Alkaline Batteries

[BJS]

My remote Boiler controller indicated a battery change and on checking found that it required Alkaline bateries were required. Why is it some pieces of equipment require you to use these type rather than the conventional type.

[rojash]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_battery

"Compared with zinc-carbon batteries of the Leclanché or zinc chloride types, alkaline batteries have a higher energy density and longer shelf-life"

Not sure why you would refer to zinc-carbon as "conventional".

[gingejbee]

"Old-fashioned" zinc chloride batteries won't last nearly as long... and often leak easily causing corrosion and damage to delicate internal parts.

[deggers316]

because alkaline give a constant power out put till the die "standard batteries gradually die most equipment need alkaline for this reason

[BJS]

Thanks for all the answers. I derive from them that where in things like remote control etc where standard batteries are used I could in fact use alkaline. I suspect that they are more expensive, though bought a pkt of 6 from Asda last night for (there own brand)£2.50.

[ChuckFickens]

alkaline batteries are standard batteries these days.

[BJS]

This is obviously where this old fellow is getting confused as when I looked at Asda's selection most of them just said AA or AAA etc but the pack I purchased specifically stated they were Alkaline. Also I had several packs of new Duracell ones at home but they did not specify they were Alkaline so could I have used these safely.

[denis567]

Duracell batteries are alkaline, as far as I know

[wildwood]

Maybe they mean that you don't use re-chargeable ones.
AA/AAA Nicad or Ni-MH only do 1.2v each, so 2.4v from two batteries is not enough.

[deggers316]

chuck
you can get zinc batteries every where, alkaline are not standard, you can still buy these every where and people that dont know the difference often do buy these because there cheaper,
my last two remotes for items i purchased had zinc batteries in ,that's all they required

[deggers316]

also i know of people near me that dont bother with their smoke alarm because it eats batteries all because there putting in zinc type when it states alkaline only, as you know smoke alarms need a constant power supply of a certain voltage only alkaline and more recent type do this
SMOKE ALARMS ALKALINE BATTERIES ONLY folks

[north star]

I believe that the recommendation is for alkaline batteries over rechargeable ones as alkaline one 'die' quite slowly. The equipment recognizes the slight voltage drop and says 'change me..change me' but still has enough power to continue operating for a 'few' days. Rechargeable batteries 'die' very very quickly so when they do go, the equipment fails too.