When you think of batteries, you may often think of the typical cylindrical batteries such as alkaline AA or AAA batteries. But did you know that one of the most often-used batteries in your home is actually a coin? Read on to find out more about lithium coin batteries such as CR2032, and why they are one of the UK’s most important battery types.
- What are coin cell batteries?
- What are coin cell batteries used for?
- How long do coin cell batteries last?
- Are coin batteries with different names interchangeable?
- How should I store coin cell batteries?
- How do I dispose of coin cell batteries safely?
- What other key safety precautions should I take when using CR2032 lithium coin batteries in the house?
- Are coin batteries and button batteries the same?
- Why choose GP Batteries for your next coin battery purchase
What are coin cell batteries?
Coin cell batteries are exactly as described: they are a flat, round battery cell shaped like a thin disc or a coin. While some coin cell batteries can be made from alkaline, most of them such as the popular CR2032 are made with lithium, because lithium enables greater, long-lasting power while staying lightweight.
While the CR2032 is the most popular single lithium coin cell size in the UK, there are plenty of other types of coin batteries as well, such as the CR2016, CR2025 and CR2450. But don't worry or feel overwhelmed by all these numbers and codes: there is a logic to the name!
- The "C" means lithium primary, thus that it is a lithium battery
- The "R" means it is a round shape
- Therefore, CR means it is a round, lithium battery
- The numbers denote the size of the battery. For instance, 2032 means the coin battery has a diameter of 20 mm and a thickness of 3.2 mm
- When you add all this together, CR2032 means it is a round, lithium coin battery with a diameter of 20 mm and thickness of 3.2 mm
This means the naming convention is not arbitrary, and all the letters and numbers stand for something important. This will help you understand that not all lithium coin batteries are interchangeable, and therefore it is important to purchase the right sized battery for the right product.
What are coin cell batteries used for?
Lithium coin cell batteries typically have a voltage of 3V, and are most frequently used in small everyday devices that require ongoing, long-lasting power. One of the most common uses for coin cell batteries is for car key fobs or garage door controllers. Other uses include medical devices such as thermometers or heart rate monitors, everyday electronic devices such as calculators and watches, and many more useful items in our daily lives.
How long do coin cell batteries last?
As most coin batteries are lithium-based, this means they are designed to be long-lasting, even when used every day. While it depends on how frequently the device is used, GP lithium coin batteries are energy-dense and can deliver 30% more power than the market average of the same battery type. Depending on usage and the device, lithium coin batteries such as CR2032 can last anywhere between 2 to 10 years. In addition, when stored correctly, GP coin batteries can retain power for up to 10 years, meaning you can keep GP batteries in a cool, dry place and they will still hold power when you need it the most.
Are coin batteries with different names interchangeable?
As mentioned, the names of coin cell batteries are not random, and actually denote key information about the battery's size. So, while it may be tempting to assume there isn't much difference between a CR2032 and CR2025 battery, there actually is: in this instance, while the diameter and voltage are the same, the thickness of the battery is different. This means a CR2025 battery may not fit as well in a device that requires a CR2032, as there is a 0.7 mm difference in thickness. This in turn can affect contact pressure, and the device may only appear to work sporadically as a result.
How should I store coin cell batteries?
Much like with alkaline batteries, store lithium coin batteries in a cool, dry environment, ideally in its original packaging to avoid loose batteries coming into contact with each other or other metallic objects. With GP's leak-proof design, our coin cell batteries retain power for up to 10 years when stored correctly.
How do I dispose of coin cell batteries safely?
First thing's first: remember never to throw batteries of any kind in your regular household trash! Improper disposal can be a health and safety hazard and cause fires. For more information, we have a post explaining the dangers and the proper disposal methods. This is the same with coin batteries: they should be disposed of at battery recycling bins (now commonly found in most supermarkets and stores that sell batteries).
Another additional tip when disposing CR2032 batteries and other coin cell batteries is to tape both sides of the battery. This ensures that the terminals cannot accidentally come in contact with other batteries or metal objects and short-circuit as a result.
What other key safety precautions should I take when using CR2032 lithium coin batteries in the house?
Whether it's a CR2032 or other sized coin batteries, it is important to keep them stored away and out of reach of children and pets. Due to their small, disc-shaped design, they are especially easy to swallow. This is not only a choking hazard but can also cause burns in the throat and stomach, and can be fatal if not treated in time. When changing batteries in devices, ensure children and pets are never left alone with the exposed battery, as it only takes a second for an accident to happen. If you would like to learn more about battery safety, have a look at our blog post on battery safety around children.
Are coin batteries and button batteries the same?
While some may use the terms "coin batteries" and "button batteries" the same, they are actually two different types of batteries. Coin batteries such as the CR2032 tend to be thin, disc-shaped batteries with a wider diameter, while button batteries, sometimes referred to as cell batteries, are much smaller and tend to be thicker.
While most coin batteries are lithium-based (hence the "C" in the name as previously mentioned), most button battery names start with LR, where the "L" stands for alkaline and "R" denotes its round shape. Therefore, the composition of the batteries are different, with coin batteries usually being lithium-based and button batteries usually being alkaline-based.
In addition, one button battery tends to have multiple naming conventions. For instance, the LR44 button battery is also known as:
- AG13
- A76
- LR1154 (this is the standardised full code, as LR denotes the round alkaline battery and 1154 denotes the size of 11.6 mm diameter x 5.4 mm height)
At GP, we are dedicated to powering your everyday, therefore we sell both coin and button batteries. Have a look at our specialty batteries listings to find the correct battery for your needs.
Why choose GP Batteries for your next coin battery purchase
While there are plenty of brands that sell lithium coin cell batteries such as CR2032 and CR2025, GP is a global market leader when it comes to specialty batteries. GP coin batteries are shown to provide 30% more power compared to the market average, and they have a long shelf life of up to 10 years when stored correctly. Our coin battery packaging is designed to be child-safe, to ensure your children and pets cannot access the batteries easily. GP are also always innovating to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the power and energy industry, and have won many design awards for our efforts.
In short, GP powers your everyday while keeping your family safe and working towards a greener future. So, why not check out GP's range of specialty batteries, including CR2032 and other coin batteries for your needs?
