Screwy AAA Battery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an unusual measurement of a single AAA 1.5-volt alkaline battery, which initially reads 3024 millivolts on a multimeter. Participants explore potential reasons for this anomalous reading, including issues with the multimeter and the battery itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Roy Long reports an odd measurement of 3024 millivolts from a AAA battery, questioning why it differs from the expected 1.5 volts.
  • Some participants suggest the possibility of the multimeter reading an AC voltage instead of DC, questioning the meter's autoranging feature.
  • Concerns are raised about potential internal issues with the battery that could cause abnormal readings.
  • Participants inquire about the specific settings of the multimeter and suggest forcing it to a DC or AC range for clarity.
  • Roy Long later clarifies that the reading was actually 302.4 millivolts DC after rearranging the connections, indicating a resolution to the confusion.
  • One participant humorously suggests the battery should be recycled after the issue is resolved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion appears to reach a resolution regarding the measurement issue, with participants agreeing that the initial reading was due to a misinterpretation of the multimeter's output. However, the initial uncertainty about the battery's condition and the multimeter's settings reflects some level of disagreement on the cause of the confusion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the initial lack of clarity regarding the multimeter's settings and the specific nature of the battery's condition, which could depend on various factors not fully explored in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in troubleshooting multimeter readings, battery diagnostics, or general electrical measurement issues.

Roy Long
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I have an oddball single AAA 1 1/2-volt Energizer alkaline battery that measures 3024 millivolts on my multimeter. (The decimal for some reason isn't there)
I have checked other triple A batteries, and they read normal around 1.5 volt.
Question please: Why would it do that?
Thank you.
Roy Long
 
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Welcome to PF.

Is it maybe an AC reading instead of DC? It sounds like you meter is autoranging? I don't know what could cause an AAA alkaline battery to generate an AC voltage -- maybe a bad/intermittant internal connection?
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to PF.

Is it maybe an AC reading instead of DC? It sounds like you meter is autoranging? I don't know what could cause an AAA alkaline battery to generate an AC voltage -- maybe a bad/intermittant internal connection?
Thank you. I've checked those things. Internal problems would show up on other batteries I checked for reference I would think.
 
So it is reading 3024mVdc? What if you take the meter off of autorange and force a DC and then an AC range? What meter is it?
 
Ok. I'll try that. Yes. it is mVdc.
It's an IDeal 61-340 meter. (Old I know)
OK. Problem solved. I rearranged it and it's reading 302.4 millivolts DC.
That was it.
Thank you!
 
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Ah, okay, that makes more sense. That battery goes in the Recycle Pile! :smile:
 
Yes. Thank you!
 
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