D battery

A carbon-zinc D battery, positive end up.

D cell batteries.

A D battery (D cell or IEC R20) is a size of dry cell. A D cell is cylindrical with electrical contacts at each end; the positive end having a nub or bump. D cells are typically used in high current drain applications, such as in large flashlights, radio receivers and transmitters, boomboxes, products with Electric motors, safety systems, Geiger counters, megaphones or other applications requiring extended run time. Rechargeable and non rechargeable cells are made in the D cell size, with terminal voltage and capacity varying depending on the cell chemistry.

The National Carbon Company introduced the first D cell in 1898. Before smaller cells became more common, D cells were widely known as flashlight batteries. The U.S. military designation for this battery type since before WW II is BA-30. ^[1]

As of 2007, D batteries accounted for 8% of alkaline primary battery sales in the US. In Switzerland as of 2008, D batteries totalled 3.4% of primary battery sales and 1.4% of secondary battery sales. ^{[2] [3]}

Dimensions and capacity

D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA & 9-Volt batteries

	Zinc–carbon	Alkaline	Li-FeS2	NiCd	NiMH
IEC name	R20	LR20	FR20	KR20	HR20
ANSI/NEDA name	13D	13A	13LF
Typical capacity	8000 mAh	12000 mAh			2200–12000 mAh
Nominal voltage	1.50 V	1.50 V	1.50 V	1.25 V	1.25 V
Rechargeable	No	Special type only	No	Yes	Yes

Capacity varies depending on cell chemistry. In some cases rechargeable cells are made to fit a D cell holder but with capacity as for a smaller physical size.

D batteries have a nominal diameter of 33.2 ± 1 millimeters and overall length of 61.5 millimeters. ^[4]

References

1. ^ "U.S. Army Flashlight". http://www.olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_gear_flashlight.php. 
2. ^ Life Cycle Impacts of Alkaline Batteries with a Focus on End-of-Life - EPBA-EU
3. ^ [1] INOBAT 2008 statistics.
4. ^ IEC 60086-2 §7.1.4

See also

• List of battery sizes
• Battery nomenclature

External links

• Brand Neutral Drawing Of Alkaline D Battery Based On ANSI Specifications
• Brand Neutral Drawing Of NiCd D Battery Based On ANSI Specifications
• Brand Neutral Drawing Of NiMH D Battery Based On ANSI Specifications
• Energizer D Size Battery Specification for Alkaline Cell