Batteries play a very important role in the modern world of electronics. It’s hard to imagine where the world would be without them.
However, many people don’t fully understand the components that make batteries work. They just visit a store to buy a battery because it’s easier that way.
One thing you must understand is that batteries don’t last forever. Once you charge, you will use it for a certain time and then require a recharge. Aside from that, batteries have a lifespan. This is the period within which the battery can offer maximum usability.
All this comes down to the battery capacity. Checking the capacity of a battery or its ability to hold power is very important.
For this, you will need a battery tester. We shall be discussing more battery types and testers in this guide.
What Are the Two Types of Battery Testers?
Let’s start from the basics.
What is a battery tester?
Before we go far, let us define what a battery tester means. Basically, the word tester determines something used to test something else.
And in this case, a battery tester is an electronic device used in testing the remaining capacity of a battery. The tester checks the overall charge of a battery, giving you a rough estimate of how much time you have got left.
It has been long believed that battery testers test voltage. That is not true as they only check the remaining capacity.
All batteries use what is called direct current. Once charged, a battery releases the current through a circuit, powering the device it’s connected to.
Battery testers apply a load and monitor how the battery’s voltage responds. It can then tell how much power the battery still has left. In other words, the battery tester acts as a power checker.
These tools are crucial for monitoring and troubleshooting batteries. Hence, you will find them in a wide array of applications.
Battery testers are used in:
●Industrial maintenance
●Automotive
●Facility maintenance
●Electrical
●Test and maintenance
●Home applications
They don’t require any high-tech skills to operate. The devices are quick to use, offering fast, straightforward results.
Having a battery tester is mandatory in some applications. They define how much energy your battery has, helping you use it appropriately.
There are many types of battery testers. Each is suited for specific battery types and sizes.
Here are the common types:
Electronic Battery Tester
Electronic battery testers, also known as digital testers, measure the remaining capacity in a battery. They are modern and use digital applications to bring out the results.
Most of these testers come with an LCD. You can view the results more easily and clearly.
Often, the result is displayed in a graph, depending on the specific model. Users can therefore find what they are looking for much faster. Its user-friendly interface offers an intuitive performance. You don’t need rocket science knowledge to know what is written.
Domestic Battery Testers
Most of us have batteries in our homes. Sometimes we want to know how much capacity the battery has and how long it can be used.
They are used in measuring capacity for cylindrical batteries like AA and AA. Having such a device in your home is important because you can then tell how much battery charge you have. Then, you can either recharge or get new batteries if the current ones are no longer useful.
Domestic battery testers are used for common battery chemistries. These include alkaline, NiCd, and Li-ion. They are common in most home applications, including in type C and D batteries.
A typical domestic battery can work on a combination of these batteries. Some can even work on all of them.
Universal Battery Testers
As the name suggests, these are testers designed not for a specific battery type. Like domestic battery testers, they are usually designed for cylindrical batteries.
Some voltage meters can test larger varieties of different-sized batteries. They will help you read capacity for anything from smaller-sized button cell batteries to larger car batteries.
Universal battery testers have become more common because of their wide range of uses. Buyers find a single tool that works for most batteries better than buying different testers for every battery.
Car Battery Testers
Car batteries are very important for the proper working of your vehicle. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the middle of nowhere due to battery issues.
You can use a car battery tester to discover your battery’s state. These testers are designed for lead-acid batteries. They connect to the car battery to provide clear status of your battery’s health, condition, and voltage output.
It’s a great idea to have this application if you own a car. However, you must be sure your battery is compatible with the battery in your car.
Types of Battery Sizes
Battery size is a crucial indicator in the buying process. The wrong battery size will be unusable. An international standard IEC uses a standard size. The Anglo-Saxon countries use references in letters.
Based on this, the common battery sizes are:
●AAA: These are some of the smallest batteries, mostly alkaline, used in remote control units and similar applications. They are also called LR 03 or 11/45.
●AA: These batteries are bigger than AA. They are also called LR6 or 15/49.
●C: Size C batteries are much bigger than AA and AAA. Also called LR 14 or 26/50, these alkaline batteries are common in much bigger applications.
●D: Also, LR20 or 33/62 are the largest alkaline batteries.
●6F22: These are specially designed batteries, also called 6LR61 or E-Block.
Types of Battery Technology
There are several battery technologies in the world today. Modern manufacturers are always trying to come up with something new.
Common technologies include:
●Alkaline batteries – these are usually primary cells. They are long-lasting and carry a large capacity.
●Lithium-ion – stronger batteries made from lithium metal. They are secondary cells.
●Lithium polymer. Highest density batteries and so far the best secondary cells for electronic devices.
Now that you understand battery testers, it should be easy to choose the right one. Reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Post time: Mar-14-2022