AA and AAA lookalikes
NiMH HR6 and HR03 cells share familiar dimensions with AA and AAA alkaline cells but are commonly rated at 1.2 V rather than 1.5 V.
Lithium cylinder lookalikes
A 14500 resembles AA and a 16340 resembles CR123A, but lithium-ion voltage and charging requirements are materially different.
Approval must be explicit
Use a rechargeable alternative only when the device manual specifies that chemistry, voltage range and charging arrangement.
Decision boundary
This guide narrows a battery decision but does not override the device manufacturer’s current manual or safety instructions.
Sources
- International Electrotechnical Commission — IEC 60086-1:2026 — Primary batteries, general requirements
Primary-battery nomenclature, form, fit, function, terminal and electrochemical-system framework.
- Duracell — Battery chemistry technical bulletins
Alkaline, lithium-manganese-dioxide, zinc-air and silver-oxide chemistry behavior.