Multi-drain batteries FAQs

What are the differences between low-drain (LD) and high-drain (HD) batteries?

The differences between the two battery systems are a function of the electrolytes they use.

• A high-drain battery uses potassium hydroxide (KOH)
• A low-drain battery uses sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a much more active alkaline solution and can carry much higher currents than the less active sodium hydroxide. This is why all the standard alkaline round cells (like AA, C and D) batteries in the world use KOH as the electrolyte for that battery system.

What are the features of a high and low-drain watch?

A high-drain watch typically is digital, but can be analog, and will have features:

• A back light, to be able to read the watch at night
• Alarms
• Chimes

All of which require high amounts of current to operate, particularly in cold conditions.

Low-drain watches typically are:

• Analog
• Do not have features requiring high currents.