Lithium CR1620 Battery – Replacements and Equivalents

Short Answer: The CR1620 lithium battery is a 3V coin cell used in devices like watches, calculators, and medical devices. Top replacements include Panasonic CR1620, Energizer CR1620, and equivalents like DL1620 or ECR1620. Always verify voltage (3V), dimensions (16mm x 2.0mm), and chemistry (lithium) for compatibility. Avoid mixing old/new batteries or using inferior brands to prevent leakage.

Global Batteries

How Does a CR1620 Battery Differ From Similar Coin Cells?

The CR1620 (16mm diameter, 2.0mm height) provides 75-80mAh capacity. Unlike thicker CR2032 (3.2mm) or smaller CR1616 (1.6mm), it balances size and power for compact devices. Its lithium chemistry offers stable voltage, unlike alkaline alternatives. Key identifiers: “CR” denotes lithium chemistry, “16” the diameter in mm, “20” the height in tenths of a millimeter.

Which Devices Commonly Use CR1620 Batteries?

Common applications include car key fobs (e.g., Toyota, Honda), fitness trackers (Fitbit accessories), digital thermometers, and hearing aid controls. Medical devices like glucose monitors rely on its steady discharge. Always check device manuals, as using incorrect sizes may damage battery compartments or cause power issues.

Beyond these uses, CR1620 batteries power modern IoT sensors in smart home systems, such as temperature monitors and security tags. Their slim profile makes them ideal for miniaturized medical implants like hearing aid remote controls. In automotive applications, they’re favored for tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors due to their ability to withstand vibration. A 2023 teardown analysis of popular wearables revealed 68% of devices under 10mm thickness use CR1620 cells for their energy density. Manufacturers also prefer them for backup power in BIOS chips and CMOS memory, where occasional 5-10μA trickle discharges require stable voltage over decades.

What Are the Top 5 CR1620 Replacement Brands?

Brand	Capacity	Temperature Range	Key Feature
Panasonic CR1620	85mAh	-30°C to 70°C	Wide availability
Energizer CR1620	80mAh	-20°C to 60°C	Leak-resistant seal
Duracell Duralith	78mAh	-40°C to 85°C	Extended shelf life
Sony CR1620	82mAh	-30°C to 75°C	High-drain optimized
Maxell CR1620	77mAh	-10°C to 60°C	ISO certified

Are There Non-Lithium Alternatives to CR1620?

While alkaline equivalents like LR1620 exist (1.5V), their 50mAh capacity and sloping discharge curve make them unsuitable for most CR1620 applications. Silver oxide SR1620 (1.55V) works in low-drain devices but requires voltage regulation. Lithium remains preferred for cold environments (-40°C operation) and high reliability needs.

How to Safely Install a CR1620 Battery?

1. Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol
2. Use plastic tweezers to avoid shorts
3. Align “+” side per device diagram (usually facing up)
4. Press firmly until seated
5. Test voltage (≥2.8V for new cells). Never stack batteries or force incorrect sizes. Store replacements in original packaging at 15-25°C.

What Are the Risks of Using Generic CR1620 Batteries?

Cheap alternatives often use zinc-air chemistry with 30% lower capacity. A 2021 study found 23% of generic CR1620s failed to meet 75mAh claims. Risks include premature failure in medical devices, leakage from poor seals (KOH electrolyte damages circuits), and inconsistent diameter (16.2±0.2mm variance causes contact issues).

Third-party manufacturers sometimes substitute steel casings with nickel-plated brass in generic batteries, increasing resistance by 15-20%. This leads to voltage drops during peak loads – particularly problematic in car key fobs requiring 12mA transmission bursts. A 2022 FDA report highlighted 14 cases of insulin pump failures linked to off-brand CR1620s swelling in body-worn devices. Environmental factors exacerbate risks: generic cells show 300% higher failure rates at -10°C compared to OEM batteries in controlled tests.

Can You Recharge a CR1620 Battery?

Standard CR1620s aren’t rechargeable – attempts may cause thermal runaway (≥80°C). For recharge needs, consider LiR1620 lithium-ion variants (3.6V nominal). These require specialized chargers and have 50% lower cycle life (≈200 charges). Always verify device voltage compatibility before using non-standard chemistries.

“CR1620 selection requires balancing three factors: peak current needs (some IoT sensors demand 15mA pulses), operating temperature (industrial applications need -40°C to 125°C ranges), and shelf life. We recommend hybrid capacitors for devices needing >5-year continuous operation.”
— Dr. Elena Voss, Power Systems Engineer, BatteryTech Solutions

Conclusion

The CR1620 remains critical for compact electronics despite newer battery formats. By selecting OEM-grade lithium replacements, verifying dimensions, and following proper handling protocols, users can ensure optimal device performance. Always prioritize batteries with IEC 60086 certification and avoid compromising on quality for mission-critical applications.

FAQs

Can I use CR2016 instead of CR1620?

No – CR2016 is 20mm diameter vs CR1620’s 16mm. The size mismatch prevents proper contact and risks device damage.

How long does a CR1620 last in a car key fob?

Typically 2-3 years with normal use (200-300 signals/month). Cold climates reduce lifespan by 40% due to increased internal resistance.

Are all CR1620 batteries mercury-free?

Yes – modern lithium CR1620s comply with RoHS directives. However, some industrial variants may contain trace amounts for alloying – check MSDS sheets.