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Nie, dziękuję Przekieruj mnie tamCan I replace R14 batteries with LR14 if R14 are recommended for my radio?
• Yes – LR14 (alkaline) cells can be used in place of R14 (zinc-carbon) cells in your radio without modification.
• They have identical “C-size” dimensions (≈ 26 mm × 50 mm) and the same nominal voltage of 1.5 V, so they are mechanically and electrically interchangeable.
• LR14 offers longer run-time, flatter discharge voltage and lower leakage risk; the only practical trade-off is a slightly higher purchase price.
IEC nomenclature
• “14” → physical size =C-cell.
• “R” → zinc-carbon (or zinc-chloride) chemistry.
• “LR” → alkaline manganese-dioxide chemistry.
Electrical comparison
| Parameter | R14 (Zn-C) | LR14 (Alkaline) | Impact on radio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | Fully compatible |
| Typical capacity* | 2–3.5 Ah | 6–8 Ah | 2-3× longer play time |
| Internal resistance | 0.2–0.4 Ω | 0.08–0.15 Ω | Less voltage sag at high audio volume |
| Discharge curve | Continuous decline | Flat plateau then drop-off | More stable volume & reception |
| Shelf life | 2-3 y | 7-10 y | Better for infrequent use |
| Leakage propensity | Medium–high | Low (modern seals) | Safer for stored sets |
*manufacturer and load-dependent.
Why some manuals still list “R14”
• Legacy documentation dating back to when zinc-carbon was the cheapest mainstream chemistry.
• Cost considerations in low-drain, disposable products.
Edge-case caveats
• Very old or specialist gear that purposely exploits the high internal resistance of zinc-carbon cells (rare in consumer AM/FM radios) could show slight meter-calibration errors.
• Do not mix chemistries within the same battery bay; differing internal resistance causes reverse-charging of the weaker cells.
• Alkaline cells dominate the primary (non-rechargeable) C-cell market; mainstream brands quote 5-10 year shelf life and anti-leak warranties.
• High-capacity NiMH “HR14” (1.2 V, 4-5 Ah) are becoming popular for daily-use radios because of falling cost and low-self-discharge formulations (LSD NiMH).
• Lithium-iron-disulfide (Li-FeS₂, e.g., Energizer “Ultimate”) C-size variants are emerging, giving lower mass and even longer life for extreme environments, but are still niche and cost-intensive.
Analogy: Think of R14 vs LR14 like a steel fuel tank vs an aluminum one of equal size – same shape, more “usable litres” inside.
Example runtime: A portable radio drawing 80 mA will exhaust a 3 Ah carbon-zinc pack in ~38 h, whereas a 7 Ah alkaline pack may last ~85 h, plus audio remains clearer until near the end.
• EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) and comparable US state laws require collection and recycling of all consumer batteries.
• Alkaline cells still contain small amounts of heavy metals; dispose of at authorized recycling points.
• Avoid environmental damage by removing spent or leaking cells promptly.
Potential challenges & mitigation
• Tight battery doors – alkaline C cells can be slightly heavier; ensure spring contacts are not overstressed.
• Corroded terminals from old carbon-zinc leakage – clean with isopropyl alcohol and a fiberglass pen before inserting new cells.
• Performance data are typical; consult the datasheet of the brand you purchase.
• Some “heavy-duty” cells on the market are still zinc-chloride despite marketing terms – check the IEC prefix (must start with “L” for alkaline).
• Evaluate NiMH versus primary alkaline cost-per-hour in high-usage scenarios.
• Track emerging C-size lithium primary technologies for extreme-temperature field radios.
• Explore super-capacitor hybrids for burst-current RF applications.
Replacing R14 with LR14 is a drop-in, risk-free upgrade: identical size and voltage, double-plus capacity, flatter discharge curve, and greatly reduced leakage risk. Observe best practices (use matched cells, recycle responsibly) and your radio will benefit from longer, more stable play time.
