Many different battery holder sizes and mounting types are available from manufacturers and suppliers all over the world. Most will be made to work with a particular sort of cell - or sometimes with a range of multiple battery sizes - and to be affixed to the electrical item in question in a specific way.
Bear in mind that, in addition to sorting through the wide variety of battery holder sizes and capacities on the market, you’ll also need to be mindful of the many options available in terms of actual battery chemistry.
While the vast majority of holders and mounts will be able to accommodate most battery chemistry types, each will have its own unique set of pros and cons in terms of performance, power drain, longevity, cost and environmental impact.
Common battery types sold by many suppliers might include:
- Alkaline batteries
- Lithium batteries
- Rechargeable batteries (including li-ion)
- Nickel cadmium batteries
- Nickel metal hydride batteries
- NiZN batteries
The above range of cell types is often available across a broad range of popular battery sizes and shapes, including both AA and AAA versions. Most, but not all, will be interchangeable in a wide range of devices, holders and mounts. However, it’s seldom advisable to combine mixed battery chemistries in a single electronic device.
Doing so can often impede device performance, as the item drawing power will only ever perform to the capabilities of the weakest battery in the holder. Of even greater concern is the fact that more powerful batteries can sometimes force weaker ones to work harder than they’re intended to, causing them to drain to very low voltage levels and possibly leading to potential leaking or rupture.
As such, it’s always wise to ensure you know which cell types you’re likely to be using in advance of making a purchase, as well as the correct sizing you’ll require.