Single Use C Batteries

A Quick Guide to Choosing the Most Suitable, Single-use C Batteries

Single-use C batteries are a particular size of battery commonly sold for a wide range of electronic and electrical devices that are larger than pocket-sized. Well-known battery manufacturers of this size of battery include Duracell, Varta, Panasonic, Kodak, Energizer, and many others. If you're looking for good quality, C-sized, single-use batteries, you can find many great offers on eBay.

There are three single-use, C-sized battery groups in common use, and each group has a unique chemical composition that determines its particular properties. Battery manufacturers make many variations within each of the three types in order to produce and advertise a line of batteries with certain of those properties enhanced, such as longer shelf-life or better anti-leakage properties. The three main, single-use types of C battery are:

• Zinc-carbon: This is the most affordable type of single-use C battery. It's commonly used in low to medium powered devices such as clocks and torches.
• Alkaline-based: Alkaline C batteries provide longer-lasting power and can deliver more electrical current. They're more expensive than zinc carbon batteries, but their longer life provides better value for money.
• Lithium-based: These are the most expensive type of single-use C batteries but are also the longest lasting. They're also the best type for powering high-drain devices requiring a sudden burst of sustained high current, such as motorised toys.

Yes, the standard C battery size has long been established. It complies with the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) code number R14, which dictates that each battery is cylindrical, and must meet the height and diameter requirements. Manufacturers of devices and equipment intended to be powered by C batteries make their battery compartments to conform exactly with that specification. There should be no concern regarding whether a C battery or a set of C-sized batteries will fit your device. Provided your device is designated compatible, any single-use C batteries that you buy will fit.

Lithium-based, single-use C batteries can have a shelf-life of up to ten years, so they can be relied upon to perform well whenever you need them. Since you rarely need to keep a spare battery that long, alkaline batteries, and even zinc-carbon batteries that have been specially manufactured for longer life, can also make useful spares.