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The first letter in a battery model number denotes the type of battery, while the second denotes the shape (R meaning round, for example). A battery with a model number starting with LR would indicate an alkaline battery with a round shape, while CR would describe a lithium battery with a round shape. Understanding what model numbers mean helps you to tell the difference between batteries even if they appear to be the same.

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Different standards are used in different parts of the world to classify battery sizes. LR03 is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) classification, and AAA the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classification, for the same 10.5 mm x 44.5 mm battery, for example. Many battery packages indicate the size of the battery using two or more standards.

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The “best before” date printed on dry batteries indicates the approximate date up until which we assure optimal performance. After that time, expected performance from an unused state will very slowly degrade. This limitation does not apply to rechargeable batteries, as they can be used anytime so long as they are electrically charged. For reference, the date when the product was manufactured is printed on rechargeable and dry battery packages.

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Alkaline is the most commonly used battery type in countries such as Japan, Europe, and the United States, but in other parts of the world, manganese batteries are most common thanks to their low cost. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two primary battery types.

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Panasonic does not produce an LR61/AAAA battery at this time.

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The common 9 V “square” battery, first developed for use in transistor radios, is designated as PP3 in many parts of the world, and as 006P in Japan. Specific types of PP3/006P battery may be coded 6F22 (zinc-carbon) or 6LR61 (alkaline), for example.

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No, battery weight doesn’t change during use.

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Batteries produce electricity by means of a chemical reaction. Even in an unused state, the chemicals inside the battery degrade gradually over time. The “best before” or expiration date is the date up until which we assure optimal battery performance and quality.

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Select Panasonic batteries make a No Mercury Added claim, which means that no mercury is added to the battery during production.

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Generally speaking, chemical reactions weaken in cold temperatures, and battery lifespan can fall by as much as 50–90 %. However, lithium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and Ni-Cd batteries are all stronger in cold temperatures than alternative battery types, and are therefore well suited to cameras and other devices used outdoors.

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Do not mix batteries of different capacities, types, brands, or ages. Also, never use a mix of dry and rechargeable batteries together in your device, except when the device manufacturer explicitly permits it. Finally, when using rechargeable batteries, ensure that all batteries were charged together at the same time.

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Batteries produce electricity by means of a chemical reaction. Even when the battery electrodes aren’t connected, chemicals inside the battery can interact and cause a very small reaction, which reduces stored charge and decreases battery capacity little by little. This phenomenon is called self-discharge.

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Self-discharge is a result of chemicals inside the battery reacting with each other, and the magnitude of that reaction is highly dependant on storage conditions and temperature. High temperatures will increase the rate of self-discharge, so be careful to store your batteries in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

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Observe the laws and regulations governing battery disposal applicable in your area. Some electronics stores, supermarkets, and department stores offer battery drop-off boxes, where spent batteries are collected and safely disposed of, or the materials recycled. Coin batteries and 9 V battery terminals should be isolated with tape before disposal.

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Do not charge alkaline or zinc-carbon dry batteries in a battery charger. Doing so risks battery rupture, leakage, explosion, or fire. Panasonic offers Panasonic Rechargeable and eneloop rechargeable batteries, which can be safely charged and reused hundreds or thousands of times in a manufacturer-approved charger.

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Do not mix batteries of different capacities, types, brands, or ages. Doing so may result in battery leaks from over-discharge. Also, never use a mix of dry batteries and rechargeable batteries in your device except when the device manufacturer explicitly permits it. Finally, when using rechargeable batteries, ensure that all batteries were charged at the same time.

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The optimal operating temperature for Panasonic primary dry batteries is between 5 °C and 45 °C. Battery performance and lifespan may be reduced in temperatures outside this range.

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Always replace all of the depleted batteries together at the same time. Never mix batteries of different brands, types, expiry dates, and conditions. After you have removed the depleted batteries, check the appliance’s battery compartment for signs of leakage or other abnormalities. This will help ensure the new batteries will function as intended.

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Most households accumulate a collection of remote controls, some used more often than others. It’s easy to know when it’s time to replace batteries in the remotes you use frequently: the device stops responding to commands, or you have to press a button multiple times to get a response. With infrequently used appliances, you should be aware that leaving batteries inside remote controls for long periods—especially in hot and cold temperatures—increases the chance of leakage. So, it’s a good idea to remove batteries from remotes you might use only sometimes, such as a fan, and replace them when you’re ready to use the appliance again.

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- Use the battery type recommended in your device’s manual to enjoy longer life with reduced chance of malfunction
- Take care when inserting single or multiple batteries in the device. If one or more batteries is inserted in the wrong orientation (i.e., with the terminals reversed), it changes the condition inside the battery and can lead to overheating, rupture, or leakage
- Don’t let metal objects touch the battery. As well as risking external damage, metal objects may short-circuit the battery, creating a high-current discharge, overheating, and possible explosion. So, don’t throw your batteries in a drawer with your car keys, loose change, paperclips, etc. Store them in a plastic container
- Always use batteries of the same brand, type, expiry date, and condition when replacing batteries in your appliance. Battery capacity differs not only between battery brands and types, but also between batches of the same brand, and can lead to over-discharge and leakage
- Handle with care. Using a battery that’s been dropped onto a hard surface, or a battery with scratches on the body, may lead to malfunction
- Battery leakage is most frequently caused by over-discharging, when a forgotten device is left on. Even in standby, devices draw a small amount of current from the battery. If you don’t plan on using your equipment for a long time, it’s best to remove the batteries from the unused device and store them in a cool, dry place
- Don’t force batteries into the battery compartment if they don’t fit comfortably. Doing so may damage the device, the battery, or both. Different batteries of the same size may not share identical dimensions (for example, the size of AA rechargeable and dry batteries may be slightly different)
- Remove depleted batteries immediately. Leaving dead batteries in a device for long periods significantly increases the chance of leakage
- Store batteries correctly. Avoid storing your batteries in hot, humid places, in direct sunlight, or in conditions where condensation is likely
- Always use new batteries purchased together at the same time in your device: don’t mix used and unused batteries.

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Panasonic rechargeable batteries ship pre-charged at the factory, but may not be at 100 % capacity when they reach you, especially if you leave them unused for a long period. Selected Panasonic chargers have a “refresh” function that discharges and recharges the battery. It’s a good idea to pop your new batteries into the charger before using them.

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1.5 V is the nominal voltage for dry batteries. However, nickel-metal hydride batteries (such as eneloop) have a nominal voltage of 1.2 V. Dry batteries have a slightly higher voltage than the actual working voltage required by the appliance. Although the nickel-metal hydride battery voltage is 1.2 V, nickel-metal hydride batteries are able to provide similar performance to standard dry batteries. Generally speaking, almost all appliances that require a dry battery can also use Ni-MH battery. Please be aware, though, of exceptional cases where only dry batteries can be used, for example, when the battery compartment is airtight.

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Please do not use Ni-MH batteries in underwater lights or other airtight appliances. Ni-MH batteries feature a gas vent that allows the release of hydrogen when the battery is misused. Gas will not be released under normal usage conditions, but hyper-electric discharge or short circuit can cause internal gas pressure to rise and gas to be expelled. This gas contains hydrogen, and since sealed devices can’t diffuse the gas, any source of ignition may potentially cause fire.

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This is normal. It depends on the capacity of the rechargeable batteries and the charging conditions of the chargers, but both batteries and charger generate heat. For rapid charging of high-capacity rechargeable batteries in particular, the battery surface can reach around 55 °C. Even if the batteries become hotter for whatever reason, a safety circuit inside Panasonic chargers will shut off charging and prevent damage. However, you must never cover the charger with anything that would reduce ventilation during charging, such as a cloth or plastic sheet. Doing so may lead to severe overheating or charger malfunction. Also, you must never place the charger in direct contact with a heat source, such as a stove or radiator.

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If Ni-Cd batteries and Ni-MH batteries are repeatedly charged before the stored energy is completely drained, the battery “memorizes” the altered, decreased capacity. When you use it after that, voltage decreases correspondingly. Sometimes this causes equipment to shut down due to inadequate voltage. This is called memory effect. The voltage of Panasonic Rechargeable and eneloop batteries is higher than that of conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries, so even if memory effect occurs, sufficient voltage is still maintained. You can recharge the battery as required without concern about memory effect.

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This reduces the chance of your batteries developing memory effect. Even if memory effect does occur, voltage will recover if it is fully charged and fully discharged. Refresh Function works by discharging the batteries first, and then recharging the batteries to full capacity.

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- If possible, store batteries in their original packaging. That way, you can keep batteries of the same manufacturing date together (so you don’t accidentally use different batteries in the same device) while keeping track of their expiration date. Storing batteries in their original packaging also helps to prevent oxidization and accidental short-circuit
- Store the batteries at room temperature or in a cool, dry environment, and avoid areas of high humidity or direct sunlight. Ideal storage temperature range is 10–25 °C
- Storage in temperatures higher than 35 °C should be avoided, as it can influence the rate of self-discharge
- In theory, cold storage temperatures are good for the battery. However, if stored in a chilled area, such as a refrigerator, there is a high risk that condensation will form, leading to possible battery malfunction
- If your battery is stored in a cold environment, they should ideally be left for a short period to reach room temperature (do not heat the battery) before use for best performance.

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It is always best to store batteries at low temperature in low humidity. However, storing batteries in the refrigerator should be avoided, as condensation will form on the battery surfaces as soon as they are removed, potentially causing self-discharge and rust.

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Batteries are chemical products which internally undergo certain chemical changes over time. Due to this process, some batteries slightly discharge themselves during storage. This phenomenon is highly dependant on storage conditions. Storage in temperatures over 35 °C will increase the rate of self-discharge.

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There are several possible reasons why batteries can heat up.

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While batteries are manufactured according to IEC standards, there may still be some slight differences in dimensions from brand to brand. If your batteries do not fit in the battery compartment, do not force them. Consult the device specification or contact the device manufacturer for advice on a battery type and brand most suitable for the device.

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After checking for a solution on the device-side, open the battery compartment, and:
- Check that the batteries are inserted with the correct terminal orientation
- Check the battery and device terminals for dust, grease, or grime. Even a small amount can prevent proper contact
- Check that the battery compartment terminals and battery terminals are contacting. While most battery compartments are designed to suit IEC battery dimensions, some aren’t, and loose-fitting batteries may compromise proper contact.

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There are several reasons why this might happen. One possibility is a difference in battery types. Manganese, zinc-carbon, and alkaline dry batteries have different capacities, which may explain a reduced lifespan depending on the application. There are also different grades of alkaline batteries, with premium alkaline offering extended performance especially in high-drain applications. If your appliance came with a premium battery, but it was replaced with a standard battery, this could explain the performance gap.

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What to do if skin or eyes come into contact with alkaline battery electrolyte:
Alkaline battery electrolyte is a potassium hydroxide solution that has a strong alkaline property. Contact with skin may cause chemical burns. Irrigate exposed skin with copious amounts of clear, tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, consult a physician. Contact with eyes may cause blindness. Under no circumstances should you rub the eyes, but instead flush with copious amounts of clear, tepid water for at least 30 minutes.

What to do if skin or eyes come into contact with zinc-carbon battery electrolyte:
Zinc-carbon battery electrolyte is a zinc chloride solution that is mildly acidic. While the electrolyte is not as dangerous as alkaline electrolyte, please follow the below procedure:
If there is skin contact, irrigate exposed skin with copious amounts of clear, tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, consult a physician. If the electrolyte contacts the eyes, under no circumstances should you rub the eyes, but instead flush with copious amounts of clear, tepid water for at least 30 minutes.

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The white crystals and powder that may be present on a leaking alkaline battery is potassium carbonate, which is produced when electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) reacts with CO₂. In this condition, the battery is no longer usable. Potassium carbonate is a very strong alkaline water-soluble substance. If there a chance of chemical burns if it comes in contact with your skin. If exposed, irrigate exposed skin with copious amounts of clear, tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, please consult a physician. In case of contact with the eyes, there is a chance of blindness. Under no circumstances rub the eyes, but flush the eyes with copious amounts of clear, tepid water for at least 30 minutes.

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There are a few possible reasons for battery leakage.

- Unused battery leakage
High temperature and high humidity, which also increases risk of oxidation, are the biggest factors for leakage of unused batteries in storage. External short-circuiting due to accidental contact with a metal object, or internal short-circuiting from impact, are other possibilities.

- Leakage during use
Accidental charging: inserting batteries in the wrong terminal orientation (i.e., positive to positive) is a leading cause of battery leakage when the device is being used. For example, reversing the connection of one battery in a three-battery series will causes the other two batteries to “charge”, over-discharging them and causing leakage.
Short circuit: internal or external short-circuiting causes the battery to generate a high flow of current. If the flow is not immediately interrupted, the battery may overheat and leak.

- Battery short-circuiting
If batteries are not correctly installed, short-circuit may occur, resulting in leakage even if the device is switched off. If a metal object contacts the battery, it forms a connection between the positive and negative terminals, which generates high current, overheating, and leakage. Take care to avoid battery contact with a metal object when inserting them.

- Using a mix of different batteries
Panasonic recommends that you avoid mixing batteries of different capacities, types, brands, ages, or conditions in your device. This is because battery capacity differs between types, brands, and even production batches of the same battery type and brand. During usage, that difference can increase dramatically, leading to over-discharge and leakage.

- Leaving batteries in the appliance
When batteries are left in equipment which is not turned off, or left for longer periods in an unused appliance, there is a chance the batteries will deplete and over-discharge, which can cause battery leakage.

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If you suspect a battery has been inside the washing machine, it is not longer fit to use. It’s likely the battery has short-circuited, or is oxidating. Dispose of the battery, and wash your clothes again to be safe.

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Consult a doctor immediately. Swallowing a battery can lead to nausea, stomachache, darkening of the stool, diarrhea, rashes, or even holes in the walls of the stomach. Do not forcibly try to vomit, as this may cause the battery to get stuck in the esophagus. Instead, consult a doctor immediately. If you can bring along the remaining batteries that were with the swallowed battery, the doctor will know what size, type, and number of batteries have been swallowed, which may help with treatment.