By Erik Watkins

CR1225 Battery Equivalent: What Is The Best Replacement?

Last updated: Apr 11, 2023
cr1225 battery equivalent

Coin cell batteries, including the CR1225, are common in small devices. However, one of their minus points is that they quickly run out of juice, often causing users to pay for a new one. The question is: What is the right battery CR1225 equivalent? Scroll down to clear your concern.

What Is The CR1225 Battery?

Specification

The CR1225 battery belongs to the primary category, which means non-rechargeable. Some call it a coin or button cell battery due to its tiny dimension. In detail, it measures 12.5 mm in height and 2.5 mm in diameter and weighs 0,02 lbs.

What Is The CR1225 Battery

When it comes to chemistry, two terminals deliver two different substances. The negative cells are often made of lithium, while the positive ones are carbon monofluoride or magnesium dioxide.

This battery produces a nominal voltage of 3 volts. The cutoff voltage, which refers to complete discharge without damage, is 2 volts.

CR1225 features a nominal capacity of 50 mAh, but the actual performance depends on temperature, lifespan, discharge flow, etc. Some experiments have shown that standard current ranges between 0.1-0.2 mA, and pulse current reaches about 5 mA.

During operation, it generates temperatures of -4°F to 158°F (or -20°C to 70°C). Their self-discharge rate falls between 1-3% per year. This feature affects the average shelf life, but generally, it lasts for 4-7 years. Some high-quality models can even serve up to 10 years.

Below are the specific features of some famous brands:

ModelsNominal & Cut-Off VoltagesNominal Capacity Discharge CurrentOperating TemperatureSelf-Discharge Rate
Energizer 3.0 Volts2.0 Volts48 mAh 0.064 mA~1-3% per year
Renata 0.1 mA-40°C – +85°C
Varta0.1 mA-40°C – +85°C

Usage

CR1125 appears in a wide range of applications, most commonly computing equipment. Also, you can find it in other devices such as electronic toys, remote controls, heart rate monitors, calculators, cameras, wall clocks or medical gadgets, etc.

Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Durability
  • High-temperature resistance
  • Constant output and high capacity

Cons

  • Require proper disposal
  • Relatively high purchase price
  • Few equivalents

Battery CR1225 Equivalents

BR1225 and BR1225-1W are the safest and most suitable replacements for CR1225. Other options, including CR2032 or CR1220, are fine, but battery experts do not recommend them for permanent installation.

BR1225

br1225

The best replacement for CR1225 belongs to the BR1225 battery due to the similarity in physical size and some chemical properties.

On the bright side, the BR1225 shows a better advantage in terms of self-discharge. It serves a rate of around 1% per year, 3 times less than that of its sibling.

As a result, it lasts longer with proper care and use. Though self-life depends on several variables, you can expect it to last for 10 years or more.

Its operating temperature range also expands larger than CR cells which is suitable for extreme temperatures. Specifically, it operates between -22°F and 185°F (or -30°C – 85°C).

However, it delivers lower nominal voltage. The standard level of old models falls around 2.8 volts. Fortunately, advances in technology have improved this feature. Modern models usually have a nominal voltage of 2-3 volts and the cutoff voltage of 2.25 volts.

Its standard discharge current cannot take the crown with a rate of about 0.03 or 0.09 mA. The maximum pulse discharge flow ranges between 1 to 5 mA if allowed.

CR and BR cells are almost the same for most of the remaining features. For example, they together produce a typical capacity of 50 mAh. Hence, they are interchangeable at room temperature. 

However, users tend to apply CR1225 to high-drain devices (e.g., LED clocks and alarms) and BR1225 to low-drain gadgets for best performance.

BR1225-1W

This is another name for the BR1225, which means it is also compatible with CR1225. You can also consider other terms such as KCR1225, LM 1225, CR1225-1W, ECR 1225N, 5020LC, L30, or ECR1225EN.

All of them are lithium batteries with the same voltage of 3 volts and size. They come with low internal resistance, thus extending runtime in toys, watches, or other small devices. Additionally, they possess leak-proof construction to ensure safe replacement.

CR1220

CR1220

The difference between CR1220 and CR1225 comes from physical size. Both have the same height, but the diameter of the former is 0.5 mm smaller than the latter.

This leads to another dissimilarity in capacity. Specifically, the 1220 cells produce only 35-40 mAh and a low discharge current compared to the standards of 1225 cells.

If you want to interchange them, it works best for improvisations in the short run. Though a 0.5 mm gap seems tiny, it may still cause performance degradation or distortion in thin devices.

The battery compartment intended for 1225 cells can accept CR1220, but you should keep an eye on contact issues. Reverse swaps are also possible but rare to happen.

CR2032

CR2032 Battery

If you are looking for another 3V battery for cold conditions, the CR2032 shines the most. As a lithium battery, it possesses characteristics similar to CR1225, such as size, voltage, etc.

One of its pluses is its resistance to a wide range of operating temperatures from -22F° to 140°F (or -30°C – 60°C). The durability of up to 8 years also receives much praise from consumers. 

But its environmental friendliness makes it stand out the most due to the absence of mercury in the composition.

Swapping between 1225 and 2032 is acceptable but not recommended. Though both share the same dimension, the capacity of each is day and night. 

The latter delivers 210-225 mAh – a big gap compared to the other. Differences in amperage may damage your battery and device.

Safety Issues Of Using And Interchanging CR225 Equivalents

Price or brand should not be the only factor you care about. Instead, the physical condition and basic information on the back of the packaging deserve more attention.

For batteries for replacement, you should follow the manufacturer’s indications shown in the instructions for use. As you have seen, not all equivalents can work correctly in all cases. Small differences in any feature can lead to damage.

During use, you should commit to power sources of the same type and manufacturer on one device. Say no to mixing brands, cells, or old and new items.

Also, it would help to keep button batteries out of the reach of children and pets. It is no coincidence that they are usually packaged in a “safe package.” 

Although the ingredients do not prove that the needles are toxic, the chemicals can cause damage to internal organs. They cause burns when in contact with body fluids.

FAQs

Can I Charge The CR1225 Battery?

Absolutely, NO. No charging method can refill primary batteries. Please do not risk it, as your item may overheat and explode. The harmful chemicals inside are potentially dangerous for you.

Which Battery Can Replace CR1216?

Some recommended equivalents include BR1216, 5034LC, DL1216, ECR1216, KECR1216, KCR1216, 635202, 635203, and 635200.

Is CR1216 The Same As CR1225?

No. CR1216 and CR1225 are non-rechargeable lithium coin batteries with a height of 12.5 mm. However, the former features a wider diameter (1.6 mm) and smaller capacity (~25 mAh).

Are CR1225 And CR2025 The Same?

No. 2025 cells have a dimension of 20 x 2.5 mm resulting in different performances. Hence, these two are not interchangeable.

Conclusion

As you have seen, there are many labels to be considered as CR1225 equivalent batteries. Some are perfect regarding physical dimensions and capacity, but the rest are not. 

If you go for the CR1220 or CR2032, consider some adjustments in the compartment to ensure a snug fit. However, using these cells as a sop-gap is best.

Automotive Mechanic at PowerAll

With 7 years experience in management positions leading automotive mechanics at PowerAll, Erik Watkins wishes to share useful knowledge and information about automotive mechanical equipment.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Post