CR2 lithium batteries combine the advantages of the latest lithium technology with low weight and size. Such batteries began to be produced in the mid-1990s to provide power to cameras, and subsequently became widely used for other purposes.
Content
CR2 Battery Specifications
ANSI CR2 batteries are marked 5046LC in accordance with ANSI standard and CR15H270 in accordance with IEC standard.
General specifications:
- a cylindrical body with a length of 26.7 mm and a diameter of 15.1 mm;
- weight - about 15 grams;
- allowable temperature range from - 40 to +75 degrees Celsius;
- rated voltage - 3 volts;
- maximum load current - up to 100 milliamps, in pulse mode - up to 400 mA;
- typical battery capacity is from 750 to 850 mAh;
- self-discharge level for a year - 1-2%;
- shelf life of 10-12 years.
The negative electrode of CR2 batteries is made of lithium, while the positive electrode is made of heat-treated manganese dioxide (the designation CR means using MnO2 as the anode). The electrolyte in these systems is lithium perchlorate, which is in an organic solvent.
The advantages of lithium sources include high specific energy consumption, stability of characteristics, long service life while maintaining the nominal voltage, small size and weight, as well as a wide range of operating temperatures.
The disadvantages of such batteries can be attributed to the high cost and the need to strictly comply with operating rules. They must not be opened, heated, burned, or shorted.
Battery Analogs CR2
There are similar in size to CR2 batteries batteries of the following standards:
- 15266 - voltage 3.6 volts, diameter 15, length 26.6 mm, capacity about 600 mA;
- 15270 (5046LC) - diameter 15, length 27 mm, capacity 450-600 mA.
- CR17355. - diameter 15, length 27 mm, capacity 750-800 mA.
When using analogues, it is necessary to consider that lithium batteries have several times higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, respectively, the latter will be discharged much faster under the same operating conditions.
Typical battery capacity of this size is from 280 to 800 mAh, and in batteries reaches 850 mAh. In addition, please note that lithium ion batteries have a different voltage - about 3.6 volts, and lithium batteries - 3 volts (they are easy to distinguish because they have a designation on the 3v case).
In addition, there are batteries, similar in size, which can also replace CR2 cells:
- professional CR2 / 38-L batteries with slightly larger dimensions (33.5 mm in length and 17 mm in diameter) and an increased capacity reaching 2000 mAh;
- CR17355 - lithium 3 volt battery, diameter 17, length 35.5 mm, capacity about -750 - 900 mA.
Battery Applications
CR2 batteries are successfully used to provide power in a wide range of devices, including:
- digital cameras;
- flash units;
- flashlights;
- medical devices;
- electronic locks;
- laser pointers;
- radio microphones;
- night vision devices;
- electric collars.
Can I charge the CR2 battery
CR2 lithium batteries, unlike lithium-ion batteries, cannot be charged or recharged. CR2 Li-Ion batteries can be charged in any size-appropriate charge.
This is due to the fact that the lithium metal used in CR2 batteries is not resistant to cyclic recharging.
At the same time, dendrites are formed on its surface, leading to a short circuit and failure of the element, coupled with a very strong increase in temperature, up to the melting of lithium. The resulting violent reaction leads to an explosion.
Popular manufacturers and their features
High-quality lithium batteries must have a reinforced housing and valves to relieve excess pressure, as well as other protection elements.
This is due to the increased danger of these elements, which require good sealing, eliminating not only the leakage of electrolyte, but also the ingress of water and air, which can lead to fire or explosion.
High-quality production can be ensured only if all technical regulations are observed that small producers cannot fully comply with. With high-quality performance, such elements are absolutely safe and are used even in medical devices.
Therefore, it is better to pay attention to the following manufacturers of such batteries:
- Duracell
- Varta;
- Energizer
- GP;
- Panasonic
- Robiton
- Sony
Lithium batteries have excellent technical characteristics, high power, but have a rather high cost and require careful handling. Subject to the correct operating conditions, they are able to show results incomparable with any other similar batteries.
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