Button cell batteries might be small however they play a significant role in powering our everyday devices, ranging from calculators and wristwatches and car fobs for keys, and glucose monitors. Their small dimensions are ideal for electronics that are in short supply. However, with the number of visually comparable models such as CR2016 as well as CR2025, CR2025, and CR2032 available it's easy to pick the wrong model.
What is the consequence if you accidentally plug in an incorrect button battery? Does your device work? It could be damaged? Let's examine the effects of faulty coin batteries and, more importantly, how to ensure that you're using a correct battery.
Size and Fit: The First Line of Compatibility
On first glance, the batteries such as that of CR2016 and CR2032 appear similar. They're the same size, 20mm in diameter. But they differ in their thickness. It is the CR2016 measures 1.6mm thick, whereas the CR2032 is 3.2mm almost double the size. This is important.
The effort of fitting a bigger battery into a space that is designed to accommodate a smaller one can harm the compartment in which it is stored or cause poor contact. Also, a smaller battery placed in a larger area could result in an unreliable connection or a complete power loss. This is especially dangerous in devices where contact with the battery must be precise, for instance digital watches or medical instruments.
To understand more about the two models that are often confused, this compatibility guide will help you determine if it is possible to use a CR2032 as a substitute for a CR2016, and under which conditions.
Voltage and Capacity: Powering Up or Burning Out?
Most button cell batteries come with the same voltage, usually 3 volts, but they're not of the same size. The CR2032 is an example. It usually has around 220mAh, however, the CR2016 just provides around 90mAh. If your device anticipates smaller capacity and you add an alternative battery that has much larger reserves, it may cause overvoltage issues or a faster wear and tear of internal circuits, particularly for high-precision instruments.
On the other hand using a battery that is smaller capacity for a high drain device implies that the power will go out more quickly. This often results in inconsistent performance--intermittent screen glitches, dim displays, or random shutdowns. For devices that are time-sensitive, such as alarms or timers This can be extremely annoying.
Device-Specific Risks
Let's look at what could happen if the type of device:
- Watches need to be maintained in voltage and a good fit. If a battery is too thick could damage either the mechanism or casing. A battery that is thinner could make the timer cease to function frequently.
- Medical devices for devices such as blood glucose meters and hearing aids, the accuracy of readings is not a matter of debate. A defective battery could not only perform poorly but could also affect the health of users when readings are not reliable.
- Auto Key Fobs The wrong batteries could result in problems with range, inability the doors from being locked, or complete disconnect from the car's system. The majority of fobs are calibrated to be compatible with certain capacities and voltages.
- Toys & Gadgets Children's toys can be more flexible but using the wrong battery can lead to excessive heat or reduced life span of internal components.
Safety Concerns
A battery that isn't compatible doesn't simply mean that it will perform poorly, but it could be a safety risk as well. Coin cell batteries are made up of lithium, which can cause overheating when short-circuited. A poorly-fitting battery could change within the device, leading to the device to short. In rare instances it could cause leakage, or even rupture of the battery.
Furthermore, toys for children which allow for easy access to the battery can pose a danger of choking or danger of ingesting. Making sure that the battery is securely secured decreases the risk significantly.
Best Practices: Choosing the Right Button Cell Battery
- Review the device Manual Always look up the specifications of the manufacturer. Most devices will provide the exact model needed, but ignore this information on your own responsibility.
- The match is based on size, voltage and thickness. Don't believe that a battery with a voltage of 3V can be used with another. Verify the size and thickness prior to replacement.
- Choose reputable brands Batteries from reputable brands like Duracell, Energizer and Panasonic typically follow strict quality control and have a solid sizing standard.
- Keep a battery Cross-Reference Chart Charts like these can assist in identifying possible equivalents however ensure whether they're really compatible both in terms of performance and dimension.
- Buy from reputable Sources Cheap off-brand batteries could differ in voltage or size, even if they are labeled as such. If you purchase from reputable electronics stores or battery retailers minimizes the possibility of receiving the wrong specification.
The Bottom Line
The wrong button cell battery could seem harmless however the results can vary from minor inconvenience to major device damage or, even more serious dangers to safety. If it's a mismatch in the thickness of the CR2016 or CR2032 and CR2032, or the use of the incorrect voltage on the fob of a key taking the time to check compatibility is worth the effort.
If you're unsure whether two batteries are able to be swapped, do not guess. Look at an reliable guide to compatibility and then make an educated choice.
In the world of tiny electronic devices, a bit of precision can go a long way.