Eveready Gold AAA Batteries (LR03) - 4 Pack

A four pack of Eveready Gold AAA cells, the slim 1.5V alkaline round cell that sits behind most of the small electronics in a house. AAA is the narrower of the two everyday sizes, roughly the width of a pencil, and although it looks like a shortened AA it is not a substitute for one: the contacts in a battery compartment are cut for a single size only. The code to check against is LR03, the international designation for an alkaline AAA, and it is usually printed on the old cell or moulded into the inside of the battery door.

Alkaline chemistry suits the way these cells are normally used, which is a small steady draw over a long stretch rather than a heavy pull over a short one. Television and set top box remotes, wall clocks, kitchen scales, thermometers, wireless doorbells, computer mice and keyboards, a torch kept in a drawer and the handset of a cordless phone all take AAA, and most of them take two or four at a time. Four cells is the quantity that fills a pair of remotes, or one four cell device outright, so nothing is left rattling about half used.

The pack states that these cells are ready to use for up to 10 years in storage, which is the figure worth knowing if you are buying a spare set to keep by rather than fitting them today. Change all four together rather than mixing a fresh cell with a part used one, and take the cells out of anything being put away for a season. One unit of this listing is one pack of four; the minimum order is 12 packs, sold in multiples of 12, which comes to 48 cells. The Gold range also runs to AA, C, D and 9V, and AAA is sold in a 12 pack as well.

Is LR03 the same thing as AAA?

Yes. LR03 is the international code for an alkaline AAA cell, so a device marked LR03 takes exactly what is in this pack.

Can I use an AAA where the device asks for AA?

No. AA is both longer and wider, and the compartment contacts will not meet an AAA properly, so check the old cell before ordering.

Are these rechargeable?

No. Alkaline cells are primary cells, meant to be used once and then recycled. Rechargeable AAA cells are a separate product and a different chemistry.

How long will one set last in a remote control?

The manufacturer does not state a runtime, and it varies enormously with the device. A remote used daily draws far less than a motorised toy.

How many cells do I get on a minimum order?

Each unit is a pack of four cells and the minimum is 12 units, so a minimum order comes to 48 AAA cells in twelve sealed packs.

Can I mix these with cells already in a device?

Better not to. Replace the whole set at once, as a part used cell alongside fresh ones shortens how long the set holds up.