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Discussion » Questions » Science and Technology » Batteries. We have AA-cells, AAA-cells, C-cells and D-cells. Why don't we have B-cells?
Element 99

Batteries. We have AA-cells, AAA-cells, C-cells and D-cells. Why don't we have B-cells?

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Posted - November 5, 2019
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Responses


  • 17593
    B batteries are still made and sold and pack a decent punch for their size, 21.5 mm x 60 mm (.8464 in. by 2.36 in.), producing 1.5 volts and 8350 mAh for the alkaline variety.

    https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/05/why-are-there-no-b-batteries/
      November 5, 2019 6:00 PM MST
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  • 44607
    I'll have to check them out. What uses them?
      November 5, 2019 6:02 PM MST
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  • 17593
    No idea.  I didn't know there were B cells either so now I do.  
      November 5, 2019 6:08 PM MST
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  • 44607
    Hey...I looked them up. They're Russian.
      November 5, 2019 6:11 PM MST
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  • 17593
    Not these.  There are specialty manufacturers for odd batteries.  The article leads one to think they might be really expensive.  

    https://www.techlib.com/electronics/B-battery.htm
      November 5, 2019 6:25 PM MST
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  • 23576

    AA cells -- I thought that's where they locked up alcoholics

    ;)
      November 5, 2019 6:13 PM MST
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  • 10636
    Aren't "B-cells" called hives?
      November 5, 2019 11:16 PM MST
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  • 23576
    :)
      November 6, 2019 11:11 AM MST
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  • 7280
    https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/a_look_at_cell_formats_and_how_to_build_a_good_battery
      November 5, 2019 11:45 PM MST
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  • 44607
    Yikes. How did you find that? Impressive.
      November 6, 2019 9:11 AM MST
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  • 7280
    Your comment gave me a chuckle----

    I cleverly eliminated "Batteries." and the question mark from your post and then googled what was left.

    Of the links I checked, that one seemed the best.
      November 6, 2019 12:27 PM MST
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  • 3719
    I followed your lead - I cut and pasted the text - and this also answered why no 'A' cells either.

    It seem there were but like the 'B' size is now largely out of use, or limited to special applications. The B cell was apparently once used in portable radios using valves (pre transistor days).

    I can't recall their designations but I have not seen the once-common, larger size of rectangular 9V-battery for a long time. They were often used in portable transistor radios. The small version (PP 9 I think) is still plentiful, used typically in smoke-alarms.

    I have a compact l.e.d, head-lamp which can take a so-called "camera battery", designated CR17345 or 123 depending which bit of the label you read. This is of AA diameter but about 2/3 its length; and 3V instead of 1.5. An extension-tube allows using a standard AA cell with some loss of light output - but cheaper!
      November 6, 2019 4:28 PM MST
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