Compact power sources power small electrical appliances such as flashlights, cordless phones and toys. These include conventional and rechargeable batteries, as well as one of the latest innovations – batteries with a USB port. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. What is the difference and what to choose from this list – we will answer the question in detail in our material?
Batteries
A classic source of energy for all kinds of devices, from TV remotes to electric toothbrushes. There are more than five types of batteries that differ in form factor, size, and nominal voltage – the marking includes numbers and Latin letters.
Most devices use a finger (AA) or mini-finger batteries (AAA) with a voltage of 1.5 V, less often you can find a “crown” (PP3) of nine volts. The remaining species are already more specific and are much less common in household appliances.
When the battery is discharged, the voltage drops smoothly, and the operating time depends on the capacity – the larger it is, the longer the battery will last.
The main feature of batteries is one-time use. As soon as you use up all the charge, the battery will have to be thrown away.
You can charge the batteries both in the device itself with support for charging from the outlet (cordless phones, electric toothbrushes), and in special chargers. The latter are produced in a huge range of various sizes with the ability to simultaneously charge up to eight batteries.
Rechargeable batteries come in handy in cases where, due to the active use of technology, you have to change batteries too often. Purchasing a rechargeable power supply will save you money in the long run. However, keep in mind that you will have to purchase a special charger if the gadget you are using does not support charging from a wall outlet.
USB batteries
One of the main problems with batteries is the operating voltage of 1.2 volts, which is why some devices recognize the battery as discharged. This disadvantage was solved in USB accumulators due to the built-in controller and converter. This allows you to give out a voltage of 1.5 volts like conventional batteries, and it keeps stable throughout the entire time of operation. As soon as the charge ends, the USB battery is completely turned off.
Because of this design feature, USB batteries are charged not through the usual “plus” and “minus” but using the built-in micro-USB. Accordingly, for charging you will need a special splitter, usually from USB to micro-USB.
