What is mAh (Milliamp Hour): Understanding Battery ...

Author: Ingrid

Sep. 23, 2024

What is mAh (Milliamp Hour): Understanding Battery ...

While looking for a battery-powered device, you must have seen the abbreviations like mAh and Ah. And perhaps, "What is this mAh?" is the most common question that beeps into your mind then. 

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Well. In this fast-paced digital age, our lives significantly rely on batteries. We need them to keep our smart devices alive, our laptops running, and our electric cars working. Under such circumstances, ensuring our devices have enough battery to last a day or two is one of our toughest challenges. 

It is exactly where the concept of mAh enters. mAh is a measurement of the battery's capacity. Technically speaking, it defines how many milliamps can be transferred per hour.

This comprehensive guide will demystify everything about mAh and what it stands for on batteries. It will also stipulate three top recommendations for the best battery backups for energy storage. 

Fundamentals of Electricity and Battery Technology

Before we delve into mAh and battery capacity, knowing the fundamental principles of electricity and battery technology is crucial. Electricity, in its essence, is the flow of charged particles through a conductor. These charged particles are typically electrons. We harness this flow of electricity to power our electronic devices.

Conversely, batteries are mechanical systems that chemically store electricity and release it when required. When connected to a circuit, a chemical reaction occurs between the battery's electrodes and the electrolyte. This reaction then generates a flow of electrons through the circuit.

Yet there are numerous types of batteries; the most common types used in portable electronic devices are Lithium-ion and LiFePO4. Li-ion batteries come with a high energy density, which implies they can store a lot of energy. Additionally, they are portable and rechargeable. However, they are also costly to make and may be harmful if not handled carefully. 

LiFePO4 batteries are a sub-type of Lithium-ion batteries, but they are safer due to strong covalent bonds between iron, phosphate, and oxygen atoms in the cathode. Since they are more stable and immune to thermal runaway and overheating, they are standard in portable power stations and other solar applications.

What is mAh?

Now that you have a fundamental comprehension of battery technology let's dig into the concept of mAh. mAh (milliampere-hour) represents the amount of electrical charge a battery can store. 

The mAh is a small unit of measurement, with one mAh equaling one-thousandth of an Ah (ampere-hour). That means a battery with a capacity of mAh can provide 5 amperes of current for an hour, 2.5 amperes for two hours, etc.

Significance of mAh

mAh is the most critical factor when buying any battery-powered device. In other words, it is imperative to check the mAh rating of a battery, as doing so can help comprehend its power storage capacity and how long it can work before depletion. 

Typically, a battery with a higher mAh rating has a long lifespan. For example, a solar generator kit equipped with a 3,000 mAh battery will generally last longer than a solar generator with a 2,000 mAh battery. Nevertheless, mAh alone does not tell everything about the performance of a solar generator battery. Other factors, such as inverters, solar panels, and charge controllers, also play a role.

Here, it is worth mentioning that battery life does not follow a linear battery. A battery with double the mAh rating will not guarantee double the lifespan. It may fluctuate based on how you use it. For instance, using your solar generator battery to power a refrigerator or air conditioner will deplete the battery more quickly than powering your mobile .

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mAh VS Charge Capacity

Another term usually associated with batteries is their charge capacity. Although both terms indicate the battery capacity or the amount of power a battery can hold, they are used in slightly different contexts. 

The term "mAh" commonly describes the battery capacity of portable devices like tablets, mobile phones, and laptops and indicates the energy stored by any battery. 

On the contrary, the charge capacity defines the battery capacity of solar storage systems and electric vehicles. This unit measures the energy a battery can receive during a charge cycle. This measurement is typically expressed in kWh (kilowatt-hours) or Wh (watt-hours)

Here&#;s how mAh and charge capacity are connected.

Wh = mAh*V/1,000

It is evident from this equation that one watt-hour is equal to one milliamp-hour multiplied by voltage divided by one thousand. But this technical equation can be confusing, so let me lead you by an example. 

Suppose you have a solar battery with 5,000 mAh. That means it can provide a charge of 5,000 mAh at a specific voltage. If the voltage at which charges are transferred is 5V, the total energy in this example will be 25 watt-hours (5,000mAh*5V/ = 25Wh).

What Does mAh Rating Mean?

The mAh rating is the designated storage capacity of the battery. It is the product of a milliampere an hour. Its formula is:

mAH = mA*H

Here is an example to enhance your understanding. Consider a battery rated at 8V AND 2,000mAh. It shows the battery can deliver 8 volts at 100 milliamps for 20 hours (100mA*15H = mAh).

What Does mAh Stand for on Batteries?

Though mAh is a common term used for all batteries. However, the context in which this term is used can vary for different batteries. Below is a brief explanation of the mAh of various batteries.

mAh on A Mobile Battery

The mAh rating is the most appropriate parameter for quantifying the electrical charge a mobile battery can store. You can calculate the backup time of mobile batteries using this formula:

Backup Time = mAh / Current discharged in mA

For instance, if the capacity of your device battery is 2,000 mAh and it consistently draws 200 mA of current, the device would provide backup power for 10 hours (2,000 mAh/200 mA = 10 hours). It means your device has a battery life of 10 hours.

mAh on A Car Battery

The mAh rating on your car's battery shows how long you can drive without recharging. Batteries with higher mAh ratings have larger storage capacities and extended run times. There are numerous types of car batteries, but lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are the most prevalent.

Lead-acid batteries have an approximate mAh capacity of 135-300 recharge cycles. They have a limited lifespan and must be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, have higher mAh and longer battery life. Their mAh ranges from 300 to 400 recharge cycles, and their life exceeds five years.

mAh on A Rechargeable Battery

Unlike disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries can be recharged after they have been depleted. The mAh rating of rechargeable batteries equals that of non-rechargeable batteries.

mAH to Wh Conversion

Next, we will discuss how to convert mAh to Wh. To convert mAh to Wh, multiply the charge and voltage. Then, divide the result by to get a watt-hour.

The conversion formula from mAh to Wh is:

E (Wh) = Q (mAh)*V/

Here, E represents the energy in watt-hours, Q is the milliamp-hour charge, and V is voltage.

Using this formula, let's calculate the watt-hour of a battery with a 1,000 mAh capacity rated at 240 Volts.

E (Wh) = mAh*240V/ = 240Wh

BLUETTI Home Batteries With Best Storage Capacity 

Now, in case you are looking for a home battery with high storage capacity, BLUETTI is the best option available. It is among the best providers of solar products. Below are some of the best products you can opt for your solar system.

Whether you want to save on utility bills or a backup for a power outage, you can rely on BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home battery backup. 

It has an impressive capacity of 10 to 20 kWh (1kWh = W) and can provide up to 9,000W power for both 120V and 240V devices.

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This battery backup comes equipped with a 9 kW inverter. It also allows you to combine two EP900 units in parallel to reach the output of 18 kW. This output is enough to run your whole house without any hassle.

The EP900 + B500 has the safest LiFePO4 battery for excellent performance. It also provides an industry-leading 10-year warranty, giving you the most convenient and worry-free home backup.

The AC500 + B300S is a 100% modular solar power system for all needs. It's an expandable solar power system that can transform the way you harness solar energy.

It has a 5,000W pure sine inverter, which can take up to 10 kW power surge. That means anything you plug in will work up to its full functionality.

The AC500 + B300S backup supports up to 8,000W input and can be charged using both the wall outlet and solar panels. 

The best part? It can accept up to six B300S expansion battery packs, increasing the overall capacity to 3,072 Wh to a whopping 18,432 Wh.

This battery backup also offers the convenience of smart control with the BLUETTI app. It comes equipped with 16 outlets for versatile charging. Last but not least, it comes with a 4-year warranty for your peace of mind.

BLUETTI AC300 + B300 is another best solution for emergencies and power outages. It can accept up to four B300 battery units with a 3,072 Wh capacity each.

Its pure sine inverter can adjust the charging rate from 1,800W to 3,000W through wall outlets. It supports an AC output of W by default, which can be boosted to 3,000W with the 30A charging cable. 

The AC300 + B300 backup can support a blazing input rate. Using both the wall outlet and Solar panels, you can fast charge it at the maximum rate of 5,000W. Additionally, it has simple mechanisms. It can easily integrated with your home grid. 

Final Word

"What is mAh?" is the simple yet crucial question you should ask when buying a battery-powered product, particularly solar applications. The mAh estimates how long your battery will last before it needs to be replenished. In general, the more the mAh, the longer the battery life.

And when it comes to solar batteries, BLUETTI home battery backups are the most reliable power sources. They can fulfill all your energy demands with their generous storage capacities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does mAh matter?

Yes. Whether it is for smart devices, power stations, or any other battery-powered gadget, the mAh describes how much energy it can store and how long your device will keep working before it needs to be recharged.

2. Is a higher mAh always good?

No. A higher mAh is only one factor that determines battery life. Other factors, such as device type, usage patterns, and external factors, also impact battery life.

3. Does a higher mAh mean a larger battery?

Not necessarily. The battery's physical size and its mAh rating are not directly connected. 

4. Can a battery with higher mAh harm my device?

No. A battery with a higher mAh will not cause damage to your device. However, using a non-certified, incompatible charger or overcharging may affect your battery's health.

5. Does stacking batteries increase mAh?

Yes. Stacking multiple batteries increases the total mAh of the stacked ensemble. For instance, a solar power station with multiple standard batteries will have a higher mAh than a power station with a single battery.

Comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery which is better choice

 

 

With the increasing number of devices in use today, more and more different battery types exist in order to meet the various device requirements. Batteries like li-ion and ni-mh are some of the common battery types in use all over the world today. But which battery type is best for your application and which is better than the other.

A comparison between li-ion vs ni-mh battery is needed to determine which battery best suits your specific needs. In this article, we&#;ll be going over the major differences and comparisons of a li-ion vs ni-mh battery.

1. What does nimh mean on a battery

nimh stands for Nickel-Metal Hydride and is a fairly common type of rechargeable battery used mostly with small mobile devices, remote control, power tools, and some other electronic devices. nimh contains internal negative electrodes that are made from hydrogen-absorbing alloys that make them very unique and different from other Nickel battery types. They are regarded as one of the most efficient Nickel battery types due to their energy density and capacity.

2. What does li-ion mean on a battery

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable lithium battery with fairly more advanced design and technology than most batteries present. It uses lithium-ion alloys as its basic electrochemical component in addition to carbon giving it a high energy density rating all while being a lightweight battery.

They are the most commonly used battery for household electronics and mobile devices including phones, tablets, telecom devices, hoverboard, power tools, electric vehicles and so on, even used in large electrical equipment and energy storage systems.

The following are some common lithium battery specifications&#;

 

3. Application of li-ion and ni-mh

There are numerous applications and uses when comparing a li-ion vs ni-mh battery many of which are similar in some regard.

Application of ni-mh:

ni-mh batteries are known to supply high charges of current at once and are therefore common with devices that require high charges of energy at a go.They can either be made available in individual battery cells or larger battery packs depending on the applications. Some of these applications include flashlights, toys, portable devices, cameras, remote-controlled electronics, power tools, and much more.

 

Application of li-ion:

li-ion batteries, on the other hand, are known to have high energy densities, high voltage rating, and large capacity as well. This makes li-ion batteries a widely preferred choice for consumer electronics and everyday applications some of which includes motorcycle,golf cart, electric vehicles, also could use as lithium rv battery or trolling motor battery.

4. The pro and cons of li-ion vs ni-mh battery

In comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery there are always pros and cons to consider to know which battery type is more suited for your individual needs and applications.

Pros of li-ion:

  • li-ion Battery cell has a relatively high capacity rating of more than mAh
  • They have a very high nominal average voltage rating not less than 3.2V.
  • They are lightweight batteries and are also relatively safe to use.
  • They allow for extremely fast charging.
  • A low self-discharge rate about 3.5% per month means li-ion batteries can be stored or left idle for long periods without losing much of their initial charge.
  • They have a long life span of up to 10 years under normal usage conditions.
  • They can function in a wide temperature range (-20-60&#;) . &#;They are free maintenance. 
  • They are highly compatible with a wide range of devices.

Cons of li-ion: 

  • When comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery, li-ion batteries are relatively expensive.

Pros of ni-mh: 

  • They are highly compatible with a wide range of devices because they are made in common battery sizes like AA and AAA.
  • They are relatively safe due to the presence of less active materials used in manufacturing them.
  • They can also be fully discharged to 0% without much problem to the battery itself.
  • They are cheaper compared to li-ion batteries.

Cons of ni-mh:

  • When comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery, ni-mh has a much higher self-discharge rate some of which might lose up to 50% of their initial charge in a single month. Although this only applies to some variants of ni-mh batteries.
  • They also have a relatively low average voltage of 1.2V which is considerably lower than that of li-ion batteries.
  • When comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery, ni-mh has a much slower charge time of between 8 to 12 hours as fast charging them may result in damage to the battery. This is unlike li-ion batteries which have a faster charge time between 3-5 hours depending on the battery&#;s capacity.
  • Ni-mh batteries are extremely sensitive to temperature changes as their voltage levels drop at high temperatures.

5. Is nimh the same as lithium

In comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery, they are not the same and can not be used interchangeably. Both batteries are rechargeable and power a common range of devices but li-ion offers a wider range of devices compared to ni-mh batteries.

While ni-mh batteries may be cheaper, li-ion batteries have higher energy density and voltage and are more adaptable and environmentally friendly than ni-mh batteries.

6. What type of rechargeable battery lasts the longest

When comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery, li-ion batteries are known to last longer with a low self-discharge rate and long life span, they can last for up to cycles that is about 10 years as opposed to ni-mh can only last for up to 3 years.

7. Is nimh safer than lithium-ion

In comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery, ni-mh batteries are relatively safe, but they are also easily susceptible to changes in temperatures which may result in the battery overheating causing a potential fire hazard. li-ion batteries are much more tolerant and hence relatively safer.

8. Which is better - li-ion vs ni-mh battery use in energy storage

In comparing li-ion vs ni-mh battery, li-ion batteries are much better for energy storage because while ni-mh batteries lose most of their stored energy owing to a high self-discharge rate which is not the case for li-ion as they can retain a charge for much longer periods.

9. Can I charge a nimh battery with a li-ion charger

No, it is simply not recommended as both batteries have different chemistries and may not be compatible with each other if you use the same charger.

If you are just looking for a good lithium battery then you can refer to the top 10 lithium battery companies.

Related post: best lithium golf cart batteries, agm battery vs lead acid.

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