enloop Battery FAQ
The clever engineers over at eneloop are continually working to improve the performance of their batteries and over the years there have been a few significant improvements to the design and performance of eneloop batteries. We can refer to these improvements as 1st generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation, 4th generation and the most recent versions which are 5th generation. You can differentiate between the different generations simply by checking the model name which is written on the side of each and every eneloop battery.
It is worth noting that 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation eneloop batteries were manufactured by Sanyo and that 4th, 5th and the latest 6th generation eneloop batteries are manufactured by Panasonic after they bought the eneloop battery business from Sanyo. All eneloop batteries are manufactured in Japan.
|
eneloop |
AA | AAA |
| 1st Gen | HR-3UTG | HR-4UTG |
| 2nd Gen | HR-HUTGA | HR-4UTGA |
| 3rd Gen | HR-HUTGB | HR-4UTGB |
| 4th Gen | BK-3MCCE | BK-4MCCE |
| 5th Gen | BK-3MCCE (10Year) | BK-4MCCE (10year) |
| 6th Gen | BK-3MCDE (10Year) | BK-4MCDE (10year) |
|
XX |
AA | AAA |
| 1st Gen | HR-3UWX | n/a |
| 2nd Gen | HR-3UWXA | n/a |
| 3rd Gen | HR-3UWXB | HR-4UWXB |
| PRO | AA | AAA |
| 4th Gen | BK-3HCCE | BK-4HCCE |
| 5th Gen | BK-3HCDE | BK-4HCDE |
What is the voltage of an eneloop battery?
The terminal voltage of both AA and AAA eneloop rechargeable batteries is 1.2V
What is the typical mAh rating of a standard eneloop AA battery?
AA eneloop batteries have a typical capacity rating of 2000 mAh.
AAA eneloop batteries have a typical capacity rating of 800 mAh.
However, due to a recent EU battery capacity directive, all rechargeable AA and AAA NiMH batteries must now state a minimum capacity on the battery sleeve and not the traditional typical value. What this means is that the most recent AA eneloop battery now states a minimum capacity of 1900mAh (typical capacity 2000mAh) and AAA eneloop batteries will now state a minimum capacity of 750mAh (typical capacity 800mAh)
How long does the eneloop battery last if I use them on a regular basis?
One 5th generation white eneloop battery may be charged, and re-charged up to
2,100* times. Usage will vary depending on what type of device
the eneloop battery is used in.
*Battery life based on IEC-61951-2 (7.4.1.1.). Actual results may vary according to use.
What's the difference between eneloop Pro and the standard white coloured eneloop batteries?
Both the black eneloop PRO and the standard white eneloop batteries have the same excellent low self-discharge capabilities and retain their unused power for extended periods of time but the main difference is in capacity.
Quite basically, a battery with a higher capacity (the PRO version) will run longer in the same device as a white eneloop due to the extra charge that the eneloop PRO battery can hold due to the increased capacity (expressed in mAh).
The one obvious difference you will have no problem noticing is the higher price for the PRO eneloop battery and this is simply down to the extra capacity. You probably wouldn't want to use eneloop Pro batteries in your TV remote controls
for example but you would certainly see the benefit in devices that are more power hungry and 'eat' batteries as you will be running for longer and charging a little less frequently thanks to the extra capacity.
How long will the eneloop battery last if I do not use it?
The latest 5th generation eneloop battery may remain up to 70% charged if not used for up to 10 years (or 90% charged after 1 year).
*Capacity is based on IEC-61951-2 (7.2.1.). Actual results may vary according to use.
Do eneloop batteries fall under the new airline travel guidelines for lithium batteries?
No. The chemistry that eneloop batteries use is Nickel Metal Hydride
(NiMH). eneloop batteries are not lithium and therefore do not fall under the new travel regulations for lithium batteries and are perfectly safe for travel.
Does temperature have an effect on the
performance of an eneloop battery?
Yes, temperature does have an effect on rechargeable batteries. If it is too hot, the high temperature
could cause a battery to discharge at a faster rate than you might
normally expect. On the other hand, eneloop works better than alkaline, and other rechargeable batteries in freezing
temperatures and are rated for use in conditions as low as -20° C. This
is one of the reasons why eneloop batteries are so popular for use in
bike lights, GPS etc during the winter months.
What is the number of charge/discharge cycles I can expect from the
latest white eneloop batteries?
The new eneloop may be charged up to 2,100 times*.
*Battery life based on IEC-61951-2 (7.4.1.1.). Actual results may vary according to use.
What does mAh stand for?
The (mA) stands for milliamps. The (h) stands for hour. This rating is
used so that you can compare the capacity of one rechargeable battery
against another (non-rechargeable batteries never state
capacities!) Generally speaking the higher the capacity of a
battery the more charge the battery can hold. A good analogy is the
petrol tank in a car, if you have a bigger petrol tank (capacity) you
will of course run for longer before you need to fill up again.
