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What Is The Meaning of R20 Battery?
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What Is The Meaning of R20 Battery?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-03-11      Origin: Site

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The R20 battery is a D-size cylindrical battery commonly used in high-drain devices. Below is a detailed breakdown of its meaning, specifications, and uses:

1. Definition of R20 Battery

The R20 battery is a zinc-carbon dry cell with a nominal voltage of 1.5V. It follows the IEC naming system, where:

  • "R" stands for round cell (cylindrical shape)

  • "20" refers to its size (D-type battery)

If the battery is alkaline, it is labeled as LR20 instead of R20.


2. Technical Specifications

AttributeDetails
Full NameR20 Battery (Zinc-carbon) or LR20 Battery (Alkaline)
SizeD (Large cylindrical battery)
Nominal Voltage1.5V
Diameter34.2 mm (±0.2 mm)
Height61.5 mm (±0.2 mm)
Weight85g–140g (varies by chemistry)
Chemistry Types- Zinc-Carbon (R20) (Leclanché cell)
- Alkaline (LR20)
Capacity- Zinc-Carbon: ~3,000–8,000 mAh
- Alkaline: ~12,000–18,000 mAh
Rechargeable?No (Standard types)
Yes (NiMH/NiCd versions available)
Shelf Life- Zinc-Carbon: ~2–3 years
- Alkaline: ~5–10 years
Temperature Range-20°C to 54°C
Discharge RateMedium to high

3. Common Uses

The R20 (D) battery is widely used in devices that require high energy over a long time, including:

  • Flashlights

  • Radios

  • Toys

  • Emergency Lanterns

  • Clocks

  • Portable Fans

  • Battery-operated Tools

Alkaline (LR20) batteries are preferred for devices that need longer-lasting power, while zinc-carbon (R20) batteries are cheaper and used in low-drain applications.


4. Alternative Names

The R20 battery is known by different names in various standards and brands:

StandardEquivalent Name
IEC (International)R20 (Zinc-carbon) / LR20 (Alkaline)
ANSI (USA)13D (Zinc-carbon) / 13A (Alkaline)
JIS (Japan)UM-1 (Zinc-carbon) / AM-1 (Alkaline)
Common Market NameD battery
Duracell ModelMN1300
Energizer ModelE95

5. Key Differences: R20 vs. LR20 vs. Rechargeable D

TypeVoltageCapacityRechargeable?Best For
R20 (Zinc-Carbon)1.5V3,000–8,000 mAhNoLow-power devices (clocks, simple toys)
LR20 (Alkaline)1.5V12,000–18,000 mAhNoFlashlights, radios, high-power devices
D Rechargeable (NiMH/NiCd)1.2V2,000–10,000 mAhYesDevices with frequent battery changes

6. Summary

  • R20 = Zinc-carbon, cheap, short lifespan

  • LR20 = Alkaline, longer lifespan, higher capacity

  • Rechargeable D = Environmentally friendly, reusable

Would you like more details on a specific aspect?

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