subject: Features Of D Batteries [print this page] The D battery is considered to be the largest among AA, AAA, C and D families. It is an electrochemical cell and also known as dry cell.
The D cell is cylindrical in shape having electrical contacts at the end. The positive electrical contact is identified by the bump. The positive terminal of the D battery is packed with non-alkaline zinc carbon based cells and the negative terminal with alkaline based cells. Due to the large size of this D cell, it possesses great mass of anode material which can supply power for a longer time during electrical work. Thus, D batteries are used in high drain applications like radio receivers, huge flashlights, transmitters, safety systems, handy entertainment systems, products using motors for running and many more applications which require extended runtime. Rechargeable as well non-rechargeable versions of this type of battery are available in the market.
The standardized length and diameter of D battery are approximately 60.5 mm and 33.1 mm respectively. The nominal output voltage of a single D cell is 1.5 volts. The D cells made up of special materials can operate at higher voltage of 1.6 volts under load. The terminal voltage of a D battery is equal to AA, AAA or C cells.
Some batteries in the market are available in D shape and are labeled as D size cell but are actually different. They are sealed with lead acid cells having a nominal voltage of 2 volts. These batteries have a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
