Panasonic Alkaline Power 9V Battery (PP3)

This is a single 9V alkaline cell from Panasonic's Alkaline Power range, supplied on the retail card shown, which prints 9V, Alkaline and the figure 1 on the front. The 9V is the small rectangular cell, often called PP3, with both terminals grouped at one end: a stud and a socket that a matching clip presses onto. That end fitting is what separates it from a cylindrical AA or AAA, and it is why a device either takes a 9V or it does not. You receive one cell per unit, not a multipack.

The 9V shape is the one that smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, digital multimeters, guitar effects pedals, wireless microphone packs and plenty of older radios are built around. Alkaline chemistry suits the way most of those draw power: a long steady trickle with the occasional burst. If you have an alarm that runs on a 9V backup, a spare in the drawer saves a scramble, because the low battery chirp tends to start at an antisocial hour. For kit in constant heavy use a rechargeable works out cheaper over time; for alarms and instruments picked up now and then, a primary cell like this one is the straightforward choice.

Alkaline cells are not rechargeable, so never put one on a charger. Store it in its card at room temperature until it is needed. The clip only engages one way round, which makes fitting simple, and it is worth replacing every cell in a multi cell device at the same time instead of mixing old with new. Keep loose cells away from children and away from loose metal in a drawer. We sell this one singly, with a trade minimum of 18 units.

How many batteries do I actually receive?

One cell. The card shown carries a single 9V battery, and the figure 1 is printed on the front of the pack beside the voltage.

Will this fit my smoke alarm?

It fits any device built for the 9V rectangular cell with a press on clip. Open the battery door and check the old cell is the same block shape with both terminals at one end.

Can I recharge an alkaline cell?

No. Alkaline cells are primary cells, meant to be used once and then recycled. Putting one in a charger is unsafe, so buy a rechargeable cell if that is what you need.

What does PP3 mean?

PP3 is the common name for the 9V rectangular form factor, so a device listed as taking a PP3 takes this shape of cell. It describes the shape, not the brand.

How long will it run for?

No runtime figure is printed on the pack, and it would vary anyway: an alarm sipping current lasts far longer than a guitar pedal left switched on all evening.