Do Negative Sides of Batteries Go on Springs?

A battery comprises two metal sheets or plates (called electrodes), separated by an insulator, usually made from glass. The inside of the battery has a circuit with wires, and each wire connects to one electrode. One wire will connect to the positive electrode (+), and the other will connect to a negative electrode (−).

How do batteries work?

Batteries generally ionize gases like lead acid, sulfuric acid, or sodium chloride to produce electricity. It means that when you flip on your TV remote, for example, the electrical energy travels through these three steps:

  1. Electrical energy flows out of the small case and into one end (positive terminal) of your AA batteries.
  2. Energy travels through metal wires to the AA batteries’ other end (negative terminal) and cables to the TV remote.
  3. Energy travels through wires from the TV remote to change channels.

What does a spring do in a battery?

The battery spring is an integral part of your AA batteries, ensuring that you always have the correct polarity when installing them. The springs on each end (positive and negative) ensure that both terminals are installed correctly for proper operation. The spring is not just a placeholder to keep the battery in place. It helps with consistency so that people know what side do batteries go in.

The springs help to connect both sides of a battery. So it makes sense for one side of each end to be “on” or touch this metal surface. It’s also essential for these two ends to touch because if they don’t, then the electric charge will leak out. The springs work by connecting both sides of a battery to keep from shorting out your components and not losing connections when removing them.

Which end of the battery goes on spring?

Batteries have a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The negative side of the battery should be touching the spring when installing it. The purpose of that spring is to ensure that you have the correct polarity when installing the batteries, and it also helps with consistency in knowing which way they go.

Which way do batteries go in?

The batteries must be correctly aligned in the right direction. If not, it might malfunction or leak dangerous corrosive chemicals.

AA, AAA, C and D Batteries

When installing your AA, AAA, C, or D batteries, ensure that you insert them with the negative side touching the spring and then place the positive end on top. It’s also best practice to hold both ends when inserting them, so the springs do not touch one another.

If you are unsure which side should go to the spring, locate the signs in the battery pack. The battery compartment features a plus and minus sign. The opposing end has either springs or small metal levers to indicate which side should be facing the battery’s positive terminal for it to charge properly.

9-Volt Batteries

A 9-volt battery is a small, black cylinder with two snaps on the top. When installing a 9-volt battery, ensure you align the snaps of your 9v battery with those inside the device. The battery compartment shows two shots with the same feature as the ones on top of the 9-volt battery. The male connector from your battery should align with the female counterpart to successfully connect them for use. If you have installed the battery incorrectly, the connectors won’t match up and won’t snap into place.
Insert the connector side of your 9V battery first, and then tilt it at a 30° angle. Line up the snaps so they are touching before pressing down on top of the battery until it is snapped into place for good.

Coin and Button Batteries

You may be wondering what the difference is between coin and button batteries. These batteries are small, round, and flat. The difference in these batteries comes with the shape; while both are circular-shaped like coins (or buttons), one has more of an oval than circle appearance so that it can be sturdier for more extended wear.
The etching on one side of a coin and button batteries is its positive side, while the clean surface (no marking) is the negative side.

To some devices, the battery compartment is marked with a positive symbol, so make sure to read the battery compartment carefully and put in your new one correctly.

When inserting the coin or button battery, insert the battery with the positive side up unless otherwise directed. Some devices may not have markings, but you should always assume that when inserting a new battery, it is facing in this direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do batteries go in opposite directions?

Batteries are connected to produce a higher voltage—the first battery’s positive end ties with the second battery’s negative terminal.

Do the springs wear out?

The springs in the battery compartment typically last for a long time. But when it reaches the end of its lifespan and cannot hold in a battery anymore, the quality may suffer, and you will need to replace them.

What are anodes and cathodes?

In a basic battery, the anode is a positive electrode, and a cathode is a negative electrode.

How to determine the positive side of the 18650 battery?

The 18650 batteries are flat on the top, and the positive side of these batteries is located on one side that raises a bit. The other end has a flat surface, which is the negative side of the battery.

What happens if the batteries are installed the wrong way?

If the batteries are installed in reverse, they will likely be damaged, and there is a high chance that they won’t work anymore. Also, there is a potential to burn out the battery and severely damage the battery. Additionally, you risk trapping electricity, which can lead to overheating, fire, or smoke. It’s best not to put it backward.

What should I do if my battery leaks?

As soon as you notice some corrosion on your device, please immediately remove all power sources from the device for safety reasons. Put those old batteries in a plastic bag and recycle them to keep the harmful effects of pollution down. Be sure not to touch any leaked battery fluid, as it can be dangerous if you don’t wash your hands with soap afterward.

How to dispose of old batteries?

Knowing the proper disposal of old batteries is essential because they contain toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and nickel, which can leak into soil and water sources when improperly disposed of. Disposing of used batteries at a battery store will give them back their life and keep them from harming the environment. To avoid injury from lithium-ion battery leaks, wear safety glasses while handling them and never carry more than one in your pocket or purse because they’re sensitive to heat. Make sure you don’t leave any unattended either. They will explode if left unchecked for long periods.

How long does an AA or AAA battery last?

Batteries usually last for about a year or two, depending on your use. Some people use their batteries continuously while others only sporadically throughout the day, so there is insufficient data to determine an average lifespan.

What are the best brand AAA batteries?

It is hard to say which are the best AAA batteries because they all have specifications. But here are a few that are available in the market:

Conclusion

Batteries are a must-have for any electronic device. They are a source of power for the electronic devices that are vital to our day-to-day lives. It can be challenging to change them if you are unsure what you are doing or how the various components of the device work together, including the battery compartment.

You might think the battery compartment is just there to hold the positive and negative sides of the battery together. Still, it prevents the negative terminal of a battery from coming into contact with anything metallic or electrically conductive. It implies that if you leave a coin next to your phone with a dead battery, it won’t be able to call someone for help.

About the author, Phil Borges

Phil Borges is a battery aficionado. He's written extensively about batteries, and he loves nothing more than discussing the latest innovations in the industry. He has a deep understanding of how batteries work, and he's always on the lookout for new ways to improve their performance.