Button cells: Features and benefits
The main characteristic of button cells is easy to explain: this special type of battery is defined by its button-shaped design. A button cell battery is round, with a diameter larger than its height.
Essentially, a button cell is a power source that differs from regular batteries in several ways. The key difference is that standard batteries typically consist of multiple electrochemical cells, whereas button cells do not. This distinction also explains why button cell batteries are so remarkably compact.
Their compact design allows them to be used in environments where space is limited — a digital wristwatch is a prime example. At the same time, a button cell can serve its purpose for many years, requiring little to no replacement.
These button cell batteries are typically used when one of the following conditions is met:
- low power consumption
- infrequent use
Button cells in practice: Examples
The many variants of button cell batteries provide reliable service in a wide range of devices and applications. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of use cases:
- Primary power source: In mobile or stationary devices or components
- Supplementary, independent power source: As a backup to mains power (e.g., emergency power, powering LED displays, and similar)
Countless examples could be listed. Button cells are used in medical measuring devices like thermometers, watches, kitchen scales, toys, and safety equipment. They also play an indispensable role on PC motherboards and in various consumer electronics devices.
The advantages of lithium button cells
When buying button cells, you can choose from several types, such as lithium, alkaline, and silver oxide. Lithium button cells stand out thanks to their versatility, which comes from several key factors:
- compact size
- lightweight
- consistent voltage throughout their lifespan
- long service life
- minimal self-discharge, ensuring long shelf life
- stable performance even at extreme low or high temperatures
From measuring devices for indoor or outdoor use to toys and calculators, lithium button cell batteries are a smart choice. Stock up here at EXP Tech with the right model in the quantity you need!
Buying the right button cells: Tips
Another advantage of button cell batteries is that the product labeling clearly indicates all key specifications. You see a button cell labeled CR2025 in our shop? Here’s how to read it:
- C: The first letter indicates the type of button cell. In this case, it’s a lithium manganese dioxide cell. If it started with a B, it would indicate a lithium carbon monofluoride cell.
- R: The second letter simply stands for round cell.
- 20: Next comes the size information. The first two digits refer to the diameter. For a CR2025 button cell, the diameter is 20 mm.
- 25: The last two digits indicate the height, here 2.5 mm. Note that there should technically be a decimal point between these last two digits.
If you’re buying a button cell like the CR2016, you may also want to check the voltage in volts and the capacity in mAh. You’ll find these details on the individual product pages in your online electronics shop. Order from EXP Tech, your established wholesaler for button cells, and benefit from excellent product availability and fast delivery!