what kind of battery do flashlights use?

The type of battery a flashlight uses depends on the size, power, and features of the light. Compact flashlights usually use AAA, AA, or CR123A batteries. Mid-size to larger flashlights use C or D cell batteries. Some high-powered torches can take rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries.

The standard AA battery is the most common type of flashlight battery and is used in many LED and halogen flashlights. It provides 1.5 Volts and has a good capacity for its size. The AAA is slightly smaller than an AA but provides a similar amount of power at 1.5 Volts. The CR123A lithium battery is lightweight and compact but provides 3 Volts to power higher voltage LED or halogen bulbs which require more output than the regular AA or AAA batteries can provide .

The C or D cell sized batteries are larger in diameter than the AA or AAA types commonly found in pocket-sized flashlights, as they are powerful enough to light up long hallways along with a large area around one's perimeter. Their larger size allows them to store much more energy in comparison to other cells leading to greatly extended run-time levels per charge cycle with some flashlights being able to run up to 156 hours on one set of C cells depending on lighting mode used and application they are used in (read manufacturer label). A disadvantage of these cells is their weight that can turn torches into rather heavy items when multiple cells are needed by the device .

Finally, some very powerful Flashlight models now come with powerful rechargeable lithium ion batteries that can provide extremely long run times per charge cycle coupled with quick recharge times through either USB ports or home adapters making them ideal for emergency situations that require extended illumination sessions over brief ones (think camping trips).