Lantern battery

6 volt & 4.5 volt lantern batteries

A lantern battery is a rectangular battery, typically an alkaline or zinc-carbon primary battery, used primarily in flashlights or lanterns. Lantern batteries are physically larger and consequently offer higher capacity than the more common torch batteries. Lantern batteries comprise multiple cells inside a housing.

The most common variant in the US is the 6 volt square-base battery with spring terminals. In Europe the most common is the 4.5 volt flat-pack types.

Common variants

6 volt

The 6-volt variety typically has spring or screw terminals. Different types have different internal construction; the same package size may be made up with "D" size or "F" size cells, giving different capacity. A rechargeable version, comprising a three-cell sealed lead-acid battery with a lower capacity than primary versions, has also been marketed.^[1] They are also used in the construction industry for powering flashing lights at roadworks.^[2]

4.5 volt

4.5-volt, D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA, A23, 9-volt, CR2032 and LR44 batteries

More common in Europe and Russian Federation, this is a smaller, flat-pack battery mostly used in flashlights. It uses two metal strips as terminals. The shorter strip is the + terminal.

7.5 volt

The 7.5-volt version has screw terminals and rectangular base. A carrying handle is usually connected between the terminals.

12 volt

The 12-volt version has screw terminals and a rectangular base. Since it is 12-volt, this type can be used to power car accessories outside of an automobile, using extra wiring or an adapter.

Specifications and designations

Name	IEC number	ANSI/NEDA	Manufacturer designations	Capacity (Ah) [3]	Dimensions (mm)
4.5 Volt [4]	3R12, 3LR12	3R12, 3LR12, 4.5v	G3LR12, 1289/AD28, 210, GP312S, MN1203, 3336	3 – 4.8	67 × 62 × 22
6 Volt, Spring fitting[5]	4R25X, 4LR25X	908AC, 908C, 908CD, 908D	EN1209, EN529, MN908, EV90, EV90HP, GP908, PJ996	12 – 26	115 × 68.2 × 68.2
6 volt, Screw fitting[6]	4R25Y, 4LR25Y	915A	EN528	26	109.5 × 66.7 × 66.7
6 Volt, double[7]	4R25-2, 4LR25-2	918A	EN521, MN918, GP918S, GP918G, 918/1231	52	125.4 × 132.5 × 73
7.5 Volt[8]	5LR25-2	903AC	EN715, PC903	43	97 × 184.2 × 103.2
12 Volt[9]	8R25	926	EN732, PC926	7.5	125.4 × 136.5 × 73

References

1. CamdenBoss. "Rechargeable lantern battery" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-10-08.
2. "Flashing Warning Light". Retrieved 2011-06-04.
3. When more than one figure is listed, the lower number refers to zinc-carbon batteries, the higher to alkaline.
4. Golden Power Corporation (HK) LTD. "G3LR12 Engineering Data" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-01-15.
5. Eveready Battery Company. "EVR-1209 Engineering Data" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-01-15.
6. Eveready Battery Company. "EVR-528 Engineering Data" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-01-15.
7. Eveready Battery Company. "EVR-521 Engineering Data" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-01-15.
8. Eveready Battery Company. "EVR-715 Engineering Data" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-01-15.
9. Eveready Battery Company. "EVR-732 Engineering Data" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-01-15.