UniEnergy Technologies Battery » What Battery Can Replace CR1225? (5 Options)

What Battery Can Replace CR1225? (5 Options)

When we think of batteries, our mind usually jumps to the standard AA batteries used in many electronic devices, such as power tools, clocks, toys, and many others.

However, there are smaller items than these that also need power and charge in order to work, such as wristwatches, motherboards, remote controls, glucometers, computer equipment, heart rate monitors, and PDAs, among others.

Due to their compact and coin-like appearance, we typically use CR1225 batteries for these devices, commonly known as coin cell batteries.

Although these batteries barely look like a battery, they actually have a lot of power and can last up to three years if properly maintained. Before we go through the CR1225 replacement batteries, let’s check the CR1225 battery’s chemistry and characteristics.

What Is a CR1225 Battery?

What Is a CR1225 Battery?
Image Credit: thedroplv

CR1225 is a very popular type of lithium 3-volt battery with widespread application, as mentioned above.

Talking of their chemistry, these coin cells’ cathode or negative electrode is made of lithium, while the positive electrode or anode is made of magnesium dioxide or carbon monofluoride.

CR1225 batteries belong to the primary type of batteries, meaning they are non-rechargeable and meant for single use. So, when the battery dies, you cannot charge it; you need to buy a new one.

Their usual height is 2.5 mm, with a diameter of 12.5 mm and a weight of 0.02 lbs per piece. Their operational temperature range is between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F).

Talking of their voltage, as mentioned, the nominal voltage, or the average voltage a cell outputs when charged, of the CR1225 battery is 3.0 V, and their cutoff voltage is 2.0 V.

The cutoff voltage refers to the voltage level, stage, or state of the battery at which it is considered fully discharged without potential damage.

The nominal capacity of coin cell batteries is about 50 mAh; the standard discharge current is 0.1-0.2 mA, and the pulse current is approximately 5 mA. Their capacity depends on several factors, such as discharge current, temperature, battery age, maintenance, and other factors.

The shelf life of CR1225 cells depends heavily on the discharge and can vary from four to seven years.

What Are The Best Battery Replacements for CR1225?

BR1225
Image Credit: batteryjunction

1. BR1225

Generally, the best replacement for CR1225 is BR1225. Why? Well, these batteries have the same physical dimension or size, and you will not have trouble fitting these batteries.

On the other hand, despite their similarities, they share some differences due to their different chemistry.

  • Operating Temperature

CR1225 is very durable and can perform at very low temperatures, such as -20°C, which is excellent. While BR1225 batteries have a slightly different operating temperature range which is -30°C (-22°F) and 85°C (185°F).

  • Self-discharge rates

BR1255 batteries have the edge over CR1225 regarding their self-discharge rates. BR1225 batteries’ self-discharge rate is 1% per year; CR1225 has a self-discharge rate is <2% per year.

When it comes to these batteries, the discharge plays a crucial role, affecting their performance in certain conditions.

  • Voltage

Their nominal voltage is slightly lower, 2.8 V, compared to CR1225 batteries. But on the other hand, they have a cutoff voltage of 2.25V, somewhat higher than that of the CR1225 cells.

  • Discharge Current

Similarly to CR1225, BR1225 batteries have a similar capacity of -50 mAh, but their discharge current is lower than the standard current of CR1225 cells (around 0.03 and 0.09 mA).

  • Life Span

Regarding their shelf life, BR1225 cells have a discharge rate of <1%, meaning they last over ten years if properly stored. Generally, their shelf life depends on several factors, such as the chemicals inside them, maintenance, and storage temperature.

  • Application

It is generally recommended to use CR1225 batteries for devices or tools with a high-drain system, while BR1255 performs best with low-drain gadgets and devices.

If you try to put the BR1225 into a high-power drain device, it will show ‘low memory,’ indicating that it is not the correct battery for that particular device.

These batteries are similar and can be used for the same devices in most cases; for example, you can use both for low-drain applications at room temperature.

CR1255 is a perfect choice for the high-drain application, while BR1225 batteries work great in extreme temperatures. Furthermore, BR1225 batteries have a great runtime, or the period during which the battery’s charge will last.

2. Energizer (ECR) CR2032

If you are searching for other more affordable or better CR1225 look-alike batteries, try Energizer 2025 batteries. This is yet another 3V batter, which can also be used with nearly every device, and this universal use is one of its significant advantages.

Energizer as a brand is known for its product’s top-tier quality, which also extends to CR2032 cells. In addition, they are the same size, which makes CR2032 a great and safe replacement battery.

They are highly durable and can last up to 8 years of shelf life. In addition, they are also great in colder areas, as these batteries can withstand temperatures ranging from -30 °C (-22F°) to 60°C (140 °F).

What gives these batteries a distinct edge over CR1225 is that they are mercury-free and, thus, environmentally friendly.

3. Renata CR1225

Renata CR1225
Image Credit: allaboutcircuits

Renata CR1225 is yet another lithium battery that can perfectly replace your CR1225.

These batteries can weigh up to 1.25 lbs and are incredibly durable for single-use batteries. Hence, they are used for equipment where durability plays a key role, such as medical thermometers.

Compared with the CR1225 and BR1225, Renata CR1225 batteries have nearly similar characteristics, applications, and features, because it is essentially the same battery, just different manufacturer.

4. CR1220

The lithium coin battery, CR1220, manufactured by Panasonic, is also a decent replacement for the CR1225 cell. These batteries have the same voltage of 3V and an ultra-compact design, implying that it has a lot of power stored in such a tiny cell, like many other lithium batteries.

The size and weight are also similar; they usually weigh around 0.9 g; their diameter is 12.5 V, high voltage is 3V. These batteries also can be used in a wide range of temperatures from -30°C (-22F) to +60°C (140F). In addition, the self-discharge of these batteries is very low, meaning they have a very long shelf life, up to 10 years.

CR1220 is also mercury-free and protected against potential leakage, ensuring its performance and durability. These batteries are also used in a wide variety of applications, such as laser pens, calculators, fitness appliances, dog collars, and medical devices like a tensiometer and electric thermometers.

However, there is only one issue when replacing your CR1225 with these batteries; they probably will not last as long as the CR1225.

5. BR1225-1W

Batteries such as BR1225-1W, CR1225-1W, KCR1225, and LM 1225 are interchangeable with CR1225 and BR1225. Several brands manufacture these button-cell batteries, such as Tenergy’s 3 Volt battery, which is used for several smaller devices, including watches, medicinal equipment, and small toys.

All of these batteries have low internal resistance, meaning they will power your toys or toll for longer. Furthermore, most of them do not contain mercury and have an anti-leak structure, making them more than decent replacements.

Besides these, you can also replace your CR1225 with ECR 1225N, 5020LC, as they are all lithium coin batteries with the same voltage and application as CR1225.

FAQ

1. How Can I Test my Coin Battery?

If you want to test your coin battery to see whether it has any power or is dead, there is a simple way to determine it. All you need is a LED, which you will put over each side; if it light ups, the battery has power; if it does not, it is probably dead.

2. What Is The Difference Between DL, BR, and CR?

When choosing batteries, many people are confused by the numerous numbers and letters in the names of the batteries because they are not sure what it means. These letters indicate the type of battery or the manufacturer.

CR batteries are lithium cells, just like BR batteries. However, they have slight differences in chemistry hence the different names (or letters). These are usually generic prefixes, while the designation DL is used only for Duracell batteries.

Regarding CR and BR batteries, CRs are generally less robust than BR batteries when it comes to excessively high or low-temperature exposure, and they can experience a rapid increase in self-discharge.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a number of batteries that you can use as a replacement for CR1225. However, the most recommended replacement is BR1225 because of the similar chemistry, features, and characteristics.

The most important feature when finding the correct battery for your particular device is its size. However, although some batteries will fit in the compartment for the cell, that does not always mean that it is the correct battery.

Due to differences in voltage, the battery might only last for a short time or even damage your toy or device, depending on the type and voltage of the replacement battery.

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