zinc |
1.4 |
| S |
Silver-oxide battery |
Silver oxide |
Alkaline solution |
Zinc |
1.55 |
| Z |
Nickel-based primary battery |
Nickel oxyhydroxide |
Alkaline solution |
Zinc |
1.5 |
| Secondary batteries |
H ii) |
Nickel–metal
hydride battery |
Nickel oxide |
Alkaline solution |
Hydrogen absorbing alloys |
1.2 |
| K iii) |
Nickel-cadmium batteries |
Nickel oxide |
Alkaline solution |
Cadmium |
1.2 |
| IC iv) |
Lithium-ion battery |
Lithium compound oxide |
Non-aqueous organic |
Carbon |
3.7 |
| PB |
Lead-acid battery |
Lead dioxide |
Diluted sulfuric acid |
Lead |
2.0 |
- Zinc-carbon batteries are represented only by a shape symbol
- In some cases, NH, HH, TH and similar symbols are used.
- In some cases, N, P and similar symbols are used.
- In some cases, CG, ICP, LIP, U, UP and similar symbols are used.
Shape classification symbols
| Shape symbol |
Battery shape |
| R |
Circular (cylindrical, button, coin) |
| F |
Chine, flat |
 
How to read the battery symbols
(1) Number of batteries connected in series
(2) Symbol used in battery classification
(3) Shape classification symbol
(4) Number expressing dimension
International standards for cylindrical batteries and their common names
In Japan, the size of batteries, such as zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline manganese batteries, are commonly referred to as Unit 1, Unit 2, etc., and in the United States, they have their own common names. The International IEC and Japan Industrial Standard (JIS) have their own names that are used in measurement standards.
International standards (IEC)
(JIS) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Japanese name |
U.S. name |
| Height |
Diameter |
| R20 |
61.5 |
34.2 |
Unit 1 |
D |
| R14 |
50.0 |
26.2 |
Unit 2 |
C |
| R6 |
50.5 |
14.5 |
Unit 3 |
AA |
| R03 |
44.5 |
10.5 |
Unit 4 |
AAA |
| R1 |
30.2 |
12.0 |
Unit 5 |
N |
A letter before the R indicates the type of battery.
For example, an alkaline manganese battery would be LR6 (unit 3).
The dimensions determine the maximum size. (There is also a minimum value as a reference.)
Primary battery expiration date
Battery standards in Japan require an expiration date. Depending on the type of battery, it will carry either the expiration date or manufacture date (for silver oxide batteries).
This is written on the side or bottom of the battery itself and on the package. The expiration date refers to stored batteries and indicates the period during which the battery will function at its specified performance level.
The expiration date is expressed as "month year" using either of the following formats.
- 03-2010 : March 2010
- 03-10 : March 2010
It is recommended that the batteries are used before this date.
There is no expiration date for secondary (rechargeable) batteries.
2) Lead storage batteries
How to read battery format information |
