1.2V rechargeable batteries and 1.5V rechargeable batteries cannot be mixed. Direct replacement may cause the device to malfunction or even damage the battery or equipment. The core differences are reflected in three key dimensions: voltage, battery type, and applicable scenarios.
Definition of two types of batteries
1.2V rechargeable batteries usually refer to nickel metal hydrogen batteries and nickel metal cadmium batteries, with a rated voltage of 1.2V and an open circuit voltage of 1.4V after charging. They are currently the most commonly used rechargeable batteries. Due to its chemical properties, the voltage is relatively low.
A 1.5V rechargeable battery usually refers to a lithium battery with a nominal voltage of 1.5V, because it has a built-in circuit board that can maintain a constant voltage, but its internal cell voltage is 3.7V.
Why can’t two types of batteries be used interchangeably?
Although 1.2V rechargeable batteries and 1.5V rechargeable batteries have the same size, replacing them directly may pose potential risks due to their different voltages.
Replacing a 1.5V battery with a 1.2V battery can lead to insufficient power.
Some devices are designed with a voltage of 1.5V as the reference. If a 1.2V battery is used, there may be insufficient power (such as remote control malfunctioning, low flashlight brightness, and insufficient power of electric toys), which affects the user experience.
Replacing 1.2V batteries with 1.5V batteries may result in device overload
The 1.2V battery voltage is relatively low. If a device is designed with 1.2V as the voltage, without a voltage control circuit, it may cause the device to overload and burn out.
Charging compatibility
The output voltage of a 1.2V nickel hydrogen charger is usually 1.4-1.6V, which is relatively low, while a 1.5V lithium battery, due to its high cell voltage, typically has a charging output voltage of 4V or higher. Therefore, the chargers of the two cannot be used interchangeably.
Why can’t two types of batteries be used interchangeably?
Although 1.2V rechargeable batteries and 1.5V rechargeable batteries have the same size, replacing them directly may pose potential risks due to their different voltages.
Replacing a 1.5V battery with a 1.2V battery can lead to insufficient power.
Some devices are designed with a voltage of 1.5V as the reference. If a 1.2V battery is used, there may be insufficient power (such as remote control malfunctioning, low flashlight brightness, and insufficient power of electric toys), which affects the user experience.
Replacing 1.2V batteries with 1.5V batteries may result in device overload
The 1.2V battery voltage is relatively low. If a device is designed with 1.2V as the voltage, without a voltage control circuit, it may cause the device to overload and burn out.
Charging compatibility
The output voltage of a 1.2V nickel hydrogen charger is usually 1.4-1.6V, which is relatively low, while a 1.5V lithium battery, due to its high cell voltage, typically has a charging output voltage of 4V or higher. Therefore, the chargers of the two cannot be used interchangeably.
If a NiMH battery charger is used to charge a lithium battery, there may be a situation where it cannot charge, while using a lithium battery charger to charge a NiMH battery may result in overheating, overcharging, and a sudden decrease in battery life.
Of course, there are also universal chargers on the market that can automatically adapt to batteries and achieve the function of charging different types of batteries.
