Abstract: A battery holder for axial-type dry cells, alkaline or other, has opposed faces for abutting either terminal of the battery and supporting two conductors, a center conductor contacting only the positive terminal of the battery and a flanking outer conductor contacting only the negative terminal of the battery depending on which terminal of the battery abuts the inner face. Center conductors are joined by a wire as are the flanking outer conductors so that the battery provides a single polarity of voltage through the wires regardless of the direction of its insertion within the battery holder. The center conductor is recessed within a groove to stabilize the battery and to prevent shorting of the different conductors by the battery terminals.