With the many devices we use on a daily basis, we rely on powerful energy sources like batteries more than we’re aware or give them credit for. Even small button cell ones can provide a great deal of energy to power up our essentials like calculators, digital watches, remote controls, LED lights, security alarm system components, medical devices such as hearing aids, blood pressure monitors, digital thermometers and toys.
What is a Button Battery?
Also known as coin, the dependable button battery solution is small and round, less than 25 mm in diameter and 5 in height. As it look like a coin or button with the flat shape, that’s how it got its name. It’s available in different varieties, so it’s important to know a thing or two about them to be able to make the right choice when shopping.
What Are the Different Types of Button Batteries?
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The difference mainly comes down to the materials it can be made from, followed by sizes and voltage options. In terms of material, you have:
- Alkaline – A common sight in low-drain devices in the likes of calculators and watches, this type of button battery is usually with a voltage of 1.5 up to 1.6 V, with a capacity range of 50 to 150 mAh. It’s a cost-effective option, though it’s usually got a shorter lifespan than other alternatives like lithium and silver oxide.
- Lithium – With a high energy density and long lifespan, these are batteries with a voltage range of 3 to 3.6 V with capacity of 40 up to 240 mAh. As such, they’re perfect for high-drain devices like toys and digital cameras.
- Silver Oxide – As these button cell batteries provide a stable voltage, they’re ideal for medical devices like pacemakers. You can also use them with watches, counting on a voltage range of 1.5 up to 1.6 V with a capacity of 20 up to 100 mAh.
- Zinc Air – With a voltage range of about 1.4 up to 1.45 V, capacity range of about 50 to 130 mAh, light weight and high-energy output, this battery type is common with medical devices like hearing aids.
In terms of button battery sizes, you’re going to come across different codes that indicate this property, comprised of four digits. Out of these, the first two are for the battery diameter itself, whereas the latter are for the height. The following are the popular button cell battery options you can come across at the stores, so you can choose something suitable for the specifics and requirements of a device:
- 1220 – 12 mm in diameter, 2.0 mm in height
- 1620 – 16 mm in diameter, 2.0 in height
- 2032 – 20 mm in diameter, 3.2 in height
- 2450 – 24 mm in diameter, 5.0 in height
Lastly, when considering the voltage, as mentioned, there are the 1.5, 3 and 3.6 V designs. Out of these, the first is usually present in small button batteries used in small devices. The second is used in large batteries for many devices, including remote controls. The last is a more specialised type as it’s more common in the medical devices, plus industrial sensors.
What Are the Advantages of Button Cell Batteries?
There are plenty of reasons why these batteries have become so popular and widespread. First of all, their small and compact size makes them a favourite for the suitability and practicality with an array of devices where regular batteries fail with their larger size.
Moreover, their long shelf life, especially with the lithium solution, means you can rely on them for a long time with devices you don’t get to use a lot, for example. Store them properly in a cool, dark and dry place in their original packaging or a special case when not in use, and be amazed at how long they last and how stable their power is. They’re known for delivering consistent and low-drain energy.
Despite the varieties available, and the differences in price, these are generally low cost batteries. More so weighing in the aforementioned benefits, plus the versatility. Whichever device you need them for, they’re very popular so it’s easy to come across the size, voltage and chemistry you require. This means they’re both cost-effective and easy to replace when the time comes.
Are There Disadvantages?
One can’t talk about advantages only without mentioning a disadvantage too, and it’s exactly in the small size. Over the years, there have been accidents with children, which has resulted in safety concerns. Small and shiny as they are, they can easily lick and swallow them. To cut down this risk, look for reputable stores that offer batteries of quality, in secure child-safe packaging that requires opening only with scissors.
Additionally, store them away from the reach of children and pets, in a designated area away from metal objects and heat. Be sure to pay attention to them, check for signs of swelling and leaks to avoid malfunctioning, safety hazards and dispose and replace them in time. Speaking of disposing, it’s a must to follow local regulations when it comes to environmental safety. Look for places around where they recycle these specific batteries for peace of mind.