CELLS, LECLANCHÉ

The Leclanché cell was invented by Georges Leclanché in 1866. In 1869 the Silvertown Company (UK) had the sole licence to supply the battery.

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

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.

E.I. Power, Cells B 5001 - testing Leclanché cells

 

Cells, Leclanché

Cell, Leclanché WK 2
Elements, Depolarising, Leclanché (left), Jar, Leclanché (right) and Zincs, Rod, Leclanché (centre)

WK 1
A wet cell with a capacity of 200wh at 100ma.

Dimensions - 6.5" Diameter x 8.5" high.

Comprises:-
1 x Element, Depolarizing, Leclanché WK 1.
 2 x Zincs, Rod, Leclanché, No. 1.
1 x Jar, Leclanché, WK 1.
 12 oz. Chloride of Ammonia Mixture.


WK 2
 A wet cell with a capacity of 75wh at 50ma.

Dimensions - 5" diameter x 8.5" high.

Comprises:-
1 x Element, Depolarizing, Leclanché WK 2.
 1 x Zinc, Rod, Leclanché No. 1.
1 x Jar, Leclanché, WK 2.
8 oz. Chloride of Ammonia Mixture.


WK 4
A wet cell with a capacity of 40wh at 20ma.

Dimensions - 3.5" x 3.5" x 7.25".

Comprises:-
1 x Element, Depolarizing, Leclanché WK 4.
 1 x Zinc, Rod, Leclanché, No. 3
1 x Jar, Leclanché, WK 4.
 4 oz. Chloride of Manganese.


CELLS, LECLANCHÉ, AIRTIGHT No.2
A wet cell with a capacity of 100wh at 50ma.

Dimensions - 4.75" diameter x 8.5".

For use on F.A. systems instead of Cells, Leclanché WK 2.

Comprises:-
1 x Cover, Glass, Leclanché, AT 2.
1 x Element, Depolarizing, Leclanché AT 2.
1 x Plug, Rubber, Split, Leclanché, AT 2.
1 x Ring, Rubber, Leclanché, AT 2.
1 x Zinc, Rod, Leclanché, AT 2.
1 x Jar, Glass, Leclanché, AT 2.
10oz. Chloride. of Ammonia Mixture.


 

 
 
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Last revised: October 14, 2026

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