C batteries are mostly common in medium applications like musical instruments
, toys and many such. These size batteries are widely used in UK.
This battery is also called as a cell. The nominal output voltage of C batteries is 1.5 volts. The voltage of these batteries is equal to that of AA, AAA or D batteries. But, the time duration of providing the power of C batteries is longer as compared to AA batteries because of the large size cell that can store more amount of anode material.
The pre-charged batteries of this type use alkaline or zinc carbon technology. The zinc carbon batteries are available at a lower cost and are more useful in less power consuming applications like torches. Whereas, the C batteries using alkaline are more modernized and have improved the short comings of the zinc carbon C type batteries. They have good performing ability for a longer duration and are used in high power consuming applications like toys or electrical motors. The zinc carbon batteries of C type hold 3,800 mAh whereas; alkaline batteries of the same type hold up to 8,000 mAh. The operating efficiency of alkaline C type batteries is 4 to 15 times more than zinc carbon battery.
The rechargeable C batteries use either Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) technology. NiMH can provide greater capacity against strong bursts of power without affecting the memory in comparison with NiCd. The rechargeable C type batteries can be used to replace a single C type battery in the applications that require one or two batteries.