What is a CR2 Battery?

 The CR2 Battery is a cylindrical cell battery that has a lithium chemistry. In simple terms, the CR2 battery looks like a smaller version of a D Cell Battery, or for simpler reference almost like a can. These batteries have a wide variety of applications. They are mostly used in cameras which require a high power lithium battery as well as many industrial applications. Having so many uses makes this battery very popular and thus, sometimes hard to find in stock. They are produced by a variety of large and small brands such as Panasonic, Duracell, and Energizer. This article will tell you everything you may need to know about the CR2 battery. 

Technical Specifications Of The CR2 Battery

Are CR2 Batteries Rechargeable?

 Many of our customers who contact us ask  “Are CR2 Batteries Rechargeable?” Most CR2 batteries are not rechargeable while some are. Usually the label of a CR2 battery will indicate if that specific battery is rechargeable or not. Rechargeable batteries are also known as “secondary batteries” while non-rechargeable, or single-use CR2 batteries, and known as “primary batteries”. It is very important that you determine if a CR2 battery is a “primary battery” or a “secondary battery.” Attempting to recharge a non-rechargeable battery (especially a lithium battery) can cause a fire, explosion, or destruction of your charger/device. Even when using a well made rechargeable-battery, it is important to use the correct charger to ensure no issues occur. Using an incorrect or incompatible charger for your CR2 battery can cause the battery malfunction or not work at all. 

How Long Do CR2 Batteries Last?

 How long a CR2 battery lasts depends greatly on the manufacturing quality and the application of the battery. Assuming that the battery is fresh and purchased from a reliable source, there is still a large range of service life depending on the usage. For a frequent application that requires large amounts of energy, such as for a high lumen flashlight, a CR2 battery could last less than a month. For a more passive usage, such as in a home security alarm panel, service life can be over a year with the right conditions. Basically, how long your CR2 battery will last depends on what you need it to do. 

What Battery Is Equivalent To The CR123A Battery?

Direct replacements and equivalents for the CR2 battery could be, DLCR2, KCR2, ECR2 1CR2, and 5046LC. These batteries are all direct replacements for the CR2 battery, and are all considered primary or non-rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable or secondary versions of the CR2 battery are the 15270 battery and the 15266 battery. These rechargeable versions of the CR2 battery tend to have a slightly lower capacity (lower mAh) than the non-rechargeable versions, but will still fit in and power the same devices. You will see a longer single-use life with the non-rechargeable version, but will save money in the long run using the rechargeable CR2 battery. 

Are CR2 Batteries The Same As CR123A?

The CR2 battery is not the same as the CR123A battery. The CR2 battery is slightly shorter than the CR123A battery and will not fit in most applications that require a CR123A battery. In addition the CR123A battery will deliver on average about 50% more output than the CR2 battery, meaning that even if you did manage to seat a CR2 battery into a device that uses a CR123A, it would not be able deliver the full power required and your device will either function poorly or not at all. These batteries do share a few similarities in that they are both made using lithium manganese dioxide and they are both 3 volt batteries.

Are C2 and CR2 batteries the same?

The CR2 battery is not usually referred to as a C2, but some small manufacturers do provide batteries identical to the CR2 which are labeled C2. The majority of major manufacturers will usually designate this battery the CR2. Also, some confusion may occur when looking at certain retail packaging for C cell batteries. Some retail packs of 2 pieces of C batteries may sometimes say C 2 at the top of the packaging. This does not mean it is the same as a C2 (CR2) battery, but instead indicates it is 2 C cell batteries in the pack. 

What Uses CR2 Batteries?

The CR2 battery has military, industrial, medical, and consumer applications. In a military setting, the CR2 battery is used in weapons lights, optics, laser rangefinders, laser designators, and communications devices. Medical use of the CR2 battery includes alarm batteries and power for various instruments. Industrial and consumer uses can include lights, alarms, cameras, and memory back up applications.