cr123 batteries Equivalent, Features, types, & Applications

Small devices like cameras, light meters, and other devices use the CR123 lithium battery. It is a non-rechargeable battery. This battery, used for different applications, has a longer working life and provides constant voltage for the longer timer. In this post, we will cover details of CR123 battery features and related factors. So let’s get started with what a CR123 battery is.

What Are CR123 Batteries?

The CR123 battery is a small-sized cylindrical lithium battery and part of small-sized devices. The nominal voltage of this battery is about three volts, and the capacity is about 1500mAh to 2500mAh.

The weight for this battery is about 16.5 grams, and its working life is about ten years. Battery dimensions are 16.5m in width and 34mm in length.

What does CR123 stand for?

• The letter C in the battery name is used to show the lithium chemistry, that is, LiMnO₂.
• R is a round-shaped battery, and number 123 shows battery dimensions.

CR123 battery equivalent

• 123A, 2/3A, EL123A, K123LA, L123A, SF123A, BR2/3A, CR23, DL123A, CR123, CR17345, CR123A, and VL123A.

 Dimensions of CR123 battery

• The diameter of the CR123 battery is 17mm, and the length is 34.5mm.

 CR123 Battery Chemistry

Anodes:

• The battery anode is made with the use of lithium or lithium alloy. At the time of discharge, lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode and carry current.

Cathode

• The cathode of the CR123 battery is made with the use of lithium manganese dioxide or lithium-ion disulfide. These materials are used due to features for absorbing lithium ions at the time of discharge.

Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO₂): 

• It is a cathode material that is used for high stability features and good working for different temperature conditions.

Separator:

• It is thin, porous layers used for avoiding connection between anode and cathode, and ions pass through it. The main use of the separator is to provide safe working for the battery.

Electrolyte

• It is a conducting solvent that provides lithium-ion movement between the anode and cathode. A lithium salt dissolved in the solvent used for the battery

CR123 specifications

Features	Details
Chemistry	Lithium/Manganese Dioxide
Nominal Voltage	3V
Capacity	1500mAh
Shape	Cylindrical
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +70°C
Volume	7.0 cubic centimeters
Max Rev Current	2 uA
Weight	16.5 g
Length	34 mm
Width	16.5 mm

Voltage

• The standard voltage value for the CR123 battery is three volts, and the 3V value is constant for the battery working.

Current 

• The current of the battery is based on uses and manufacturers. CR123 batteries are used for providing medium- to high-voltage power and the best devices where high efficiency is needed, like lighting.

Capacity:

• CR123 batteries have a capacity of 1400mAh to 1600mAh. The capacity is the charge provided by the battery for a longer time. The model of the battery also defines battery capacity.

CR123 vs. CR123A

Size

• CR123 and CR123A batteries are compact-design batteries. They are small in size, which helps them to be used for small devices and high-output LED lights.
• The CR123 battery is thin but longer in size as compared to the 123A battery. The dimensions difference is about 0.55 mm for any side.

Working life

• These batteries work for about ten years if we store them at less than 60 degrees and avoid sunlight. The working life of a battery is normally based on devices and manufacturers.

Voltage

• The CR123 and CR123A batteries have three volts, but load voltage is in the range of 2 to 2.5 volts.

Chemistry

• These batteries have lithium salt electrolyte with a combination of lithium and manganese dioxide (LiMnO₂). The cathode of this battery is manganese dioxide for both batteries.

Feature	CR123	CR123A
Dimensions	17 x 34.5 millimeters	17 x 34 millimeters
Voltage	3 Volts	3 Volts
Charging voltage	1.2 Volts	1.5 volts
Peak output	3.6 A	4.2 A
Weight	17 g	17 g
Capacity	2,000-2,500 mAh	2,000-2,500 mAh
Pulse current	3,000 mA	3,000 mA
Working life	2 to 5 years	3 to 6 years
Performance	better	lower
Compatibility	toys, etc.	different devices, medical devices
Cost	5 to 10 dollars	5 to 10 dollars

Are CR123 and CR123A batteries the same?

Size:

• The CR123 battery is thinner and longer as compared to the CR123A, and the size difference is about 0.55 mm.

Voltage:

• The nominal voltage for the battery is 3 volts, and if a load is connected, they have a voltage range of 2 to 2.5 volts.

Capacity:

• The CR123 battery range is about 1,500 mAh to 2,500 mAh, and the capacity of the CR123A battery is 2,000 mAh.

Temperature Range:

• CR123A working temperature is -40°C to +70°C, and CR123 battery has closer working temperature values.

These features help to use these batteries in place of each other since there is very little difference between them.

Is the CR123 battery rechargeable?

The conventional CR123 battery is a non-rechargeable lithium battery, and some types are rechargeable that have the same size and capacity. The rechargeable batteries are RCR123, 16340, or CR123A batteries.

Labeling:

• The rechargeable batteries are RCR123, 16340, or CR123A.

Voltage:

• Rechargeable CR123 batteries have 3.6 to 7 volts, and non-rechargeable batteries have less than 3 volts.

Charging:

• Specialized type of charger used for lithium-ion batteries. Standard R123 battery charge is not good to use for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Capacity:

• CR123 rechargeable batteries have different capacity ranges based on manufacturers and types. .

CR2 vs. CR123

Features	CR2 Battery	CR123 Battery
Size	Smaller	Larger
Voltage	3V	3V
Capacity	Lower	Higher
Runtime	Shorter	Longer
Applications	Cameras, medical security system	High-drain