Rechargeable AAA batteries are quite similar to non-rechargeable AAA batteries. A rechargeable AAA battery and a non-rechargeable one both consist of four basic components: the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the separator and the electrolyte. The chemical reaction that takes place inside a rechargeable AAA battery is however reversible and this is what makes it possible for you to charge the battery over and over again using you AAA battery charger.

A majority of the rechargeable AAA batteries are NiCd/NiCad, NiMH or reusable alkaline. Reusable alkaline AAA batteries are not very popular since they can’t be recharged as many times as a NiCd/NiCad or NiMH AAA battery. They are however suitable in portable radios, flashlights and other electrical equipment stored for emergency situations, since these batteries are capable of holding their charge in an unused state much longer than NiCd/NiCad and NiMH AAA batteries are. Today, most AAA batteries are so called NiMH – nickel metal hydride batteries. Earlier, most rechargeable AA and AAA batteries were NiCd / NiCad batteries. NiCd / NiCad batteries is still available but should be avoided when possible since they contain cadmium which is a highly toxic substance. If you do buy a NiCd / NiCad rechargeable AAA battery it is extra important that you dispose of it in a safe way and according to the rules and regulations applicable in your area.

There are an abundance of different AAA battery chargers available on the market today so it is advisable to take some time to determine which AAA battery charger that is most suitable for your need. If you use a lot of rechargeable AA batteries as well, you might want to consider buying a battery charger that can fit both AA batteries and AAA batteries. Some AAA battery chargers feature a charge status indicator that alerts you when your batteries are fully charged. Time and size is also a factor to consider when choosing an AAA battery charger. Is it important for you that your AAA batteries can be charged rapidly? There are powerful chargers that can charge several AAA batteries in just 15 minutes. One other type of AAA battery charger can need 8 hours or more to charge your batteries and are more suitable to buy if you have the opportunity to let your AAA batteries charge during the night, or when you use a spare set of batteries. When it comes to size many digital camera owners opt for a compact charger with a sleek design that can be easily fitted into the camera bag. On the other hand, if you only charge your AAA batteries at home a few inches more or less on the size of the AAA battery charger might not be very important to you. There are also AAA battery chargers special made for cars; a handy way of charging your AAA batteries while driving. These AAA battery chargers usually come with not only a car adapter, but with a home adapter as well, which allows you to use them indoors as well. Some AAA battery chargers offer polarity protection and are able to charge fully discharged AAA batteries.