Beltrona Industrial Flat Top NiCd D - 1.2V / 1.5Ah (high temperature)

The BELTRONA Industrial NiCd D-cell (Flat Top) is a specialised industrial battery for applications requiring absolute reliability under difficult conditions. With a capacity of 1.5 Ah (1500 mAh) and a high-temperature resistance up to 55°C this battery is the classic standard for emergency lighting systems and medical devices.

Unlike consumer batteries (which are bred for maximum capacity), this cell is designed for longevity under continuous charging. The robust nickel-cadmium chemistry tolerates overcharging and deep discharge far better than modern NiMH cells, which is why it is often unrivalled in existing emergency lighting systems. The flat top design Flat Top (flat positive terminal) is intended for assembly into battery packs (e.g. 3- or 4-cell rods).

Highlights at a Glance

• High temperature resistant (HT): Specially developed for continuous use at ambient temperatures up to 55°C, as is typical in sealed emergency lighting housings under the ceiling.
• Continuous charge resistant: The cell is optimised for permanent trickle charging without drying out or losing capacity (typical for emergency lighting).
• Industrial Standard D (Mono): Size D (approx. 33 x 60 mm) with cardboard sleeve for insulation during battery pack assembly.
• Flat Top Design: Has flat terminals at both ends to allow spot welding of solder tabs (Z-tags) or Hilumin strips for series connections.
• Robust NiCd chemistry: Offers excellent high current capability and reliability, even when not discharged for months.
• Long service life: Typically designed for an operating life of 4 years in emergency lighting applications (according to standard).

Areas of application

This cell is found almost exclusively in professional sectors:

• Emergency and safety lighting: As single cell or battery pack (rod) in exit signs and escape route lights.
• Medical technology: In older mobile devices requiring high reliability.
• Industrial handheld devices: Robust measuring instruments or older tool batteries.
• Spare part: For Sanyo Cadnica D-cells (KR-D) or Saft VTD cells of similar specification.

Assembly & safety instructions

• Workmanship: As it is a flat-top industrial cell, cables or connectors should ideally be attached by spot welding. Prolonged soldering directly to the terminal may damage the internal seal and pressure relief valve.
• Disposal (Important!): NiCd batteries contain the heavy metal cadmium, which is highly toxic. Under no circumstances should they be disposed of in household waste. Always return defective cells to certified collection points.
• Replacement: Always replace the complete battery pack in emergency lighting systems, never individual cells, to ensure uniform voltage levels.

Features

FAQs on the BELTRONA NiCd D 1.5Ah

Why does such a large D-cell only have 1.5 Ah?

This is a quality feature of high temperature cells. Inside, plenty of space is reserved for electrolyte and separators to protect the cell from drying out in high temperatures. Although a consumer D-cell may offer 5-10 Ah, it would quickly fail under constant trickle charge in a hot emergency light. This 1.5 Ah cell lasts for years.

Can I still use NiCd at all?

In the EU, there is a general NiCd ban for consumer devices (e.g. cordless screwdrivers). However, there are exceptions: For emergency lighting, alarm systems and medical devices, NiCd batteries are still permitted due to their safety features and are often the only approved option for legacy systems.

Can I use a NiMH cell instead?

This is often not recommended. Old chargers in emergency lights are designed for NiCd. They would quickly overcook and destroy a NiMH cell due to permanent overcharging. Stick to the technology for which your light is certified.