What is a CR1220 Battery?
The CR1220 battery is a lithium coin cell battery widely used in small electronic devices. Its name follows the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) naming standard:
C: Indicates it is a lithium manganese dioxide battery (Li-MnO2).
R: Represents its round, coin-shaped design.
1220: Refers to its dimensions, with a 12 mm diameter and a 2.0 mm thickness.
Chemical Composition
The CR1220 battery uses lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) as its primary chemistry. Lithium provides a stable voltage of 3V and an energy-dense composition, while manganese dioxide acts as the cathode material, ensuring reliable and long-lasting performance. This combination makes CR1220 ideal for low-drain devices, providing a long shelf life (up to 10 years) and stable operation across a wide temperature range.
Technical Specifications of CR1220 Battery
The CR1220 battery is designed to deliver reliable performance in compact electronic devices. Below are its key technical specifications:
Dimensions (Diameter and Thickness): The CR1220 has a 12 mm diameter and a 2.0 mm thickness, making it small enough to fit in miniature devices while maintaining sufficient energy capacity.
Voltage and Capacity:
This capacity ensures stable power for low-drain devices over extended periods.
Operating Temperature Range:
The CR1220 performs reliably in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +70°C, making it suitable for use in various environments, from cold outdoor conditions to warmer indoor settings.
Weight and Design:
Weighing approximately 0.9 grams, the CR1220 is lightweight and portable. It features a metallic casing that provides durability, protection against leakage, and compatibility with standard coin cell battery holders.
Common Applications of CR1220 Batteries
The CR1220 battery is widely used in various small electronic devices due to its compact size, lightweight design, and long-lasting performance. Below are some of its common applications:
Everyday Devices:
CR1220 batteries are frequently found in low-power gadgets that require consistent, reliable energy, such as watches, calculators, and LED keychains.
Specific Use Cases:
Timekeeping Devices: CR1220 powers wristwatches, digital timers, and clocks, ensuring accurate and long-lasting operation. Its small size perfectly fits these compact devices.
Automotive Key Fobs: These batteries are essential for car key remotes, enabling functions like locking/unlocking doors and remote start. Their long shelf life ensures dependable operation even with infrequent use.
Medical Devices: CR1220 is often used in hearing aids, thermometers, and other precision medical devices where compactness and reliability are crucial.
Advantages of CR1220 Batteries
The CR1220 battery offers several benefits, making it a preferred choice for compact electronic devices. Here are its key advantages:
Long Lifespan (Low Self-Discharge Rate):
The CR1220 has a low self-discharge rate, allowing it to maintain its charge for up to 10 years when stored properly. This longevity ensures reliable performance, even during infrequent use.
Compact and Lightweight:
With a diameter of 12 mm and a thickness of just 2 mm, the CR1220 is ideal for micro-sized devices. Its lightweight design (~0.9 g) ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to portable electronics.
Wide Temperature Adaptability and Stable Performance:
The CR1220 functions efficiently across a temperature range of -20°C to +70°C, making it suitable for use in diverse environmental conditions. Whether in extreme cold or moderate heat, it delivers consistent and reliable power.
Alternatives to CR1220 Batteries
The CR1220 battery has multiple equivalent options that are compatible with a variety of devices. These include DL1220, DL1220B, BR1220, BR1220-1W, CR1220-1W, ECR1220, 280-208, KCR1220, LM1220, 5012LC, SB-T13, and L04.
When the CR1220 is unavailable or unsuitable for your device, several alternatives can serve as replacements. Below is a comparison of commonly used models and guidance on selecting the right alternative:
CR1216
Size: Smaller thickness (1.6 mm) compared to CR1220 (2.0 mm).
Capacity: Lower capacity (25–30 mAh), making it less suitable for devices requiring higher energy.
Best for: Devices with tight battery compartments but low power needs.
BR1220
Size: Identical dimensions (12 mm diameter, 2.0 mm thickness).
Capacity: Slightly lower capacity compared to CR1220, but offers better performance in extreme cold environments.
Best for: Devices exposed to very low temperatures.
CR1225
Size: Thicker (2.5 mm) than CR1220, providing higher capacity (~50 mAh).
Best for: Devices needing longer runtime, provided they can accommodate the extra thickness.
DL1220, ECR1220, and Other Equivalents
Size and Voltage: These batteries have similar dimensions and voltage to CR1220.
Chemistry: May vary slightly but are generally compatible for most applications.
Best for: Direct replacements with equivalent performance.
How to Choose the Right Alternative?
Match the Dimensions: Ensure the replacement fits the battery holder and device compartment.
Consider Capacity: Choose a battery with higher capacity (e.g., CR1225) if the device supports it and requires a longer runtime.
Environmental Conditions: Opt for BR-series batteries for devices exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
Device Requirements: Refer to the device manual for compatible models or voltage requirements to avoid performance issues.
CR1216 vs. CR1220 vs. CR1225
| Specification | CR1216 | CR1220 | CR1225 |
|---|
| Diameter | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm | 2.0 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Capacity | ~25–30 mAh | ~35–40 mAh | ~45–50 mAh |
| Voltage | 3V | 3V | 3V |
| Weight | ~0.7 g | ~0.9 g | ~1.1 g |
| Use Cases | Thin devices like compact watches, calculators | General-purpose low-drain electronics such as car remotes, digital timers | Devices needing longer battery life like LED keychains, fitness trackers |
| Battery Life | Shortest lifespan | Moderate lifespan | Longest lifespan |
| Compatibility | Fits ultra-thin devices | Fits standard compact devices | May not fit some devices due to thickness |
Key Notes:
CR1216 is ideal for space-constrained devices with minimal power requirements.
CR1220 offers a balance between size and power, suitable for most small electronic devices.
CR1225 provides the longest runtime but may not fit devices with strict thickness limitations.
FAQ: CR1220 Battery
1. What is a CR1220 battery used for?
The CR1220 battery is commonly used in low-power electronic devices such as watches, car key fobs, medical devices (like hearing aids), calculators, and small sensors. Its compact size and stable voltage make it ideal for such applications.
2. What is the difference between CR1220 and CR1216?
The main difference lies in their thickness and capacity:
CR1216: 1.6 mm thick, ~25–30 mAh capacity.
CR1220: 2.0 mm thick, ~35–40 mAh capacity.
Both have the same diameter (12 mm) and voltage (3V), but CR1220 lasts longer and may not fit in devices designed for the thinner CR1216.
3. Are CR1220 and BR1220 batteries interchangeable?
Yes, CR1220 and BR1220 are physically interchangeable since they share the same dimensions (12 mm x 2.0 mm) and voltage (3V). However, their performance differs:
CR1220 (Lithium Manganese Dioxide): Offers better voltage stability and higher performance in moderate temperatures.
BR1220 (Lithium Polycarbon Monofluoride): Performs better in extremely low temperatures but has a slightly lower capacity.
Choose based on your device’s environmental and performance needs.
4. Can I replace a CR1220 with a CR1225?
A CR1225 can be used as a replacement if your device has room to accommodate its additional thickness (2.5 mm vs. 2.0 mm). The CR1225 also has a higher capacity (~45–50 mAh) and offers longer battery life compared to the CR1220.
5. How long does a CR1220 battery last?
The lifespan of a CR1220 battery depends on the device and its power consumption. On average:
In low-drain devices (e.g., watches, remotes), it can last 1–2 years.
In higher-drain applications, the lifespan will be shorter.
Its low self-discharge rate ensures it retains charge even when not in use for extended periods.
6. How can I ensure compatibility when replacing a CR1220 battery?
Check the device manual for recommended battery models.
Verify the size (12 mm x 2.0 mm), voltage (3V), and chemistry of the battery.
If the exact CR1220 model is unavailable, consider equivalents such as DL1220, ECR1220, or BR1220.
Always use a high-quality, reliable brand to avoid device damage or performance issues.