The main difference between a salt and an alkaline battery: everything you need to know!

  • Dec 14, 2020
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Few users delve into how home electronics work. For example, the simplest TV remote control, or other devices that require autonomous energy sources to power them. The choice of such sources (batteries) is quite extensive, and it should be approached with knowledge of the matter.

What are Saline Batteries

Salt batteries are found almost everywhere. These are inexpensive products of different voltages, which do not require any special equipment for disposal. In a normal, dry room, these batteries can be stored for at least two years.

The salt battery consists of:

  • Plus manganese anode.
  • Minus zinc cathode.
  • The electrolyte is zinc chloride, or, as it is more simply called, salt. This is where the name comes from.

Another design difference from alkaline power supplies is a cylindrical negative cathode. This feature does not provide for any technical improvements, but still.

Of the minuses: deterioration of work and a decrease in the operational life when operating in conditions of low temperature. Therefore, it is best to install salt batteries in devices that are constantly warm. In order to add to the service life of the salt power source, it must be periodically disconnected from the consumer and make sure that it does not overheat.

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Alkaline batteries

Constructive alkaline food sources differ from salt ones only in one - electrolyte. They do not use zinc chloride, but potassium hydroxide, or ordinary alkali. Accordingly, batteries with a similar substance in the middle require special disposal.

Alkaline batteries

The main advantage of such power supplies is their increased capacity. For example, a simple 9 V alkaline battery will last 3-5 times longer than a salt one. The potential difference of the alkaline product drops lower, the discharge takes longer, and the current strength of alkaline batteries is several times greater than that of salt batteries. Moreover, the cost is not much higher.

When using alkali, the shelf life of alkaline products also increases. In a normal, dry environment, these batteries can be preserved for up to 10 years. Nor will their technical qualities deteriorate.

Should I choose alkaline or saline batteries?

If you understand this issue in detail, then the best and most reliable is to purchase lithium batteries, the service life of which is simply enormous, and the capacity of some products reaches 3000 mAh. But, choosing between alkaline and salt products, of course, it is best to stop at first.

High capacity lithium batteries

You can reiterate the advantages of alkaline food sources:

  • Increased capacity, respectively, long service life.
  • Long-term storage (but only under appropriate environmental conditions).
  • Affordable pricing policy.

Of course, one should not forget about the peculiarities of disposal and immediately after buying alkaline batteries, find out where the nearest collection point is. Such points are usually installed in supermarkets and small retail stores.