Optical power meters typically use either disposable AA alkaline batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, depending on the model.

Disposable Batteries

Many handheld optical power meters, such as the GAOTek Fiber Optical Power Meter, operate on three 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries, providing long continuous operation times of over 240 hours due to low power consumption . Similarly, AFL's OPM4 and OPM5 meters are designed to use globally available AA batteries, offering convenience for field use and easy replacement .

Rechargeable Batteries

Some modern optical power meters incorporate rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for compactness and cost efficiency. For example, multi-function meters with Visual Fault Locators (VFL) often include a 500 mAh lithium-ion battery with a Type-C charging port, allowing easy recharging and portability . The AQ2170 series also supports rechargeable batteries, which reduce operational costs and extend battery life through power-saving features .

Summary

• AA Alkaline Batteries: Common in traditional handheld meters, easy to replace, long-lasting in low-power devices .
• Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries: Found in compact, multi-function meters, rechargeable via USB Type-C, lightweight, and suitable for frequent use . The choice of battery depends on the meter's design, portability requirements, and whether the user prefers disposable or rechargeable power sources.