Premium CR123A lithium batteries are non-rechargeable power cells optimized for high-drain devices like cameras, medical equipment, and tactical gear. Their lithium manganese dioxide chemistry delivers 3V voltage, 15-year shelf life, and consistent performance in extreme temperatures (-40°C to 60°C). Unlike alkaline alternatives, they resist voltage drops, making them ideal for critical applications requiring reliability.
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How Do CR123A Batteries Compare to Other Lithium Cells?
CR123A batteries outperform standard AA/AAA lithium cells with higher energy density (1,500 mAh) and 650mAh capacity. Their cylindrical design minimizes self-discharge to 1% annually versus 3% in CR2032 coin cells. Compared to rechargeable Li-ion 18650 batteries, CR123A cells provide instant full-voltage output without preheating delays in sub-zero conditions.
| Battery Type | Voltage | Capacity | Operating Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR123A | 3V | 1500mAh | -40°C to 60°C |
| AA Lithium | 1.5V | 3000mAh | -20°C to 50°C |
| 18650 | 3.7V | 3500mAh | 0°C to 45°C |
What Devices Are Optimized for CR123A Batteries?
CR123A batteries power night vision goggles, digital SLR cameras (Nikon SB-5000 flash), laser sights (Trijicon RMR), and medical glucose monitors. Industrial applications include pipeline pressure sensors and military-grade GPS units. Their leak-proof construction (0.08mm steel casing) makes them suitable for implantable medical devices where electrolyte leaks could be catastrophic.
Top 5 best-selling Group 14 batteries under $100
| Product Name | Short Description | Amazon URL |
|---|---|---|
|
Weize YTX14 BS ATV Battery  |
Maintenance-free sealed AGM battery, compatible with various motorcycles and powersports vehicles. | View on Amazon |
|
UPLUS ATV Battery YTX14AH-BS  |
Sealed AGM battery designed for ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles, offering reliable performance. | View on Amazon |
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Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance  |
High-performance sealed AGM battery suitable for motorcycles and snowmobiles. | View on Amazon |
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Mighty Max Battery ML-U1-CCAHR  |
Rechargeable SLA AGM battery with 320 CCA, ideal for various powersport applications. | View on Amazon |
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Battanux 12N9-BS Motorcycle Battery  |
Sealed SLA/AGM battery for ATVs and motorcycles, maintenance-free with advanced technology. | View on Amazon |
Recent advancements in device compatibility include integration with smart IoT sensors requiring intermittent high-current pulses. Security systems utilizing motion-activated infrared illuminators particularly benefit from CR123A’s rapid discharge capabilities. Photographers appreciate their stable voltage curve during prolonged flash recycling sequences, maintaining consistent color temperature across hundreds of exposures.
How to Maximize CR123A Battery Lifespan?
Store CR123A batteries at 15-25°C with 50% humidity to prevent lithium passivation. Avoid parallel stacking in devices exceeding 2A draw. Conduct quarterly voltage checks using multimeters – discard if voltage drops below 2.8V. For digital cameras, enable auto-shutdown features to prevent parasitic drain below 50μA standby currents.
Advanced users should consider using conductive grease on terminal contacts to minimize resistance-induced voltage drop. In cold environments, keep spare cells in inner pockets to maintain optimal operating temperature. When using multiple cells in series, always install batteries from the same production lot to ensure balanced discharge characteristics.
“The CR123A’s balance of energy density and shelf stability remains unmatched. In our field tests, premium lithium CR123A cells maintained 95% capacity after 5 years in desert storage – critical for emergency response gear. Their non-rechargeable nature actually enhances reliability in life-saving devices where battery swaps are preferable to charging failures.”
– Dr. Ellen Park, Power Systems Engineer at Tactical Energy Solutions
FAQs
- Can CR123A batteries be recharged?
- No – attempting to recharge non-rechargeable CR123A cells risks thermal runaway (temperatures exceeding 150°C) and electrolyte leakage.
- What’s the difference between CR123A and CR17345?
- CR17345 denotes rechargeable Li-ion versions with 3.7V output vs CR123A’s 3V lithium primary chemistry.
- Are CR123A batteries allowed on planes?
- Yes – FAA permits carry-on CR123A batteries in quantities under 20 cells, provided terminals are protected from short circuits.