Floridians know the drill: An unexpected storm has knocked out the power and so the search begins for a flashlight. But will it have any juice left to turn it on? Or the air conditioning unit goes down and that battery-powered fan can be the hero of the day – if there are any D cell batteries to be found. And bang that TV remote control on the coffee table is all you want, but what is really needed are two fresh AA batteries.
Despite the lightning fast evolution to powering life’s little luxuries, so much of what makes the world go round still depends on a fresh battery. Do you know where your spare supplies of batteries are? Make sure you’re always prepared by buying these popular battery packs.
You can never have enough AA batteries. They power most remote controls, toys, digital cameras, LED flashlights, garage door openers, wall clocks and more.
In earlier times, D cell batteries were the workhorse of the battery family, powering just about every device. These days, they still play an important role with larger flashlights and other hurricane-preparedness items such as fans and small coolers. Trust us: You’re still going to need D batteries on hand.
Like their AA battery relatives, the AAA battery is most often used with remote controls, MP3 players, digital cameras and other small electronics. It’s not like you can choose what battery to run your device, but it’s worth noting – perhaps for trivia purposes only – that both the AA and AAA batteries deliver the same voltage.
Once upon a time, 9 volt batteries were the standard power device for most transistor radios. (Actually some battery manufacturers still refer to this model as a “transistor battery.”) These days, they’re the pesky batteries that power your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – the ones that always seem to die out at 2 in the morning. That’s reason enough to keep an extra pack of these in the closet.
Slightly smaller than a D cell battery – both can trace their history back to the 1920s – the C cell is the go-to power device for many musical instruments, some flashlights and other medium-sized toys.
A 3V battery is designed to be leak-free and perform in extreme temperatures. That’s why it’s ideal for use in small electronics such as calculators, watches, fitness trackers and small toys.
Steve Spears is editor of Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. He is based in Orlando and counts St. Augustine, Key West and the Gulf Beaches among his favorite destinations in the state.
