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CR123A battery: uses, characteristics, application scenarios and equivalent

Post Date：2024-09-09，

CR123A battery is a common small lithium primary battery widely used in various portable electronic devices. This battery is known for its high energy density, long life and stable voltage output. This article will introduce the definition, characteristics, uses and application scenarios of CR123A battery in detail.

Definition of CR123A battery

CR123A battery is a disposable lithium primary battery with a nominal voltage of 3 volts (3V), a diameter of 12.5 mm and a height of 34.5 mm. This battery usually adopts a lithium-manganese dioxide chemical system and has the characteristics of high energy density and long life.
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Definition of CR123A battery

Characteristics of CR123A battery

High energy density:

CR123A batteries have a very high energy density, which means that they can store a large amount of electrical energy in a small volume.

This makes them very suitable for portable devices and small electronic devices.

Long life:

CR123A batteries have a very long service life and can maintain effective power for a long time even in storage.

Unopened CR123A batteries can be stored for more than 10 years under proper storage conditions.

Stable voltage output:

CR123A batteries are able to provide stable voltage output throughout their use cycle, which is very important for many devices that require continuous and stable power.

This stability makes CR123A batteries perform well in a variety of applications.

High and low temperature resistance:

CR123A batteries are able to operate in a wide temperature range, from -40°C to 85°C, which makes them suitable for a variety of extreme environments.

This temperature resistance makes CR123A batteries very useful outdoors and in harsh environments.

No memory effect:

As a disposable battery, CR123A batteries do not have the problem of memory effect.

Users can replace new batteries at any time without worrying about battery performance degradation.

Uses of CR123A batteries

CR123A batteries are widely used in various portable electronic devices and professional equipment. Here are some common application scenarios:

Cameras and camcorders:

Flash: CR123A batteries are often used in camera flashes, providing fast charging and long-term use.

Digital Cameras: Portable digital cameras and camcorders require a steady power source, and CR123A batteries are an ideal choice.

Security Equipment:

Smoke Alarms: CR123A batteries are commonly used in smoke alarms, providing long-term backup power.

Security Alarms: Home and commercial security alarm systems often use CR123A batteries as backup power.

Outdoor Equipment:

Flashlights: CR123A batteries are commonly used in high-intensity flashlights, providing long-term illumination.

GPS Equipment: Outdoor adventure and navigation equipment require a steady power source, and CR123A batteries are ideal for such equipment.

Medical Equipment:

Blood Glucose Meters: Portable blood glucose meters and other medical equipment often use CR123A batteries.

Heart Rate Monitors: Portable heart rate monitoring equipment requires a steady power source, and CR123A batteries are an ideal choice.

Military and Professional Equipment:

Night Vision Devices: Military and professional night vision equipment often use CR123A batteries, providing long-term steady power.

Communications Equipment: Portable radios and other communications equipment require a reliable power source, and CR123A batteries are an ideal choice.

Portable devices:

Wireless mouse and keyboard: Portable wireless mouse and keyboard require a stable power supply, and CR123A batteries are very suitable for such devices.

Portable audio: Small portable audio devices require a long power supply, and CR123A batteries are an ideal choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of CR123A batteries

Advantages:

High energy density: The energy density of CR123A batteries is very high, suitable for a variety of portable devices.

Long life: CR123A batteries have a very long service life and are suitable for long-term storage.

Stable voltage output: Provides stable voltage output throughout the use cycle, suitable for devices that require continuous and stable power supply.

High and low temperature resistance: Suitable for various extreme environments, suitable for outdoor and harsh environments.

Disadvantages:

High price: The price of CR123A batteries is relatively high, especially for disposable batteries.

Non-rechargeable: As a disposable battery, CR123A batteries cannot be recharged and need to be replaced regularly.

Limited capacity: Although the energy density is high, the capacity is limited, suitable for devices with low to medium current consumption.

How to choose CR123A battery？

The following factors need to be considered when choosing the right CR123A battery:

Device type:

Determine the current consumption and voltage requirements of the device.

Choose a battery that suits the device type.

Frequency of use:

Device that is used frequently is suitable for choosing high-capacity CR123A batteries.

Device that is used less frequently can choose standard-capacity CR123A batteries.

Budget:

Users with sufficient budget can choose high-quality CR123A batteries.

Users with limited budget can choose CR123A batteries with high cost performance.

Brand:

Choose CR123A batteries from well-known brands to ensure quality and performance.

Maintenance and care of CR123A batteries

Storage conditions:

Store in a dry, cool place, avoid high temperature and humidity.

Avoid contact with other metal objects to prevent short circuits.

Regular inspection:

Check the battery regularly for leakage or damage.

Replace aging batteries in time to ensure normal operation of the device.

Precautions for use:

Make sure the battery is installed correctly to avoid reverse installation that causes short circuits.

Use the right device to avoid overload use.

Recycling:

Waste CR123A batteries should be properly disposed of to avoid environmental pollution.

Choose a regular battery recycling channel for environmentally friendly treatment.

Maintenance and care of CR123A batteries

Differences between CR123A batteries and ordinary batteries

Performance

Durability: The chemical properties of CR123A batteries are stable, and the battery capacity remains almost unchanged (~90%) after 10 years under ideal conditions.

High temperature resistance: CR123A batteries are more resistant to high temperatures than ordinary batteries, so they can be used in automobiles or industrial fields.

Capacity

General: CR123A battery power capacity is up to 1500mAh, while ordinary battery capacity is relatively low.

Applicable scenarios

CR123A batteries: commonly used in high current consumption applications such as cameras, LED flashlights, etc.

Ordinary batteries: widely applicable, such as daily small electronic devices, etc.

What is the difference between cr123a batteries and cr123 batteries?

Performance

Voltage: CR123A battery voltage is usually 3V, CR123 battery voltage is also 3V.

Stability: Due to the stable chemical composition, the battery capacity of both remains almost unchanged (~90%) even after 10 years of storage under ideal conditions.

Capacity

CR123 battery capacity is up to 1500mAh.

CR123A battery capacity is about 1550mAh. 2

Applicable equipment

CR123 battery is small in size and high in energy density, and is often used in high current consumption applications such as LED flashlights. CR123A battery is applicable to similar CR123.

Price

The prices of the two may vary due to factors such as brand and sales channel.

Dimensions

Weight: CR123 about 16.5 grams, CR123A about 16 grams.

Length: CR123 about 34 mm, CR123A about 34.4 mm.

Width: CR123 is about 16.5 mm, CR123A is about 17 mm.

Naming differences:

CR123A: is the official name specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

CR123: may be a generic name for some manufacturers or markets, usually referring to CR123A batteries.

Packaging and labeling:

CR123A: is usually clearly marked as CR123A on packaging and labels.

CR123: may only be marked as CR123 on some packaging and labels.

CR123A battery is the official name specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) with unified specifications and performance indicators. It is widely used in various portable electronic devices with high energy density, long life and stable voltage output.

CR123 battery usually refers to a variant or generic name of CR123A battery, but there may be slight differences in some markets or brands. In most cases, CR123 batteries can be used interchangeably with CR123A batteries.

What batteries can replace CR123A?

CR123A battery is a disposable lithium primary battery widely used in various portable electronic devices. However, due to its disposable nature, some users may want to look for alternative options, especially when the battery needs to be replaced frequently. Here are several options that can replace CR123A batteries:

Disposable replacements

Batteries of the same specifications:

CR123: In some cases, CR123 may just be a variant or generic name of CR123A, and the two can be used interchangeably.

DL123A: DL123A is also a lithium primary battery with the same specifications as CR123A and can be used interchangeably.

Other brands:

Energizer CR123A: Energizer is a well-known brand and its CR123A batteries are reliable.

Energizer CR123A

Duracell CR123A: Duracell is also a well-known brand, and its CR123A battery has excellent performance.

Duracell CR123A

Rechargeable alternatives

16340 battery:

Definition: The 16340 battery is a rechargeable lithium battery with the same size as the CR123A.

Voltage: The nominal voltage of the 16340 battery is 3.7V, which is higher than the 3V of the CR123A.

Note: When using the 16340 battery, you need to pay attention to whether the device supports 3.7V voltage. If the device is only designed for 3V voltage, it may be damaged. Please read the device manual carefully before use.

RCR123A battery:

Definition: RCR123A is a rechargeable battery designed specifically to replace CR123A, with a nominal voltage of 3.7V.

Note: It is also necessary to pay attention to whether the device supports 3.7V voltage.

Protection board:

Definition: If the device supports 3.7V voltage, you can use 16340 batteries plus protection boards to ensure safe use of the batteries.

Notes: The protection board can prevent overcharging, over-discharging and other problems, and improve safety

Notes on choosing CR123A replacements:

Voltage matching:

The nominal voltage of CR123A batteries is 3V, while the nominal voltage of 16340 batteries is 3.7V. When using 16340 batteries, you need to ensure that the device can withstand 3.7V voltage, otherwise it may damage the device.

Capacity matching:

The capacity of the replacement battery needs to be comparable to the original battery to ensure normal operation of the device.

Device compatibility:

Confirm whether the device supports rechargeable batteries. Some devices may require a dedicated charging circuit.

Safety:

When using rechargeable batteries, you need to follow the correct charging and discharging procedures to avoid problems such as overcharging and over-discharging.

Using a protection board can improve safety.

How long can a CR123A battery last?

The lifespan of a CR123A battery depends on several factors:

Power consumption of the device: Different devices have different operating currents, and devices that consume power faster will consume battery energy faster.

Usage environment: The operating temperature range of the battery will affect its performance and lifespan.

The capacity of the battery itself: CR123A batteries of different brands and models may have different capacities, which directly affects their lifespan.

For example, for a flashlight that uses a CR123A battery, such as the PD25, it can last for about 9 hours and 5 minutes, which is an estimate based on a specific light intensity setting. In actual applications, if different brightness modes are used, the usage time may vary.

Are CR123A and 18650 the same?

CR123A and 18650 are two different types of batteries that differ in size, chemical composition, and whether they are rechargeable.

CR123A battery

Type: CR123A is a disposable (non-rechargeable) lithium battery.

Size: The diameter is about 12.5 mm and the length is about 34.3 mm.

Voltage: Usually provides a stable voltage of 3 volts.

Application: Commonly used in some professional equipment, such as high-brightness flashlights, laser rangefinders, medical equipment, security systems, etc.

18650 battery

Type: 18650 batteries are usually rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Size: The diameter is 18 mm and the length is 65 mm.

Voltage: The standard voltage is 3.6 volts or 3.7 volts, and the voltage will drop when fully discharged.

Application: Widely used in portable electronic devices such as laptops, flashlights, power tools, electric vehicles, e-cigarettes, etc.

Main differences

Rechargeability: CR123A batteries are non-rechargeable disposable batteries, while 18650 batteries can be recharged and used multiple times.

Size: CR123A is smaller, while 18650 is larger.

Voltage: CR123A provides a fixed voltage of 3 volts, while the voltage of 18650 will gradually drop during use.

Cost and environmental protection: Since CR123A is disposable, the long-term cost is higher and the impact on the environment is greater; although the initial cost of 18650 batteries may be higher, they are more economical and environmentally friendly because they can be recharged.

Which battery to choose depends mainly on the needs of the device and the user's preference. If the device is designed to be compatible and requires a long-term stable power supply, CR123A may be a better choice; for those application scenarios that support charging functions, 18650 is more suitable.

What type of battery is CR123A?

CR123A is a lithium manganese battery and it is also a disposable battery and is not rechargeable. If users need a rechargeable lithium manganese battery, they can choose RCR123A or ICR123A, both of which are rechargeable, but the capacity is not as large as CR123A, and the no-load discharge speed is also faster than CR123A.

Summary

CR123A battery is a small lithium primary battery widely used in various portable electronic devices. It is known for its high energy density, long life and stable voltage output. Choosing the right CR123A battery requires considering factors such as device type, frequency of use, budget, and brand. Proper maintenance and care can extend the life of CR123A batteries and ensure the normal operation of the equipment. Understanding the characteristics and application scenarios of CR123A batteries will help you better choose and use the right battery.

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