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When the instructions say not to, use alkaline only. Will i die? Ignore? Ignore at peril?
Inclined to ignore, what’s the risk of damage or leaks etc?
Rechargeables have a slightly lower voltage you might find it doesn't work. Also they self discharge at a faster rate so they won't last as long as alcalines in some cases.
Depends a bit what it is really and how upset you would be if you killed it
Try them and see. Depends what it is and what the internal protection circuitry is.
The only device I have that is very picky about batteries is my SPOT tracker which will only work with lithium batteries - great, the most expensive ones.
What's the device?
Rechargeable batteries give out 1.2v compared to something like 1.6v for a new Duracell. So if voltage is critical rechargeable won't cut it. If it's something like a clock or thermostat that takes minimal current but over a long time like a year, then alkaline is better.
I have a stock of both alkaline and rechargeable AAs and use both as appropriate.
One issue is NiMH rechargeables have less internal resistance. So if devices don't have proper regulation, they can draw too much current, could damage them. Seems is an issue with some cheap torches (Alpkit).
For longer term stuff, get some low self discharge NiMH. eg Eneloop. They can keep most of the charge for a year.
Years and years ago when I used to go night mtbing I used to used a Petzl with a halogen bulb. With NiCad rechargeable batteries. If you turned the lamp on with a freshly charged battery set the initial high current would blow the bulb instantly so I always used an old flash gun to take the initial charge off.
One issue is NiMH rechargeables have less internal resistance. So if devices don’t have proper regulation, they can draw too much current, could damage them. Seems is an issue with some cheap torches (Alpkit).
This, an alkaline battery is ~1.5V with no load on it, but that drops considerably in use.
A rechargeable battery is 1.2V, but that doesn't drop.
So in something that uses a lot of current like a flash gun or powerful torch the rechargable battery's voltage (and therefore current) might actually be higher.
Or, my electric toothbrush runs on AA's and the opposite is true, it doesn't have the volts to make it work. So it runs on energizer lithium which whilst they are a blister packed environmental disaster, at least give me really clean teeth and last ~4 months.
Thank you all, that’s one of those questions that I’ve always wanted to know the answer to but been too scared to ask... 👍😅