In which devices can we effectively use AA and AAA 1.2V batteries?

1. Flashes, cameras

This is the main application that has driven the development of Ni-MH technology in the past. Flashes or cameras (once traditional, analogue, later digital) powered by AA cells almost always work much more efficiently on Ni-MH batteries. In the case of intensive use, good quality batteries allow you to take many times more photos / flashes, in addition to shorter intervals between flash recharges. This is a perfect example of devices where Ni-MH rechargeable batteries win in every field. A professional photographer values above all the operating time, the number of flashes and the quick readiness of the equipment for the next shots - for such applications, stable batteries with the highest possible capacity will be best - such as the black Eneloop or the white everActive Professional Line.
However, such batteries have a significantly lower lifespan (they will withstand fewer charging cycles) compared to their cheaper and less capacious counterparts - white Eneloop or silver everActive.

3. Camera traps

From the point of view of energy requirements, they are nothing more than extensive, automated digital cameras. As we described in point 1, Ni-MH batteries in wildlife cameras will work much more predictably and effectively than disposable batteries, and in addition they will allow for large savings - large amounts of batteries are installed in wildlife cameras at one time - up to 8 pcs. and more depending on the model. In addition, they require quite regular battery replacement, which in the case of rechargeable batteries is limited only to recharging them. Trail cameras are currently a very popular application for Ni-MH batteries. In addition to the capacity of the batteries, high stability of operation at low temperatures and a low self-discharge rate are very important here. From our experience, we know that moderate capacity batteries such as the white Eneloop and everActive Silver Line batteries work very well in this application.

Let us remind you after one of our previous articles that in order to minimize the risk of deep discharge of individual batteries in packs installed in packs of 4, 5 and more, it is important that we use batteries that are as equal as possible, from the same batch, with the same capacity.

If you have bought new batteries that have not been used yet - recharge them, even if they are new generation pre-charged batteries with a low self-discharge rate. This will give us confidence that at the time of installation in the device, all batteries will be as equal as possible, with exactly the same degree of charge.

5. Small household appliances, pepper grinders, salt grinders, automatic feeders, soap dispensers, disinfectant liquid dispensers, mini coffee frothers, mini mixers, toothbrushes, pet feeders, automatically opening waste baskets, etc.

This is a very wide group of devices, having one common denominator - a motor that moves a specific mechanism. These are devices with relatively high power consumption, where rechargeable batteries will almost always work more efficiently. Such devices do not work continuously, so they do not use disposable batteries within one or two months, but due to the fact that we often install 3.4 or even more cells in them at a time, the use of Ni-MH rechargeable batteries is justified. For such applications, it is better to choose more durable rechargeable batteries with moderate capacity - about 800 mAh for the AAA R03 size, or 1900 mAh for AA R6.

7. Measuring equipment, meters, multimeters (meters) electronic, detectors, metal detectors, thermal cameras, etc.

This is a group of devices that in many cases (perhaps excluding thermal imaging cameras) have low energy requirements. Alkaline batteries in such conditions last much longer than Ni-MH batteries. However, in professional applications, Ni-MH rechargeable batteries maintain very high reliability and repeatability of parameters, and at the same time do not cause frustration for the user who accidentally turns on or forgets to turn off their device, which in the case of a disposable battery is synonymous with its wear and tear, and sometimes even spillage and destruction of the device.

9. Medical equipment, pressure holters, insulin pumps, blood pressure monitors, etc.

This is not an unambiguous and obvious category, because as you know from our post "Why do fresh Ni-MH rechargeable batteries not work in my device or work much worse than disposable batteries?" they fit into this group of devices that sometimes do not work optimally on 1.2V Ni-MH batteries.
However, there are situations where we use a given device continuously and even good 1.5V alkaline batteries last only a few days, or at most a few weeks.
In such conditions, it is worth giving a chance to rechargeable batteries, which, even if they are not optimally used and last shorter, will allow for large savings - in such conditions, one durable Ni-MH battery can easily replace several hundred disposable batteries. For such applications, we are looking for rechargeable batteries that are as durable as possible, not necessarily with the highest capacity.