Lantern battery

A lantern battery is a rectangular battery, typically an alkaline or zinc–carbon primary battery, used primarily in flashlights or lanterns. Lantern batteries are physically larger and consequently offer higher capacity than the more common flashlight batteries. Lantern batteries comprise multiple cells inside a housing.

6-volt (left) and 4.5-volt (right) lantern batteries

The most common variant in the US is the 6-volt square-base battery with spring terminals. In Europe the most common one is the 4.5-volt flat pack.^[1]

Common variants

6-volt

The 6-volt variety typically has spring or screw terminals. Using various internal construction styles, the same package size may be made up with "D" size or "F" size cells, offering various capacities. A rechargeable version, comprising a three-cell sealed lead-acid battery with a lower capacity than primary versions, has also been marketed.^[2] They are also used in the construction industry for powering flashing lights at roadworks.^[3]

4.5-volt

More common in Europe and Russia, this is a smaller, flat-pack battery mostly used in flashlights. It uses two metal strips as terminals. The shorter strip is the + terminal. Marked as 3R12, 3336, KBS (Russian КБС), 3,7-FMC-0,50 (Russian 3,7-ФМЦ-0,50), and other.

7.5-volt

The 7.5-volt version has screw terminals and a rectangular base. A carrying handle is usually connected between the terminals.

12-volt

The 12-volt version has screw terminals and a rectangular base. Since it is 12-volt, this type can be used to power car accessories outside of an automobile, using extra wiring or an adapter.

Specifications and designations

Main article: List of battery sizes

Name	IEC number	ANSI/NEDA	Manufacturer designations	Capacity (Ah) ^[4]	Dimensions (mm)
4.5-volt ^[5]	3R12, 3LR12	3R12, 3LR12, 4.5v	G3LR12, 1289/AD28, 210, GP312S, MN1203, 3336 (3336Л, 3336Х), КБС (КБС-Л-0,5, КБС-Х-0,7), 3,7-ФМЦ-0,50, 4,1-ФМЦ-0,50	3 – 4.8	67 × 62 × 22
6-volt, spring fitting^[6]	4R25X, 4LR25X	908AC, 908C, 908CD, 908D	EN1209, EN529, MN908, EV90, EV90HP, GP908, PJ996	12 – 26	115 × 68.2 × 68.2
6-volt, screw fitting^[7]	4R25Y, 4LR25Y	915A	EN528	26	109.5 × 66.7 × 66.7
6-volt, double^[8]	4R25-2, 4LR25-2	918A	EN521, MN918, GP918S, GP918G, 918/1231	52	125.4 × 132.5 × 73
7.5-volt^[9]	5LR25-2	903AC	EN715, PC903	43	97 × 184.2 × 103.2
12-volt^[10]	8R25	926	EN732, PC926	7.5	125.4 × 136.5 × 73

See also

• Flashlight
• List of battery types

References

1. "The Best Lantern Batteries". 10Scope. Retrieved 2021-02-14.
2. CamdenBoss. "Rechargeable lantern battery" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-10-08.^{[permanent dead link]}
3. "Flashing Warning Light". Retrieved 2011-06-04.
4. When more than one figure is listed, the lower number refers to zinc-carbon batteries, the higher to alkaline.
5. Golden Power Corporation (HK) LTD. (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
6. Eveready Battery Company. (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-08-16. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
7. Eveready Battery Company. (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-08-16. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
8. Eveready Battery Company. (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-08-16. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
9. Eveready Battery Company. (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-08-16. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
10. Eveready Battery Company. (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-08-16. Retrieved 2010-01-15.