CR1225 vs BR1225: What's The Difference?

The lithium 3.0V coin cell batteries BR1225 and CR1225 are commonly found in dog collars, thermometers, heart rate monitors, keyless remotes, PDAs, medical scales, remote controls, motherboards, and other electronic devices.

Both BR1225 and CR1225 batteries have identical physical dimensions, but their chemistry differs, resulting in differing capacity, voltages, operating temperatures, self-discharge rate, shelf life, and other characteristics.

Table of Contents

What are BR1225 and CR1225 Batteries?

The BR1225 and CR1225 batteries are almost identical in size to a coin. Despite its coin-like form, the battery’s power should not be underestimated. ‘Are BR1225 and CR1225 the same thing?’ you could wonder. These two batteries have roughly the same physical dimensions of D 12.5 x H 2.5 mm, but they use different chemistry. Hence, they perform differently in capacity, voltage, working temperature, self-discharge, lifespan, and other metrics. The BR1225 battery is made of nickel-cadmium, whereas the CR1225 battery is made of lead.

The first letter “C” in CR1225 represents lithium as the negative electrode, manganese as the positive electrode, and organic as the electrolyte. The nominal capacity of this non-rechargeable lithium battery is 50 mAh, with a voltage of 3.0 volts and a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts. It has a maximum continuous drain current of 1 mA and a 5-6 mA pulse current.

The beginning letter “B” on the BR1225 indicates that the positive electrode is constructed of carbon monofluoride (CMF). With a nominal capacity of 48 mAh and a cutoff voltage of 2.0-2.25 volts, this 3.0V non-rechargeable lithium battery is ideal for low-voltage applications. The nominal voltage of BR1225 batteries is 3.0 volts, but the voltage in real-world applications is slightly lower but very stable. The average drain current of BR1225 batteries is 0.1 mA, with greater currents being avoided.

The letter “R” stands for a cylindrical shape corresponding to physical dimensions in both cases. If you’re interested in learning more about non-rechargeable button or coin cell batteries, such as the CR2450 batteries, which are quite common and come in various chemistries, you can do so.

BR1225 and CR1225 Batteries Features and Specifications

The physical dimensions of BR1225 and CR1225 batteries are 12.5 x 2.5 mm (0.4921 x 0.0984 inches). While the most popular labels (which also depend on the battery chemistry) are CR1225 and BR1225, additional labels are also used, such as ECR1225, DL1225, DL1225B, BR1225-1W, CR1225-1W, KCR1225, LM1225, 5020LC, L30, ECR1225EN, and so on.
These 12.5 x 2.5 mm button/coin cells have different chemistry and discharge characteristics.
The lithium button/coin cells BR1225 and CR1225 are primary (non-rechargeable) 3V batteries. Lithium is the negative electrode, while manganese dioxide or carbon monofluoride is the positive electrode.
The working temperature range for manganese-dioxide lithium batteries starts with ‘C’ and is normally between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F). 3.0 V is the nominal value, whereas 2.0 V is the cutoff voltage.
A GOOD EXAMPLE IS a CR1225 battery with a 50 mAh, a standard discharge current of 0.1-0.2 mA, a maximum continuous discharge current of 1 mA, and a pulse current of 5 mA. Of course, the actual capacity is determined by discharge current, discharge temperature, battery age, and other factors.
The self-discharge rate (1-3 percent yearly) determines the shelf life of a CR1225 battery, which normally runs from 4 to 7 years, with certain models having a shelf life of up to 10 years.
The operating temperature range for carbon-monofluoride lithium batteries is normally between -30°C (-22°F) and 85°C (185°F). The nominal voltage is 2.8 V, with a 2.25 V cutoff voltage. However, as chemistry advances, the voltage range of BR batteries approaches that of CR batteries, which ranges from 2.0 to 3.0 volts.
The BR1225 battery is a good example, with a typical capacity of 50 mAh. However, the standard discharge current is lower than that of CR1225 batteries, ranging between 0.03 and 0.09 mA, with maximum continuous discharge currents of 0.1-1.0 mA (if allowed!) and maximum pulse discharge currents of 1.0 and 5.0 mA (if allowed!).
With a normal yearly discharge rate of 1%, BR1225 batteries have a shelf life of 10 years or more.
As can be seen, BR1225 and CR1225 batteries are interchangeable in most instances. Both batteries can be used for low drain applications at room temperature; however, CR1225 batteries are better for high drain applications (for example, timepieces with LED lights and alarms), whereas BR1225 batteries are better for applications at extreme temperatures.
BR1225 batteries are also a preferable alternative for motherboard batteries because they have a reduced self-discharge rate (1% yearly). However, some CR1225 batteries have a self-discharge rate as low as 1% per year; in such case, choose between a BR1225 or a high-quality CR1225 battery.
Similarly, BR1225 batteries may provide extra-long runtime (time between battery replacements) for watches without LED lights or audible alarms – high-quality CR1225 batteries can compare to BR1225 batteries in terms of shelf life but not in terms of operating temperature.

BR1225 and CR1225 Safety Issues

BR1225 and CR1225 batteries, like any other small, shiny things (including other buttons/coin cell batteries), can be ingested by children and dogs.
These batteries are packaged in ‘pets-safe’ and ‘kids-safe’ containers.
Although these batteries do not contain mercury, cadmium, or other harmful heavy metals or pollutants, they can cause chemical burns and physical damage to internal organs if eaten.
If these batteries (or any other similar battery) are ingested, contact an emergency center (or a doctor) right away, explain what happened, and follow their recommendations.

CR1225 vs BR1225: What’s The Difference?

Because the physical dimensions of BR1225 and CR1225 batteries are identical, you will have no trouble attaching them to their respective devices. However, each of them is distinct, and you should be aware of their differences.

For starters, CR1225 batteries are known for their ability to resist temperatures ranging from -20°C (-4°F) to 70°C (158°F). BR1255, on the other hand, can endure temperatures of -30°C (-22°F) to 85°C (185°F).

The nominal voltage of the BR1225 battery is 2.8 V, with a cutoff value of 2.25 V, whereas the CR1225 battery has a nominal voltage of 3.0 V and a cutoff voltage of 2.0 V.

The CR1225 battery is excellent for devices with high drain systems, while the BR1225 battery is best for low drain systems.

They both have a 50 milliampere capacity on average (mA). The usual discharge current of the BR1225, on the other hand, is between 0.03 and 0.09 mA. It has a normal discharge current of 0.1 to 1 milliamperes, with a maximum pulse discharge current of 1 to 5 milliamperes.

Because “BR” batteries have a different chemistry from “CR” batteries, they have their characteristics. BRs are made to handle higher temperatures than CRs.

Many people’s life is dependent on the CR1225 battery. It’s found in remote controls, watches, and other accessories. Audio equipment, data collection systems, electronic games, and clocks, on the other side, use BR1225.

What batteries can replace the CR1225 and BR1225?

BR1225 and BR 1225 are the most basic labels, but there are many more, such as KCR1225, 5020LC, LM1225, ECR1225, BR1225-1W, CR1225-1W, L30, DL1225, DL1225B, ECR1225EN, and others. The BR1225 and CR1225 batteries have a five to ten-year life expectancy. When managed properly, and two years or slightly more if not. The specs for their related batteries are as follows:

ECR1225, DL1225, and DL1225B

ECR1225 and DL1225 are lithium coin cell batteries interchangeable with CR1225 and BR1225. DL1225 3V Coin Cell Lithium Batteries are the closest substitute. It’s designed for thermometers that employ 0 percent Hg, environmentally friendly green cells with a 50mah capacity. All use watches, calculators, car starts, keyless remote controls, health monitors, glucose monitors, and other electronic gadgets.

BR1225-1W, CR1225-1W, KCR1225 and LM1225

These are all high-capacity button cell batteries interchangeable with BR1225 and CR1225. Tenergy’s most popular 3 Volt Battery is ideal for small electronics like watches, laser pointers, and medical equipment. Small radios, miniature toys, and other portable devices are also acceptable. It has a 3V voltage and measures 12.5 x 12.5 x 2.5mm in size.

These batteries can provide long-lasting energy for tiny equipment due to their low internal resistance. The HQRP Battery is made of non-toxic metals like mercury, is built to last, and has an anti-leak architecture. The product’s anti-leak structure ensures a ten-year lifespan.

5020LC, L30, and ECR1225EN

The BR1225 and CR1225 lithium coin equivalent batteries have the same 3V voltage. It works with household items, including keyless entry systems, glucose monitors, automobile alarms, keyfobs, glucometers, cameras, electric thermometers, calculators, computer equipment, electronic clocks, and car radios. The Exell EB-CR1225 3V Battery is one of the ECR1225EN battery kinds that outperform others.

CR1225 and BR1225 FAQs

What is the CR1225 Battery Size?

Each CR1225 battery is roughly 50 mAh and has a height of 2.5mm, a diameter of around 12mm, and a weight of less than 1g.

Can I Replace the CR1225 with a CR2032?

Never. 2032 has a diameter of 20 mm and a thickness of 3.2 mm. CR1225, on the other hand, has a 12mm diameter and a 2mm depth. As a result, neither will be able to fill the other’s shoes.

Are CR1220 and CR1225 Interchangeable?

CR1220 batteries are 12.5 x 2.0 mm in dimension and have a capacity of 35-40 mAh. CR1225 batteries, on the other hand, are larger (12.5 x 2.5 inches), have a higher capacity (50 mAh), and have higher discharge currents. As a result, they aren’t interchangeable.

What are CR1225 Batteries Used for?

Watches, calculators, electronic devices, and a few more electronic items frequently employ CR1225 lithium batteries.

Conclusion

The lithium 3.0V coin cell/Button batteries BR1225 and CR1225 are quite common. Both BR1225 and CR1225 batteries have identical physical dimensions, but their chemistry differs, resulting in differing capacity, voltages, operating temperatures, self-discharge rate, shelf life, and other characteristics. We hope you found this information helpful.

Lastly if you need more on BR1225 or CR1225 feel free to contact us at ICRFQ. We manufacture the best electrical components in China.