AA vs C battery
AA and C batteries both produce 1.5 volts and use the same alkaline chemistry, but they are different sizes and are not interchangeable. AA cells are 14.5 × 50.5 mm; C cells are 26.2 × 50.0 mm. No adapter makes a C battery fit an AA slot.
Specifications
| Specification | AA (LR6) | C (LR14) |
|---|---|---|
| IEC designation | LR6 | LR14 |
| Diameter | 14.5 mm | 26.2 mm |
| Height | 50.5 mm | 50.0 mm |
| Voltage (nominal) | 1.5 V | 1.5 V |
| Typical capacity (alkaline) | ~2,800 mAh | ~8,000 mAh |
| Typical capacity (NiMH) | ~2,200 mAh | ~5,000 mAh |
Are they interchangeable?
No. The C cell is 11.7 mm wider — it will not fit in an AA battery slot. There is no adapter that fits a C battery into an AA compartment. (The reverse adapter — AA into C slots — is widely available and works for devices that accept the 1.5V voltage but can power down with the reduced capacity.)
AA-to-C adapters (AA in a C slot)
Plastic AA-to-C adapters hold an AA cell and make it physically fit a C battery slot. This works electrically because voltages match, but runtime will be dramatically shorter since AA capacity (~2,800 mAh) is only about 35% of C capacity (~8,000 mAh). Acceptable for emergency use, not ideal for long-term use.
Typical devices
| AA devices | C battery devices |
|---|---|
| TV remotes, wireless mice, flashlights, clocks, AA-powered toys | Large flashlights, portable radios, some power tools, children's ride-on toys |
View on Amazon