CELLS, DRY

British Standard 397 for primary batteries was withdrawn and replaced by the IEC standard in 1996.

A cell is a single item of generally 1.5 volts, whilst a battery is a group of cells.

Leclanché cells are named in accordance with the British Standard for Leclanché primary cells.  They are designated by two letters and a number.  The letters are: W = wet cell, D = dry cell, K = sack type element, P = porous pot cell, R = round cell, S = square cell and I = Inert cell.  The number is the discharge rate.

Click on any image to enlarge

Cells, Dry 

Item B.S. 397 Designation Voltage
Cells, Dry, DR2 Was Cell, Leclanché DR2 1.5
Cells, Dry, DS1 DS1 1.5
Cells, Dry, DS4 DS4 1.5
Cells, Dry, DS5 DS5 1.5
Cells, Dry, DS6 DS6 1.5
Cells, Dry, DS7A - 1.5
Cells, Dry, R6 R6 1.5
Cells, Dry, R12 R12 1.5
Cells, Dry, R20 R20 (D as well) 1.5
Cells, Dry, R40 R40 1.5
Cells, Dry, W Square 1.5
Cells, Dry, X Square 1.5
Cells, Dry, Y Round 1.5
Cells, Dry, Z Square 1.5
 

Cell, Dry DR 2
A round dry cell with a capacity of  45wh at 50ma.




Cell, Dry DS 1
A square dry cell with a capacity of  135wh at 150ma.

Dimensions - 4.4" x 4.4" x 8" high.

Cell, Dry DS 5
A square dry cell with a capacity of  22wh at 20ma.

Dimensions - 2" x 2" x 5.5" high.

Cell, Dry DS 6
A square dry cell with a capacity of 10wh at 10ma.

Dimensions - 1.5" x 1.5" x 4.4" high.

Cell, Dry DS 7A
A square dry cell with a capacity of  1.4wh at 70ma.

Dimensions - 1.25" x 1.25" x 3.1" high.

 

Cell, Dry R6
A round cell of dimensions 0.55" diameter by 1.76" long.

Zinc Carbon.

Known as an AA battery.

 

Cells, Dry R12
A round cell of dimensions 0.8" diameter by 2.6" long.

Zinc Carbon.

 

 

Cells, Dry R20
A round cell of dimensions 1.38" diameter by 2.6" long.

Zinc Carbon.

Known as a U2 battery.

Cells, Dry R40
A round cell of dimensions 2.6" diameter by 6.75" long.

 
 
BACK Home page BT/GPO Telephones Search the Site Glossary of Telecom Terminology Quick Find All Telephone Systems
Last revised: October 14, 2026

FM