While remote control and game controllers use AA and AAA batteries, there are other types of batteries that are popular in flashlights, portable boomboxes, and other similar “large” devices. Of course, we are talking about D and C batteries. In this guide, we will take a look at the basics of both D and C Battery, understand their chemistry, and other important characteristics. We will also make a simple D vs C battery comparison and figure out which type of battery is better.
If you are interested, we already made a dedicated AA vs AAA battery comparison guide where discussed in detail about those battery types.
What is a D Battery?
A D battery is a standard size of dry cell battery that is commonly used in a wide variety of electronic devices. It is cylindrical in shape and typically measures about 34.2 mm in diameter and 61.5 mm in length.
D batteries are commonly used in flashlights, portable radios, boomboxes, and other electronic devices that require a long-lasting power source. They typically provide a voltage of 1.5 volts and have a capacity of around 18,000 milliampere-hours (mAh).
D batteries are also sometimes referred to as R20, LR20, or mono batteries, depending on the manufacturer and the region where they are sold.
Types of D Batteries
There are several types of D batteries available, with different chemistries and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of D batteries.
1. Alkaline D Batteries
Alkaline D batteries are the most common type of D battery and are widely available. They are made of manganese dioxide and zinc and have a long shelf life and high energy density.
2. Carbon Zinc D Batteries
Carbon zinc D batteries are a less expensive option than alkaline batteries and are made of carbon and zinc. They have a lower capacity than alkaline batteries and are suitable for low-drain devices.
3. Lithium D Batteries
Lithium D batteries are a high-performance option that are ideal for use in electronic devices that require a high amount of power. They are lighter and more powerful than alkaline batteries but are also more expensive.
4. Rechargeable NiMH D Batteries
Rechargeable NiMH D batteries are an environmentally friendly option as they can be reused multiple times. They are made of nickel-metal hydride and are suitable for use in high-drain electronic devices.
5. Zinc-air D Batteries
Zinc-air D batteries are a specialized type of battery that use oxygen from the air as a reactant to produce power. They are often used in hearing aids and other medical devices.
It is worth noting that there may be other variations of D batteries available with different chemistries or brand names, but the ones listed above are some of the most common.
Popular D Battery Chemistry
The most common chemistry used in D batteries is the alkaline chemistry. Alkaline D batteries are typically made up of a zinc anode, a manganese dioxide cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte.
The chemical reactions that occur in an alkaline D battery can be summarized as follows:
At the anode (negative terminal): Zn + 2OH- → Zn(OH)2 + 2e-
At the cathode (positive terminal): 2MnO2 + H2O + 2e- → Mn2O3 + 2OH-
Overall reaction: Zn + 2MnO2 + 2H2O → Zn(OH)2 + Mn2O3
This reaction produces a voltage of around 1.5 volts and generates a current that can power electronic devices.
Other chemistries that are used in D batteries include carbon-zinc, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride, but these are less common than alkaline D batteries.
The following table shows few popular D battery chemistries along with their essential parameters.
| Chemistry | Voltage | Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Shelf Life | Is Rechargeable? |
| Alkaline | 1.5 V | 100 to 150 | 5 to 10 years | No |
| Carbon – Zinc | 1.5 V | 30 to 50 | 2 to 5 years | No |
| Nickel – Cadmium | 1.5 V | 50 to 60 | 1 to 2 years | Yes |
| Nickel – Metal Hydride | 1.5 V | 60 to 100 | 1 to 2 years | Yes |
Pros and Cons of D Battery
Here are some pros and cons of using D batteries.
Pros
- D batteries have a high capacity i.e., they can provide a long-lasting power source for electronic devices that require a high amount of power.
- As D batteries can provide consistent power output throughout their life, they act as a reliable power source.
- D batteries are widely available in most retail stores, making them easy to find and purchase.
- You can use D batteries with a wide range of electronic devices, including flashlights, portable radios, and toys.
- D batteries are convenient to use, as they are easy to replace and require no additional equipment.
Cons
- D batteries are larger and heavier than other types of batteries, making them less portable and more cumbersome to use.
- If you want to use D batteries frequently, then you have to consider their cost as they are more expensive than other types of batteries.
- D batteries can have a negative impact on the environment if not disposed of properly, as they contain harmful chemicals and metals.
- The discharge rate if D batteries is very high i.e., they can lose their charge quickly if not used for an extended period of time.
Applications of D Battery
D batteries are commonly used in electronic devices that require a high capacity and longer lasting power source. Here are some common applications of D batteries:
One of the important and popular application of D batteries is in high-performance flashlights that require a long-lasting power source. They are ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, as they can provide a bright light for extended periods of time.
D batteries are used in portable boomboxes and other audio devices that require a high-capacity power source. They can provide hours of continuous playback time.
Continuing further on audio devices, D batteries are also very popular in portable radios. You can also use them in outdoor and emergency situations.
D batteries are used in older power tools such as cordless drills, saws, and sanders. They provide a high-capacity power source for extended use.
Another common application of D batteries is children’s toys, especially larger ones such as remote-control cars and dolls.
What is a C Battery?
A C battery is a standard size of dry cell battery that is commonly used in a wide variety of electronic devices. It is cylindrical in shape and typically measures about 26.2 mm in diameter and 50 mm in length.
C batteries are often used in flashlights, portable radios, toys, and other electronic devices that require a reliable power source. They typically provide a voltage of 1.5 volts and have a capacity of around 8,000 milliampere-hours (mAh).
C batteries are also sometimes referred to as R14, LR14, or baby batteries, depending on the manufacturer and the region where they are sold. They are similar in shape and construction to D batteries, but are smaller in size and have a lower capacity.
Types of C Battery
As the difference between D and C batteries is only their physical size, the rest of the characteristics such as battery types, chemistries, etc. remain the same.
The important thing is due to their small size, C batteries of same chemistry as D batteries will have slightly less capacity.
Pros and Cons of C Battery
Pros
- C batteries have a medium capacity, which means they can provide a long-lasting power source for electronic devices that require a moderate amount of power.
- Similar to D batteries, even C batteries are very are widely available in most retail stores.
- C batteries are compatible with a wide range of electronic devices, including portable radios, toys, and flashlights.
- Using C batteries is very easy and convenient.
- C batteries are often more affordable than larger battery types like D or 9V batteries.
Cons
- C batteries are larger and heavier than some smaller battery types, such as AA or AAA batteries, which can make them less portable and more cumbersome to use.
- Some electronic devices require specific battery types or sizes, so C batteries may not be compatible with every device.
Applications of C battery
C batteries are commonly used in electronic devices that require a medium-capacity and longer lasting power source. Here are some common applications of C batteries.
C batteries are commonly used in children’s toys such as remote control cars and robots. They are also popular in some types of portable radios.
Smaller flashlights that require a medium-capacity power source use C batteries. They are also ideal for indoor use and can provide a reliable light source for extended periods of time.
C batteries can provide a reliable power source for clocks that operate continuously, such as wall clocks and alarm clocks.
Medical devices such as blood pressure monitors and thermometers also use C batteries. They can provide a reliable power source for these devices, which are often used on a daily basis.
Comparison: D vs C Battery
The main differences between D and C batteries are their size, capacity, and weight. D batteries are larger in size and have a higher capacity compared to C batteries. Here are some specific differences.
1. Size
D batteries are larger than C batteries. The diameter of a D battery is approximately 34.2 mm, while the diameter of a C battery is approximately 26.2 mm.
The length of a D battery is approximately 61.5 mm, while the length of a C battery is approximately 50 mm.
2. Capacity
D batteries typically have a higher capacity compared to C batteries. The capacity of a D battery can range from 8,000 to 18,000 milliampere-hours (mAh), while the capacity of a C battery is usually between 4,000 to 8,000 mAh.
3. Weight
D batteries are heavier than C batteries due to their larger size and higher capacity.
4. Usage
D batteries are typically used in high-drain electronic devices that require a longer lasting power source, such as flashlights and boomboxes, while C batteries are typically used in medium-drain devices such as portable radios and toys.
Which is Better, D or C Battery?
Whether D or C batteries are better depends on the specific needs and requirements of the electronic device they are being used in.
D batteries have a higher capacity and are capable of providing a longer-lasting power source for high-drain electronic devices.
They are ideal for devices that require a high amount of power, such as large flashlights, radios, and portable electronic devices.
However, they are also larger and heavier than C batteries, which can make them less portable and more cumbersome to use.
C batteries have a medium capacity and are capable of providing a long-lasting power source for electronic devices that require a moderate amount of power.
They are ideal for devices that require a medium-capacity power source, such as portable radios, toys, and flashlights.
However, they are also larger and heavier than smaller battery types like AA or AAA batteries, which can make them less portable and more cumbersome to use.
Both D and C batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing which battery type to use ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the electronic device they are being used in.
Conclusion
Both D and C batteries are larger than AA and AAA batteries. The advantage of their size is you can use them in powerful devices such as large flashlights and portable audio systems.
In this guide, we saw the basics of D and C Batteries, their types, common chemistries, applications, pros an cons. We also made a simple D vs C Battery comparison.
