So I have always used Alkaline batteries in my safe locks though is it better to use a Lithium? I’ve never had an issue with the good old standard 9v as I’ve had them last years with hundreds of openings before depleting.

Also, I’ve noticed that occasionally I’ll see a standard AA or AAA leak in a device though have not seen a 9v leak. Is it less common for 9v batteries to leak because they are better sealed? I used to be a Duracell fan though I have read Energizer batteries are more well built and reliable.

Almighty AI says:

quote:

Yes, alkaline 9V batteries tend to leak less than other types, such as AA batteries, because of their internal structure, which contains multiple smaller cells within a secondary outer casing. This design helps contain electrolyte leakage, making it less visible even when a leak occurs. While not completely leak-proof, they exhibit better resistance to leakage due to this layered construction and the way the smaller cells are held within the metal shell.

Personally, I never use alkies of any kind in a device I care about. Lithium or rechargeable.

Never had the 9v Alkaline leak in my safe lock, and I’ve had the safe for many years. But the AA and AAA in flashlights and medical devices, man, they do leak and ruined the devices.

Good subject, how often do you change your batteries? This is something I unintentionally overlook.

I purchase 9v from a Japanese manufacturer. I change on a schedule.

I need to order batteries!

I've never had a 9v leak but in AA & AAA Duracells are the worst brand I have experienced. I won't buy them anymore.

"Name brand" batteries don't seem to leak nearly as often as the old days. Seemed like they all leaked eventually when I was a kid.

But they DO still leak. Found I had Streamlight Stylus Pro not working and ruined by leaking Duracells this past weekend.

Lithium's are expensive, but worth it. Especially in expensive stuff.

As kind of a test a few years back I bought some cheap alkaline Amazon v9 batteries for our smoke detectors. Most lasted a little over a year before I started to get the annoying "beep". I then tried some "premium" Duracell Quantum v9, red/copper instead of black/copper in color. Some of these I have gotten nearly 5 years of life in smoke detectors. I tried Energizer too with results somewhere in the middle like 2-3 years maybe.

Lithium, at least for me seem cost prohibitive for the chore at hand. Sometimes old tech just works best. My grill is another example. A lithium AA won't last, but a few months while an alkaline will run for nearly 2 years and ins't impacted by temperature swings.

BTW, if you don't have one, get a simple battery tester. Worth every penny.

I change the battery in my safe lock annually whether it needs it or not. The one thing I really don’t want going sideways.

Reminds me I need to call my mom to change battery in her safe ? My old safe I gave them after I moved states. I know it’s several years old

The only problem I’ve had with lithium 9v is the fit. The edges are very squared off and lack the radius you find on alkaline. Sometimes, just a bit too tight for the battery compartment.

All of the big lock manufacturers recommend name brand (usually Duracell) alkaline 9 volt batteries.

If you want to go down a rabbit hole, they also suggest the Duracells with the round cells over those with the plates.

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AA & AAA Duracells are the worst brand I have experienced

This!!!

Very interesting that the Duracell’s are much more common it seems to leak versus other brands like energizer. Of course, as I type this, I have an unopened 24 pack of Duracell AA batteries ugh! Glad to hear about the 9V batteries not leaking like their AA and AAA counterparts. Since I can get multiple years of use, I’ll probably just stick with alkaline versus the much more expensive lithium type as a keypad is not a high drain device in my opinion.

Sometimes in my flashlights, I will unscrew one end if I’m not using it all the time so it’s not putting pressure on the battery. This has saved a few lights I’m sure.

Do you have or can you get the user manual for your lock to see what it recommends? I know some devices say to use alkaline batteries. I would have to look at my safe lock as I have replaced the type of batteries it came with, but I believe they are alkaline.

ETA: I just did a quick search and my AMSEC gun safe keypad specifically calls for alkaline 9vt.

ETA2: This is an explanation I got on why to use alkaline batteries, which makes sense.

For its electronic keypads, AMSEC recommends alkaline batteries because they provide the necessary high current to operate the internal locking mechanism's solenoid and give reliable, predictable warning of low power. The electronic locks are designed and optimized for the specific voltage and discharge curve of alkaline batteries.

Performance differences between alkaline and lithium batteries

Voltage and power delivery
Alkaline batteries: These batteries supply a steady 1.5 volts per cell for a large portion of their life, but the voltage drops gradually as they lose power. This slow decline provides ample warning of a low battery, indicated by flashing or beeping, giving you time to change it before you are locked out.

Lithium batteries: While they can offer a longer overall lifespan and better cold-weather performance, their voltage tends to remain stable for most of their life before dropping off very quickly at the end. In a safe lock, this can cause the battery to fail without much warning, potentially locking you out without a chance to replace it.

^^^^^^ This makes sense and can stand as another reason why I’ll just stick with what I’ve been doing using alkaline.

Duracells bad, they all leak. I haven’t used them for years. Switched to Energizers. Lithium batteries seem to last longer.

Confirm that your device will work with Lithiums if you choose them. Go with what the Mfg recommends. Today I pulled the lithium AA's I'd put into my new and costly watering timers. They'd been working daily for 4 months. They measured 1.79 volts! I didn't think to check them before. Regular Alkalines are called 1.5V batteries, but usually measure @1.58-1.59 Volts when new.

Too much voltage could potentially ruin a device. Sticking 4 in a device could potentially be high enough voltage to kill some electronics.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:
All of the big lock manufacturers recommend name brand (usually Duracell) alkaline 9 volt batteries.
If you want to go down a rabbit hole, they also suggest the Duracells with the round cells over those with the plates.

How can you tell the difference?
I wouldn’t know if a battery has plates or round cells without destroying it.

Yup, change the batteries out in the safe every year.

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How can you tell the difference?

Alkaline is usually marked as 6LR61 if they are round cells, 6LF22 for the flat cells, and 6F22 for zinc-carbon.