Description
These are AAA rechargeable cells from the JCB Recharge line, rated at 650mAh and supplied four to a blister pack. The chemistry is nickel metal hydride, so each cell can be charged and drained again and again rather than thrown away once it is flat. NiMH cells hold a nominal 1.2V where a single use alkaline holds 1.5V, which is normal for the chemistry and not a sign of a weak cell. The pack states that they arrive charged and ready to use, and that they will take up to 500 charges.
A 650mAh AAA suits the steady, low drain devices that work through batteries slowly but constantly: remote controls, wall clocks, cordless phone handsets, computer mice, wireless doorbells, children's toys and the small torch kept in a kitchen drawer. If a device is in use most weeks, rechargeable cells pay for themselves quickly. Cordless phone handsets in particular are usually built around NiMH AAA cells, so it is worth reading the label on the cells already in the handset before you order. For heavier draw equipment, a higher capacity cell runs longer between charges, and the JCB Recharge AA at 1200mAh is the larger size in the same line.
You will need a charger that handles NiMH AAA cells, as one is not included here. Most multi bay chargers take AA and AAA side by side, so a single unit can cover a whole household. Charge the four together and keep them as a set inside one device, so they age at the same rate and you are not pairing a tired cell with a fresh one. Each listing is one blister pack of four cells, and the minimum order is 10, sold in multiples of 10, so a first order brings 40 cells. Alongside these we stock JCB alkaline cells in AAA, AA, D and 9V, and lithium coin cells.
Specification
| Size |
AAA |
| Chemistry |
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable, 650mAh |
| Voltage |
1.2V nominal, standard for NiMH |
| Codes |
HR03 |
| Pack quantity |
4 cells |
| Sold as |
One pack of 4 cells |
| Minimum order |
10, sold in multiples of 10 |
Frequently Asked
How many cells do I actually receive?
One unit of this listing is a single blister pack holding four AAA cells. The minimum order is 10 packs, sold in multiples of 10, which works out at 40 cells.
Do they come charged?
The retail pack states that they are charged and ready to use, so you can put them straight into a device. A full charge before first use is still sensible if they have been stored a while.
Is a charger included?
No charger is supplied with this pack. You will need a charger that accepts NiMH AAA cells, and most multi bay units handle AA and AAA together in the same tray.
What does 650mAh mean when I am choosing between cells?
It is the capacity, so a higher number means longer running between charges in the same device. For remotes, clocks and phone handsets a 650mAh AAA is a sensible everyday figure.
Why do these read 1.2V when my old batteries said 1.5V?
Nickel metal hydride cells are nominally 1.2V by chemistry, while single use alkalines are 1.5V. Most household electronics are designed to run happily on either, though a few voltage sensitive items are fussy.
Can I mix these with ordinary alkaline batteries in one device?
Mixing chemistries, brands or part used cells in the same compartment is never a good idea. Fit a matched set of four and charge them together as a set.