Definition of flat, nominal and full voltage of a battery?

But, before we delve into the CR2032’s different voltages, it will first help to know exactly what these different voltages actually mean. So let’s take a look. 

What is flat voltage?

A battery’s main purpose is to provide voltage in electrical and electronic applications. Batteries come in a range of sizes, shapes as well as voltages. Unfortunately, a battery cannot provide this voltage forever. Sooner or later it is going to run out of power. When a battery loses all its power and cannot provide the standard voltage that it does normally, it is considered flat or dead. Like when your smartphone’s battery goes flat and needs recharging.

What is nominal voltage?

As mentioned above, batteries come in a range of voltages. The nominal voltage is the standard voltage that a battery will have before it loses capacity and goes flat. This is the value that companies will market their batteries as having on the datasheet. But, this might not mean the battery is this value all the time. It just means that the battery will average this voltage when at full capacity. For example, if a battery’s nominal voltage is 3V, it means that it will hover around this value, but could range from say 3V to 3.2V.

What is full voltage? 

Finally we have full voltage. So, the nominal voltage of a battery is the average standard voltage that it will provide when the battery hasn’t gone dead. The full voltage of a battery is a bit higher and is normally at that value when the battery is new and hasn’t been used yet, or, if the battery is rechargeable, the value of voltage when the battery has been fully charged. However, this full voltage doesn’t last long and soon drops off to the battery’s nominal voltage. 

What is the nominal voltage of the CR2032?

The nominal voltage of a CR2032 battery is 3 volts. This means this is the average standard voltage that the battery will provide before it loses capacity and goes flat.  

What is the flat voltage of a CR2032 ?

The voltage at which a CR2032 battery is considered flat, (or dead) lies between 2.7 – 2.8 volts. The CR2032 battery is a primary battery which means that it cannot be recharged. So, if the battery goes flat, it will need to be replaced with a new CR2032 battery. 

What is the full voltage of the CR2032?

The full voltage of a CR2032 battery is about 3.2V – 3.4V. This value will then fall down to its nominal voltage after a certain amount of time. 

Can a CR2032 battery be recharged back to its nominal voltage after going flat? 00
The CR2032 is a primary battery which cannot be recharged when it goes flat. However, there are rechargeable versions of the CR2032 known as the LIR2032. This is a secondary type of battery and can be recharged back to its nominal voltage after going flat.

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This article shall take a closer look if the CR2032 battery is interchangeable with CR2016, CR2430, and CR2450 batteries. 

Brief look at CR2032, CR2016, CR2430 and CR2450 batteries

Before we delve into whether the different versions of the battery are interchangeable, let’s first learn a bit about this particular type of battery. 

Batteries come in a variety of shapes, sizes, voltages, capacities, and chemical compositions. Below is a list of the most frequently used shapes for batteries:

• Coin cell
• AA 
• AAA
• C
• D
• 9V (rectangular)
• Flat pack
• Car battery

CR batteries fall under the coin cell category due to their resemblance of a coin. CR batteries are typically non-rechargeable (however, they do have rechargeable versions). Their chemical composition consists of Lithium and a voltage of 3 volts. The CR series of batteries aren’t manufactured by a singular company, but by a range of companies which include Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic, Philips, Maxell, Murata and Renata.

While CR batteries all tend to have the same voltage of 3 volts and chemical composition, they differ in size. Their naming convention is the easiest way to distinguish the different sizes of CR batteries. The first letter (C), tells us the chemical composition of the battery, which is Lithium in this instance, and the next letter (R), indicates the shape of the battery, which is Round.  

The next four numbers give us information about the height and diameter. Let’s take a look at the CR2032 to see how to figure out the height and diameter. The first pair of numbers (20), is the battery’s diameter (in mm). So the CR2032 has a diameter of 20 mm. The next pair of numbers (32), is the battery’s height (again in mm). But, this value has to first be divided by 10. So, the CR2032’s height would be 3.2 mm (32/10).

Important characteristics of batteries to check if they are interchangeable

We just learnt that there is a wide variety of batteries available. Unfortunately, not all batteries are interchangeable. Checking to see if you can use one battery instead of another comes down to some important characteristics. 

These characteristics include;

• Voltage,
• Size and
• Shape

Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2016?

Yes, the CR2032 can replace two CR2016 batteries. If we look at the two batteries, we can see that both of them have the same diameter (20mm). However, if we compare the height you can see that the CR2016’s height (1.6mm) is half that of the CR2032’s (3.2mm). So, one CR2032 will be able to replace two CR2016 batteries. 

However, if only one CR2016 battery is being used, the CR2032 won’t be able to replace it. 

Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2430?

No, a CR2032 cannot be used instead of a CR2430 due to the fact that the batteries have different physical dimensions. The CR2450 has a larger diameter (4mm larger), and is smaller in height compared to the CR2032. So, the CR2032 and CR2430 are not interchangeable. 

Can you use a CR2032 instead of a CR2450? 00

No, the CR2032 cannot be used instead of a CR2450. Again, these two batteries do not match when it comes to physical dimension. The CR2450 is larger battery (in diameter and height) compared to the CR2032, so they are not interchangeable. 

What CR battery can a CR2032 replace?

So, out of the CR2016, CR2430, and CR2450, the CR2032 can only be used instead of the CR2016 (that is if two of them need replacing). Are they any other batteries that the CR2032 batteries can replace? As we know now this comes down to the physical dimension of the battery. So what other CR batteries are there? 

The table below shows the different CR batteries available 

Out of the batteries in the list above, the CR2012, CR2016, and CR2025 have the same diameter as the CR2032. However, they all differ in heights. We learnt earlier that the CR2032 can replace two CR2016 batteries. 
The other battery that is almost but not quite the same size that the CR2032 could potentially replace is the CR2025. The difference in height between these two batteries is 0.7mm. You might be able to squeeze the CR2032 into the battery holder meant for the CR2025.

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But, can buying excessive batteries and having them sitting unused be the best option? 

Do CR2032 batteries expire?

Yes, CR2032 batteries do expire. But, unlike food which should be thrown out when it expires, CR2032 batteries can still be used (however it is not advisable).  CR2032 batteries have a shelf life (rather than an expiry date) of around 10 years when stored on the ‘shelf’ and not used. This shelf life normally indicates how much of the capacity the CR2032 will lose over these 10 years, which is on average about 10%. So, a C2032 battery which has not been used for more than 10 years isn’t going to be as effective or useful as a new CR2032 battery. 

Why do CR2032 batteries expire?  

All batteries (including the CR2032) have what is known as a self-discharge rate. Batteries produce voltage due to chemical reactions that occur within them. Even when the battery is not connected there are a small amount of chemical reactions. These small reactions are unwanted and reduce the battery’s capacity over time. This phenomenon is known as a battery’s self-discharge rate. 

The rate at which a battery self-discharges when not used comes down to a number of factors which include chemical composition, state of charge, and ambient temperature. 

The table below highlights the commonly used chemicals for batteries and their corresponding self-discharge rates. 

How long does it take for CR2032 batteries to expire?

Knowing how long it takes before a CR2032 expires, or comes to the end of shelf life depends on its self-discharge rate we just learnt about. This self-discharge rate is dependent on a couple of factors, but the biggest one being the battery’s chemical composition. 

The CR2032’s chemical composition consists of Lithium – Manganese Dioxide. From the table above we can see it has a very low self-discharge rate of 1% per year. This value of 1% per year is achieved when stored at a temperature of 20℃.

If stored in ideal conditions, the CR2032 can last up to 10 years when not being used. After 10 years, the CR2032’s capacity will have reduced due to self-discharge. 

As we know temperature plays a big part too. The hotter temperatures are going to increase the CR2032’s self-discharge rate and reduce its shelf-life. So, ideally you want to store the CR2032 in cooler temperatures to increase its lifespan. 

How long does it take for CR2032 to expire when left in a device?

The scenario we just covered above is when the CR2032 is left unused on the shelf (in its packaging for example). However, what if the battery is left unused in a device? Will it still last 10 years?

In the case of a battery being left in a device unused, its shelf life is reduced compared to if it was left unused in its packaging (or not in device). This is due to what is known as Parasitic Load, which is a phenomenon where an electronic device will still draw power from the battery even after the device is turned off. Due to this, the battery will have reduced lifespan. 

So, the CR2032’s will expire much quicker if it is left unused in electronic devices due to this parasitic load. 

Can you use CR2032 batteries after they expire?

To get the best performance out of the CR23032 (and other batteries), it is best to use it before its expiry date. As mentioned earlier, the CR2032’s capacity reduces over time (due to self-discharge), and using it past its expiry date may result in you not getting the most effective power output from it. 

How to prolong the life of CR2032 batteries

The CR2032 is going to expire sooner or later. However, there are things you can do to ensure that it doesn’t expire faster than it should. 

Firstly, we know that hotter temperatures will increase the CR2032’s self-discharge rate. So, avoid storing it in areas where the ambient temperatures are hotter on average. Also, avoid placing the CR2032 in direct sunlight.

Secondly, if you know you are not going to use a device for a long period of time, remove the CR2032 from the device to avoid the parasitic load shortening its shelf-life.

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Can a CR2032 be used instead of a BR2032?

Yes, you can use a CR2032 instead of a BR2032 as they share the same height, diameter and voltage. This means that you are able to substitute one for the other. However, there are other characteristics of the batteries that do not match up and should be taken into consideration if you are worried about the overall performance when using a CR2032 instead of a BR2032. 

Is it good practice to use a CR2032 instead of a BR2032?

We just learnt that you can use a CR2032 instead of a BR2032. But, is it good practice to replace a BR2032 with CR2032? Let’s take a look.

When it comes to batteries, there are three main specifications that need to be met when replacing one with the other. These three specifications are the size, shape and voltage. When replacing batteries from different manufacturers you need to ensure that their size, shape and voltage match. In the case of the CR2032 and BR2032, they are the same across these three specifications which means one can replace the other.

Each has a height of 3.2mm, diameter of 20mm, and voltage of 3V. 

However, if we are worried about the performance of the batteries, there are other specifications of batteries that come into play. These include; capacity, operating temperature, discharge rate, shelf life and chemical composition. 

When we put the BR2032 and CR2032 head to head with these specifications they do not match up, and as we will learn later, this can be a deciding factor when it comes to using a CR2032 instead of a BR2032. 

Below is a table highlighting the key difference of the aforementioned specifications. 

We can see that the CR2032 has a higher capacity which tells us it will be able to power a device for a little bit longer. However, the BR2032 wins the battle when it comes to self-discharge rate and operating temperature.

Even when a battery is not connected, internal chemical reactions within the battery reduce the stored charge of the battery (its capacity will diminish over time). This is known as self-discharge. This is an important parameter as a battery with high discharge rates reduces the overall shelf life of a battery. 

Conclusion: So can you use a CR2032 instead of a BR2032?

If we aren’t concerned about the overall performance of the battery, a CR2032 can be used instead of a BR2032. But, when it comes to performance, we need to look more closely at the batteries and other crucial specifications. One of the main being the self-discharge rate. 

The BR2032 has a much lower discharge rate compared to the CR2032 which means that it is going to have a longer shelf life. This is crucial as you want to have a battery that stands the test of time (especially if it is not being used often). The BR2032 can also operate in higher temperatures. 

So, it depends on your needs. If performance is not an issue, a CR2032 can replace a BR2032, but if you are wanting a battery that lasts longer, and can withstand higher temperatures, stick with the BR2032.

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Batteries help provide power to many portable devices which include things like, smartphones, digital watches, portable speakers, Laptops just to name a few.

There are many types of batteries, and one of them used for smaller electronic devices is known as a Coin Cell.

Two very popular variations of the coin cell battery are the CR2016 and CR2032.

This article shall take a closer look at both batteries and put them head to head to compare key characteristics and differences. 

Types of battery

Before we delve into CR2016 vs CR2032, let’s take a quick look at the many different types of battery that help power our everyday portable electronic devices. 

This will help give you more information on what types of battery the CR2016 and CR2032 are. 

Batteries can be split up into two major categories;

• Primary (non-rechargeable)
• Secondary (rechargeable)

Primary batteries are also often referred to as disposable batteries due to the fact that after they use up all their charge, they need to be disposed of.

They are non-rechargeable. 

However, on the other hand, when a secondary battery has used up all its charge, it can be ‘recharged’ using the right type of battery charger. 

The major difference that sets apart the different types of battery are their packaging (shape and size), which include;

• 9V (rectangular)
• AA (cylindrical)
• AAA (cylindrical)
• C (cylindrical)
• D (cylindrical)
• Coin Cell 
• Flat pouch
• Lead Acid (rectangular)

Each of these batteries can come in many different chemical compositions such as Alkaline, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Lithium, amongst the most popular. 

CR2016 and CR2032 batteries

So, when it comes to CR2016 and CR2032 batteries, they fall under the coin cell category. 

The name coin cell is aptly given due to the fact that they resemble a coin. They are also sometimes referred to as button cells.

As with many products, there are many companies that produce and sell coin cells. However, one thing that is consistent across manufacturing, is the naming convention of coin cells.

This naming convention is crucial as it gives us information of the physical aspects of the coin cell (shape and size), as well as its chemical composition. 

It typically involves two letters at the beginning, followed by four numbers.

The first letter represents the chemical composition of the battery. In this instance C indicates that the battery is composed of Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMn02).

The next letter in the sequence informs us of the shape of the battery. R here tells us that the battery is round. 

Next we have the four numbers. 

The first two numbers (20), represent the diameter (in mm) of the battery which will be 20mm.

While the last two numbers (32), represent the height of the battery. However, this number needs to be divided by 10, which gives us a height of 3.2mm. 

Key specifications of CR2016 and CR2032 batteries

Just like you have a set of characteristics (hair color, eye color, height, weight, etc), that sets you apart and makes you unique, batteries also come with a set of important specifications that set them apart.

These specifications give the battery unique characteristics which help us choose the right one for a particular application.

This is no different for the CR2016 and CR2032 batteries. 

Below is a set of important specifications which every battery has, enabling us to select the right one for the right job.

Size and Shape

The first most obvious specification of any battery is its appearance, which includes its physical dimensions and shape. 

As we learnt earlier, batteries come in a range of sizes and shapes, each having its own specific applications. 

For example, Flat pouch batteries are most commonly used for handheld mobile devices such as smartphones (due to the need for having a slim profile).

Coin cell batteries like the CR2016 and CR2032 are most associated with smaller electronics like calculators, wrist watches, car key fobs, etc, again because their size and shape fits the need of the application. 

Nominal voltage

Next on the list of important specifications, is Nominal Voltage.

Without voltage, electronic circuits would not be able to function. It is the driving force that helps push electrons (current) around a circuit. 

Voltage is produced stored within a power source such as a battery. In the case of a battery, this voltage is produced through electrochemical reactions.

Electronic devices have different power requirements, which means that they do not all operate at the same voltage and which is why batteries come in a variety of voltages.

Batteries will have what is known as a Nominal Voltage.

This is the voltage at which the battery will be able to produce full power. 

When the battery has lost some of its charge, the voltage will start to drop, which is an indication that the battery is going flat.

Capacity

You might have felt the frustration when the battery of a mobile device such as your smartphone is about to die and needs recharging.

Some batteries run out of charge fast, while others last longer.

This is governed by the Capacity of the battery, or Battery’s Capacity.

Battery capacity determines how much charge a battery is capable of storing. 

Imagine a battery like a cup of water, where the cup represents the battery, and the water represents charge.

A larger cup (battery), will be able to hold more water (charge), than a smaller cup (battery). 

However, a note has to be made, sometimes the chemical composition of the battery can also determine a battery’s capacity. 

This means that a smaller sized battery will still be able to have a lot of charge. 

Also ,the capacity of a battery can be affected by the magnitude of current  being drawn by the load. 

Chemical composition

As we just saw earlier, voltage is stored and produced in a battery via electrochemical reactions. This electrochemical reaction converts chemical energy into electrical energy.

Batteries come in many variations of chemical composition which help in producing voltage.

Each chemical composition has its own set of advantages and disadvantages for things like how they perform under certain temperatures, lifespan, discharge rate, battery capacity, to name a few.

Below are some of the most common types of chemicals used in batteries;

• Alkaline
• Nickel-Cadmium
• Nickel-Metal Hydride
• Lithium-Ion
• Lithium-Manganese Dioxide 
• Lead acid
• Zinc-Carbon

Operating temperature

Last but not least on the list of important battery specifications, is operating temperature.

Temperature plays a big role in many aspects of life. 

For example, if you are a runner, high temperatures increase your body temperature and cause you to become dehydrated which all leads to a decrease in muscle endurance.

On the other hand, colder temperatures have been shown to decrease muscle strength and metabolism.

So there is an ideal range of temperatures (that sit between a minimum and maximum value) which is ideal for the performance of runners.

Again, this is also true for batteries. 

Straying outside these minimum and maximum temperatures can affect the performance of batteries. 

In colder conditions, the chemical reactions within the battery are slowed, while hotter temperatures can reduce the lifespan of a battery.  

Closer look at CR2016 and CR2032 specifications

Let’s take a closer look at the key specifications of the CR2016 and CR2032.

CR2016 specifications:

CR2032 specifications:

CR2016 vs CR2032 – Key differences and similarities

Now that we have covered the different specifications of batteries, as well as taken a look at the specifications for the CR2016 and CR2032, we can compare the two batteries and identify key differences as well as similarities.

Key differences #1: Physical dimension

If you were holding both these batteries in your hands, even without a measuring tool such as a ruler or vernier caliper, you would still be able to notice that while both batteries share the same diameter, they vary in thickness.

The CR2032 is much thicker with a height of 3.2mm, while the slimmer CR2016 comes in at 1.6mm.

Figuring out the height of CR batteries comes down to what we learnt earlier with the naming conventions of these batteries. 

The last two numbers represent the height. 

However, to get the height (in millimeters), you have to take the two digit number and divide it by 10. 

Lucky for everyone, manufacturers have the name printed on the battery. So, if you do not have a measuring tool, you will still be able to find the height of the battery. 

Key differences #2: Capacity

The next and final difference is the capacity. 

Due to the CR2032 being bigger (physically), it has more space to hold more charge and therefore has a greater capacity. 

Specifically 145mAh more compared to the CR2016. 

Key similarities #1: Nominal voltage

While the CR2032 and CR2016 differ in physical dimension, and capacity, they do share many similarities. 

First is their nominal voltage.

Both batteries have a nominal voltage of 3 volts.

Key similarities #2: Chemical composition

There are many variations of the CR battery, as well as many companies who have a hand in manufacturing them. 

While there might be other versions of the CR coin cell batteries with different chemical compositions, the most common used is Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMn02).

Both the CR2016 and CR2032 use Lithium Manganese Dioxide.

Key similarities #3: Operating temperature

Since they share the same chemical make up, both batteries are affected by temperature in identical fashion.

They share the same range of operating temperature; 0°C (32°F) – 60°C (140°F).

Key similarities #4: Primary or Secondary

We learnt earlier that batteries fall into two major categories; Primary (non-rechargeable) or Secondary (rechargeable).

CR2016 and CR2032 batteries traditionally fall under the Primary category which means that they will have to be disposed of once they have run out of charge.

However, both are available in rechargeable versions as well, which you most likely won’t find in your local supermarket, but at specialist electronic stores. 

Are CR2016 and CR2032 batteries interchangeable?

You are possibly reading this article because you are deciding on whether to use a CR2016 or CR2032 for a certain electronic device. 

So are CR2016 and CR2032s interchangeable? 

All electronic devices have an operating voltage in which they operate safely and efficiently. Supplying a voltage outside of these parameters means you run the risk of damaging the device or not being able to power it effectively.

We now know that both batteries have a nominal voltage of 3V, which means that they both have the capability to provide a voltage of 3V to electronic devices that require that specific amount. 

However, the first hurdle to overcome before doing so is the difference in physical dimension.

Mobile electronic devices will have in-built battery holders with specific dimensions to accommodate for certain types of batteries.

For example, you might have had to replace the batteries in your TV remote before. Most of the time, these are powered by AAA batteries.

This means that they will only accept AAA batteries.

The same holds true for devices with battery holders specific to the CR2016 or CR2032. Since they vary in thickness, you might run into troubles with replacing one with the other. 

A CR2032 might be too thick for a CR2016 battery holder, and a CR2016 might be too slim for a CR2032 battery holder.

Another issue you might run into is capacity. 

If you need to power a device for long periods of time, the CR2032 is an ideal choice as it has more capacity. 

So, CR2032 and CR2016 are not interchangeable if you are trying to match capacity ratings. 

Which is a better option between a CR2016 and CR2032?

When deciding which is better, there is no clear answer.

This is due to the fact that the needs of your application will determine which battery is the most suitable. 

If your device is smaller, and requires less capacity, the CR2016 is a more logical option. On the other hand, if you require more capacity to run a device for longer, the CR2032 is the go to.

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The world is filled with many variations of battery each having its own unique characteristics. 

One of the most common batteries used nowadays is Lithium-Ion.

Sooner or later, the Lithium-Ion is going to go dead (lose all its charge), and if it is a rechargeable battery, will need to be recharged.

Letting a battery go fully dead is not an ideal situation, so knowing at what voltage a Lithium-Ion battery loses all its charge will help you extend its lifespan.

So, at what voltage is a Lithium-Ion battery considered dead? The voltage at which a Lithium-Ion is dead is around 3.4 volts. This voltage can vary depending on factors such as the temperature and also its manufacturer. Lithium-Ion batteries should not be used when they are dead.  They contain a cutoff circuit to protect them from being used past the voltage at which they have lost all its charge. 

This article shall take a look closer at Lithium-Ion batteries and its discharge profile. 

Deeper look at a Lithium-Ion battery

There are many batteries that exist in the world today, and while they all share one main goal, which is to provide power to electrical and electronic devices, they differ in many different characteristics.

Characteristics such as;

• Chemical composition
• Nominal voltage
• Current capacity 
• Shape
• Size
• Energy Density 
• Specific Energy density

The main characteristic here that plays a major part in determining many of the other factors (such as voltage, current capacity, energy density, etc), is the Chemical Composition.

Batteries produce electrical power from chemical reactions that occur inside the battery. There are a range of chemicals that are used in different batteries which include;

• Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
• Zinc-Carbon 
• Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
• Lead-Acid 
• Alkaline 

The chemical composition we are most concerned about for this article is Lithium-Ion (Li-On). 

The battery is constructed using cells where lithium-ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte towards the positive electrode. 

Lithium-Ion battery nominal voltage 

To better understand at what voltage a Lithium-Ion battery is dead, it will first help to understand the voltage at which it is operational.

The voltage of the battery is one of the most important characteristics when selecting a battery for a particular application. 

All electrical and electronic devices have a specific voltage rating that they require to operate efficiently and effectively. 

So, you will have to select a battery with the exact voltage (or a bit higher), to satisfy the needs of that device. 

The voltage of a battery refers to the amount of electrical potential it is able to hold, and is given in the standard international unit of Voltage (V).

All batteries have a theoretical voltage, however, the actual voltage (nominal voltage) produced will be lower.

This is due to polarisation and resistance losses, and is largely dependent on the current drawn by the load and the internal impedance of the battery. 

The maximum voltage that a lithium-ion battery is capable of producing is 4.2V, however this will soon drop to its nominal voltage of 3.7V. 

Different types of Lithium-Ion battery

Lithium-Ion batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the needs of many different applications, from power tools to RC planes. 

Below are the different shapes available for lithium-ion batteries;

• Small cylindrical (single cell with, solid body, with no terminals)
• Large cylindrical (single cell,solid body, with threaded terminals)
• Flat or pouch (soft, flat body)
• Rigid plastic case (large threaded terminals) 

But, do the  different variety of shapes of lithium-ion batteries share the same voltage? 

Yes, while they vary in size, the batteries share the same nominal voltage of 3.7V. 

What about devices that require larger voltages, and use lithium-ion batteries? To generate a larger voltage, lithium-ion batteries can be connected in series. 

Note, this process is a bit more complicated than connecting other batteries in series, as the impedances of lithium-ion batteries need to be matched. 

So, two lithium-ion batteries connected in series (with their impedances matched of course), will now have a nominal voltage of 7.4V.

Adding more batteries will consequently increase the voltage by 3.7V.

Lithium-Ion batteries are available in packs with these higher voltages. 

Voltage at which a Lithium-Ion battery is dead

There are a couple of voltages that we need to be aware of when using a lithium-ion battery (or any other battery for that matter).

The first being the nominal voltage, which we now know is 3.7V for lithium-ion batteries. 

Another voltage that is of utmost importance is the voltage at which the battery is considered dead, when it has lost all its charge.

It is essential to know this voltage as the battery will need to be recharged back to its nominal voltage to be able to effectively power electronics. 

So, what is the voltage at which a lithium-ion battery is considered dead?

The voltage at which a lithium-ion battery is dead is around 3.4V. 

If the battery is still connected and continues to discharge past 3.4V, a cutoff circuitry kicks in around 3V and disconnects the battery for protection purposes. 

What can affect how fast a lithium-ion battery goes dead?

There are a couple of factors that can affect how fast the lithium-ion battery goes dead, with the two major factors being;

• Load
• Temperature

Load

The first obvious factor is the load that is placed on the battery. A great analogy for this is to imagine you are carrying a backpack (which represents the load), and your energy levels represent the battery. 

If you have a lot of items in the backpack, the weight is going to be larger. This means you have to generate more power to carry the load, which is going to cause you to tire faster (lose all your energy).

However, if you only had a few items in the backpack (which meant the weight is far less), you would need to generate less power to carry it. This means you would be able to travel further. 

This concept is similar for batteries. If a greater load is placed on the battery (such as powering a motor), the battery is going to have to generate more power causing it to lose charge faster and go dead.

But, if the battery is connected to a device such as an LED (which consumes far less power than a motor), the battery will last much longer. 

Temperature

The next major factor that influences the performance of a battery is temperature.

Lithium-Ion batteries have a range of ideal temperatures at which they can be charged and discharged at.

The ideal temperature to charge a lithium-ion battery is 32°F (0°C) to 113°F (45°C) and the ideal discharge temperature is –4°F (-20°C) to 140°F (60°C).

However it is not recommended to charge or discharge the lithium-ion batteries at the extreme temperatures (either real cold or hot).

Higher temperatures can have a temporary advantage of greater performance and increased storage capacity, however, the long term side effect is a decreased life cycle.

Every battery has an internal resistance and when they are subject to drastically lower temperatures, the internal resistance increases.

This means that the battery has to do more work to overcome this increase in resistance causing it to lose power and go dead faster. 

What happens when a Lithium-Ion battery is dead

There are two things not to do with a Lithium-Ion battery when it comes to voltage;

• Do not charge them past their maximum safe voltage of 4.2V 
• Do not discharge them below the minimum safe voltage of 3V.

Lucky for you and me, we do not have to worry about constantly monitoring the battery to see if the voltage goes past these two limits.

When it comes to charging, lithium-ion batteries require a special charger to ensure that the maximum voltage is not exceeded.

This means lithium-ion battery chargers do not have trickle charging (which is a common technique used to charge a battery when it has reached full charge). 

Once the lithium-ion battery has reached full capacity, the battery charger stops charging the battery.

For discharging, lithium-ion batteries include a similar protection circuit that is built on the cell (usually at the the top of the battery covered in tape).

This protection circuit will monitor and disconnect the battery once it has gone dead to protect it from damage. . 

Can a lithium-ion battery become dead if it is not used?  

Yes, a lithium-ion battery can go dead if it is not used (even though it is not supplying a load).

All batteries have something that is known as shelf life. 

The shelf life of a battery tells us the time a battery can hold its charge when it is not being used. After that time, the battery will start to lose charge and need to be recharged (if it is a rechargeable battery).

Lithium-Ion batteries have a self-discharge rate of 5% per month at room temperature.

Irreversible capacity loss occurs if the battery is unused for longer than 12 months. 

If the battery is at a voltage of 1.5V or lower, do not try recharging it. Over long periods of time a build of copper shunts can result within the battery which can cause shorts, leading to excessive heating which could result in the worst case scenario of an explosion. 

How to check if a Lithium-Ion battery is dead

The easiest way to check the voltage of a lithium-ion battery to see if it is dead is to use a Multimeter.

A multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument that has a range of functions which include measuring voltage, current, resistance, continuity, diode test, frequency, etc. 

The number of electrical quantities it is capable of measuring solely depends on the complexity of the multimeter. 

However, all standard multimeters will measure the three main quantities which are voltage, current and resistance. 

To measure the voltage of a lithium-ion battery, follow the steps below;

1. Set the multimeter to voltage mode (ensure the voltage of the battery you are measuring is within the range of the multimeters capability) 
2. Connect the positive (red) lead of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery
3. Connect the negative (black) lead of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the battery
4. Note the voltage that the multimeter displays

Should you continue to use a Lithium-Ion battery when it is almost dead? 00

If you measure the voltage of a lithium-ion and it happens to be nearing its dead voltage of 3.4V, should you continue to use it?

No, the best option here is to recharge the battery.

Using a battery when it is almost dead can drastically reduce its lifespan.

The post At what voltage is a Lithium-Ion battery dead? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

This would save you time on having to decide the right battery for the job.

Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world where this universal battery exists. The world is filled with many different types of battery that range in size, shape, voltage, current capacity, chemical composition, etc.

The CR2032 is one of the many types of battery available, which is primarily used for smaller electrical and electronic devices. 

Below is a list of devices that CR2032 batteries are used for;

• Car key fobs
• Calculators
• Mini flashlights
• Digital vernier callipers 
• Kitchen scales
• Guitar tuner
• Motherboards (backup)
• Small toys
• Remote controls

There are many more applications where CR2032 batteries are used, and this article shall take a closer look at them. 

Different types of batteries

To better understand the different applications CR2032 batteries are used for, it will first help to learn about the different batteries available.

This will give you a more clear view of why CR2032 batteries are used for these particular applications. 

Key characteristics of batteries

There are a set of characteristics that make each battery unique. The characteristics include;

• Chemical Composition
• Voltage Rating
• Current capacity rating 
• Shape
• Size
• Energy density
• Specific Energy Density 

Chemical composition

Batteries produce electrical power from chemical reactions that occur inside the battery. There are a range of chemicals that are used in different batteries which include;

• Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
• Zinc-Carbon 
• Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
• Lead-Acid 
• Alkaline 

Voltage Rating

This is one of the main ratings of a battery and refers to the amount of electrical potential a battery holds given in the standard unit of Volts.

All batteries have a theoretical voltage, however, the actual voltage produced will be lower.

This is due to polarisation and resistance losses, and is largely dependent on the current drawn by the load and the internal impedance of the battery. 

Current capacity rating

Current capacity is the next major rating of a battery and relates to the amount of charge (current) that a battery is able to hold.

Depending on the size of the battery, the current capacity can be given in Amp-Hours (Ah), or Milli-Amp-Hours (mAh).

Just like voltage, a battery has a theoretical current capacity that will be higher than its actual measured current capacity.

Shape and Size

While there are many different characteristics, the shape and size of a battery are the characteristics that you can physically distinguish one battery from another.. 

Below is a list of the many different shapes and sizes;

• 9V 
• AA 
• AAA 
• C & D 
• Coin cell
• Button cell
• Flat/Pouch

Energy density

Different sizes and shapes of battery will have different energy densities, which is the energy can derived per unit volume of the weight of the battery.

Specific Energy Density

This is the product of the current capacity and voltage of a battery for one full discharge cycle. It can be derived per unit weight of the battery as well. 

Primary and secondary batteries

All batteries no matter size, shape, voltage, current capacity, etc, can be divided up into two categories; Primary and Secondary.

Primary batteries are batteries that can only be used once. This is why they are often referred to as disposable or single use batteries. 

Once they have fully discharged (and gone flat), you will have to throw them out. 

They cannot be used again.

Secondary batteries on the other hand are rechargeable. This means that when they have fully discharged, you can recharge them (with the help of a battery charger).

How many times a battery can be recharged is dependent on its chemical composition which will determine its lifespan. 

Secondary batteries are a much better option than primary batteries due to the fact that they do not have to be thrown out. 

The disposing of single use primary batteries causes large piles in landfills and is not very environmentally friendly.

The CR battery

CR is a family of batteries consisting of  batteries that resemble a coin, and is why they are termed coin cell batteries.

The CR2032 is a single battery that comes from this family of batteries.

CR batteries might look the same, however they have one distinguishing feature being their physical dimension. 

While they might share the same voltage and shape, they vary in physical size.

Closer look at CR2032 batteries

The letters and numbers of the CR2032 aren’t just picked randomly, but rather are specifically chosen, representing its chemical composition and physical dimension. 

These letters, and numbers are crucial in selecting the right coin cell battery for the job (more so the numbers). 

Let’s take a look at what they mean.

The first letter, ‘C’, represents the chemical composition of the battery. In this case it is made up of Chromium (however, while that was the earlier composition, CR batteries can be made with various different compositions, with Lithium being the most common). 

Next, the letter ‘R’, tells us the shape of the battery, which is round.

The next two numbers in the sequence (in this instance ‘2’ and ‘0’), provide us information about the diameter of the coin in millimetres. So, this particular battery has a diameter of 20mm.

Finally, the last two digits ‘3’ and ‘2’, indicate the height of the batter in millimetres. But to acquire the height, first take the number and divide it by 10. 

So, 32 divided by 10 will give us a height of 3.2mm. 

CR2032 battery voltage and current capacity ratings  

As we saw earlier, there are two other important characteristics when it comes to selecting the right battery for a particular electronic device;

• Voltage
• Current capacity 

All electrical and electronic devices require a voltage to operate. Without voltage the device might as well be a paper weight. 

The CR2032 has a voltage range of 3 – 3.7 volts.

The next characteristic is current capacity, which is defined by the total amount of charge that a battery is capable of storing (much like how much water a bottle is capable of storing, if water represents the current).

Larger batteries have their current capacities shown in Amp-Hours (Ah), while smaller batteries (like CR2032 coin cell batteries), have their capacities given in Milli-Amp-Hours (mAh).

The CR2032 has a current capacity ranging from 230mAh – 1400mAh.

Are CR2032 primary or secondary batteries?

CR2032 batteries are traditionally primary. 

If you were to go to your local grocery or hardware store, the CR2032 batteries that are available there would be the primary variety. 

This means that you would only be able to use the battery once and then dispose of it. 

However, CR2032 batteries are available as secondary batteries which means you can use them multiple times.

They are readily available online, or at specialised electronic stores. 

Different applications that CR2032 batteries are used for

So, now that we have taken a closer look at the CR2032 battery, we can have a look at all the applications that are perfect for this type of battery.

Electrical and electronic devices come in a variety of sizes from the ones that sit on a desktop, to ones that can fit in your pocket. 

We now know that batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the range of sizes of these devices. 

The CR2032 is a smaller sized battery compared to its peers. This makes it perfect for smaller devices. 

But what exact applications are CR2032 batteries used for? 

Let’s take a look. 

Note, CR2032 batteries can literally be found in every small electronic device, so this list will try to divide the applications into different categories. 

This is not an exhaustive list by any means. 

Application #1 where CR2032 batteries are used: Small toys

If you were a kid growing up in the 90’s, you would have been limited by the number of electronic toys available (which is not necessarily a bad thing). 

But, fast forward to the present day, and if you are a kid now, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to toys and their complexity.  

Many toys are now electronic giving them a lot more bells and whistles. 

Smaller toys that aren’t too complicated, will use CR2032 batteries as a source of power. 

Application #2 where CR2032 batteries are used: Computer motherboard

No, CR2032 batteries do not power your computer (if they could that would be amazing)! 

Rather, CR2032 batteries are used on motherboards to help power the internal clock of the microchip when power is removed from the system.

This ensures the system is running smoothly and isn’t always reset when you turn the power off. 

CR2032 batteries are used in many other systems other than a computer motherboard, to power internal clocks. 

Application #3 where CR2032 batteries are used: Key-chain accessories

While keychains were invented to keep your keys secure, whether it be for your car, house, office, lockbox, etc, they now have added accessories that can be added.

Many of these additional accessories are electronic and require a source of power. 

Things such as car key fobs, mini flashlights, bluetooth GPS systems, keyfinder, smart tags, and so much more. 

CR2032 batteries are used for these accessories to ensure they have the power to operate efficiently. 

Application #4 where CR2032 batteries are used: Remote controls

Ah, how would we live in a world without the awesome power of the remote control. This ever useful device ensures we don’t have to get up from our comfy resting place to constantly go change the TV channel.

But, the remote is not just limited to the TV. There is a remote for many other applications such as; stereo systems, air conditioning units, lighting systems, etc.

Depending on the complexity (and size) of the remote, many of them use CR2032 batteries. 

Application #5 where CR2032 batteries are used: Smart doorbells

Gone are the days where you would just knock or ring a simple doorbell to make your presence known to the owner of the house.

Nowadays, doorbells have gotten a whole lot smarter.

They can now sense motion, livestream video,  record audio and video, have fingerprint sensors, and much more. 

Again, depending on the complexity of the doorbell, you will most likely find CR2032 batteries. 

Application #6 where CR2032 batteries are used: Medical

They say prevention is the best cure and knowing what the problem is ahead of time can be the difference between life and death.

When it comes to our health, Doctors are the all knowing wizards who can shed light on many of the issues that might arise in our lives. 

However, we might not always have access to them, or they themselves have a limit to their capability. 

For example, a doctor cannot precisely tell you the level of your blood sugar. 

Thankfully medical devices have been invented to do things that us humans are limited and aid us to solve problems.

And now, we can take these devices with us home to ensure we stay ahead of problems before they become, well, a problem. 

CR2032 batteries are used for many  portable devices that include Oximeters, portable blood pressure monitors, cardio checks, blood glucose metres, and much more. 

There are also devices known as Medic Alert Bracelets that can be worn (on the wrist) by vulnerable patients. 

This allows them to notify emergency services such as an Ambulance in the event they might be home alone and a life threatening situation arises.

Application #7 where CR2032 batteries are used: Wearable electronics

Whether you are into cosplay (costume play), or want to stay connected with the world, you are in luck thanks to the advancement of technology.

Electronics have gotten smaller which means that you can now wear them!

Smartwatches are becoming ever popular allowing you to stay in contact with loved ones, monitor your heartbeat, calculate how fast you are running, how far you have travelled and so much more.

Also, the fashion and cosplay world have benefited tremendously with these smaller electronics allowing them to design costumes otherwise unimaginable. 

Application #8 where CR2032 batteries are used: Miscellaneous

This section isn’t really a category, rather a list of the many other devices that CR2032 batteries are used for which include;

• Calculators
• Vernier callipers
• Electronic dog collars
• Mini Flashlights
• Bicycle lights
• Guitar tuners
• Remote weather stations
• Digital kitchen scales 
• Wireless mouse 
• MP3 player 
• Mini clocks
• Watches

As you can see, the list has a wide variety of applications showing us that the CR2032 battery has many areas where it can be used.

Again, just to reiterate, this isn’t an exhaustive list by any means. 

Why are CR2032 batteries used for the above applications  

The most obvious reason that a CR2032 is used in the applications named above is because of its physical dimension.

It is a small battery that fits the needs of the devices it is used for. 

Other than that, all the devices mentioned do not really require much current to operate. They tend to draw current in the uA (micro ampere) range.

As you can imagine, the CR2032 isn’t really a battery that would be able to hold that much current. Therefore it is a perfect candidate for these smaller devices that require less current. 

Are primary and secondary CR2032 batteries used for the same applications?

This depends entirely on the needs of the device, and the application it is used for. 

If the device is used consistently, it is going to lose charge much faster than if it wasn’t. In this scenario, a secondary (rechargeable) CR2032 battery is ideal.

This will save you time, money, and impacts on the environment having to constantly dispose and replace the batteries. 

A device like a smartwatch would benefit from having a rechargeable CR2032 battery.

However, if the device doesn’t draw too much power, and isn’t put under much stress (load wise), it will last a long time with a single CR2032 battery. 

In this instance, a primary (non-rechargeable) CR2032 battery is the perfect option. A device such as a mini clock, which draws minuscule current would benefit from primary CR2032 batteries.

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Since these devices are portable they require a portable means of power, which come in the form of batteries.

There are many different types of battery each suited for a particular application. 

The CR2032 is a type of coin cell battery predominantly used for smaller electronics like car key fobs, calculators, mini flashlights, etc.

But, can you recharge a CR2032 battery? Yes, CR2032 batteries are available in rechargeable versions which are named LIR2032. This means you can recharge them after they have lost their charge. However, beware that not all CR2032 batteries are rechargeable. There are two types; non-rechargeable, and rechargeable. 

You will first have to check if the CR2032 battery you have is the rechargeable version before trying to recharge it. 

Different types of batteries  

There isn’t one specific type of battery that is used for all portable devices. 

Batteries come in a variety of shapes, sizes, voltages, current capacity and chemical compositions, each having its own unique advantages for a particular application. 

Some batteries last longer and make them perfect for devices like smartphones where you need the battery to last for long periods of time.

While some batteries can deliver high amounts of current but do not last very long, which make them ideal for devices such as power tools. 

Batteries can be classed into two categories; Primary and Secondary.

Primary batteries are your one use type of battery. This means once they have fully discharged (and go flat), you need to dispose of them. 

They cannot be used again. 

Secondary batteries on the other hand are rechargeable. When a secondary battery has fully discharged, you can ‘recharge’ them (with the aid of a battery charger). 

They can be used multiple times. The number of times they can be used is dependent on the make up of their chemical composition. 

A deeper look at CR2032 batteries

So, what exactly is a CR2032 battery?

Let’s take a deeper look to fully understand whether this type of battery can be recharged or not. 

As mentioned earlier, batteries have many different characteristics that make them unique. One of the biggest is their shape. 

Below are the different shapes available;

• AA
• AAA
• C
• D
• 9V
• Coin cell
• Flat/ Pouch

The CR2032 is a type of coin cell battery and is aptly named that due to its resemblance of a coin.

This type of battery is commonly used in smaller electronics such as;

• Calculators
• Wrist watches
• Car key fobs
• Digital vernier callipers
• Keychain LED flashlights 
• Toys
• Handheld medical devices (digital thermometers) 
• PDAs
• Garage door openers
• Pet collars
• Pedometers 

This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are many other devices but you get the jist.

CR2032 battery specifications

The letters and numbers of the CR2032 aren’t just picked randomly, but rather are specifically chosen, representing its chemical composition and physical dimension. 

These letters, and numbers are crucial in selecting the right coin cell battery for the job (more so the numbers). 

Let’s take a look at what they mean.

The first letter, ‘C’, represents the chemical composition of the battery. In this case it is made up of Chromium (however, while that was the earlier composition, CR batteries can be made with various different compositions, with Lithium being the most common). 

Next, the letter ‘R’, tells us the shape of the battery, which is round.

The next two numbers in the sequence (in this instance ‘2’ and ‘0’), provide us information about the diameter of the coin in millimetres. So, this particular battery has a diameter of 20mm.

Finally, the last two digits ‘3’ and ‘2’, indicate the height of the batter in millimetres. But to acquire the height, first take the number and divide it by 10. 

So, 32 divided by 10 will give us a height of 3.2mm. 

CR2032 battery voltage and current capacity ratings  

There are two other important characteristics when it comes to selecting the right battery for a particular electronic device;

• Voltage
• Current capacity 

All electrical and electronic devices require a voltage to operate. Without voltage the device might as well be a paper weight. 

The CR2032 has a voltage range of 3 – 3.7 volts.

The next characteristic is current capacity, which is defined by the total amount of charge that a battery is capable of storing (much like how much water a bottle is capable of storing, if water represents the current).

Larger batteries have their current capacities shown in Amp-Hours (Ah), while smaller batteries (like CR2032 coin cell batteries), have their capacities given in Milli-Amp-Hours (mAh).

The CR2032 has a current capacity ranging from 230mAh – 1400mAh.

Are CR2032 primary or secondary batteries?

CR2032 batteries are traditionally primary. 

If you were to go to your local grocery or hardware store, the CR2032 batteries that are available there would be the primary variety. 

This means that you would only be able to use the battery once and then dispose of it. 

However, CR2032 batteries are available as secondary batteries which means you can use them multiple times.

They are readily available online, or at specialised electronic stores. 

Can you recharge CR2032 batteries?

So now we know that CR2032 batteries are available as non-rechargeable (primary) and rechargeable (secondary).

So, can you recharge them?

When it comes to recharging a CR2032 battery, you will only be able to recharge the rechargeable version as they are designed to be charged and used multiple times. 

Note, as we saw earlier the first letter ‘C’ represents the chemical composition of the battery. The rechargeable version of the CR2032 is known as LIR2032. 

The ‘LI’ represents the chemical composition of Lithium-Ion, which is the most used chemical for rechargeable batteries.

At no means should you try to charge the non-rechargeable variety as doing so is hazardous which could result in an explosion. 

How to check if a CR2032 can be charged or not  

You might have some CR2032 batteries lying around at home, or you might be buying one (online or physically).

So, how do you check if a CR2032 can be recharged or not? 

The easiest way to tell is by reading what is written on the battery. A CR2032 that can be charged, will have the words ‘rechargeable battery’ displayed on one of its faces. 

It will also have LIR2032 displayed. 

If you are looking for a rechargeable CR2032 battery, the best way to do so online is by searching; “Rechargeable CR2032 battery” or “LIR2032”.

Do rechargeable CR2032 batteries require special chargers?

Yes, you will need special chargers that can accept coin cell batteries, and particularly the CR2032 battery size. 

As rechargeable CR2032 batteries are made of Lithium-Ion, these types of batteries require even more care when it comes to charging.

Most battery chargers offer trickle charging when a battery has reached full charge. However, Lithium-Ion batteries cannot take more charge when they have reached full capacity.

For that reason, their chargers stop the charging process when the battery has reached full capacity. 

So, the battery charger will have to be able to accommodate the rechargeable battery and have the right charging circuitry for lithium-ion batteries.

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These mobile devices use many different types of rechargeable batteries to keep them energised, but the most common being Lithium-Ion.

Lithium-Ion batteries need to be charged once they have fully discharged. 

But, more often than not, you might need to use the device that has a lithium-ion battery when charging it. 

So, can you charge a Lithium-Ion battery while using it? Yes, you can charge a Lithium Ion battery while using it, however, it’s not the best practice. Doing so will result in a lower rate of charge which means it will take longer to charge the lithium ion battery. 

There are some other issues that arise when trying to charge a lithium battery while using it which shall be discussed further in this article. 

Deeper look at how a battery is charged

Knowing the process of how a battery is charged, will help you better understand why using a Lithium-Ion battery while charging it isn’t very ideal.

There are two main classes of batteries; Primary and Secondary.

Primary batteries are one-off batteries that must be disposed of after they have fully discharged. These types of batteries can only be used once.

Secondary batteries are rechargeable. This means that when they have been fully discharged of all their energy, they can be ‘recharged’ back to their full capacity and used again. 

A Lithium-Ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery. 

They can be recharged multiple times, and their lifespan is largely dependent on their chemical composition.

How a battery charger charges a battery  

But, rechargeable batteries do not just recharge by themselves (which would be neat if they could). However, they require the aid of a battery charger.

Batteries power devices by converting stored chemical energy into electrical power (which is a product of voltage and current). 

The process when a battery releases its energy to power devices is known as discharging. While reversing the discharging process and giving energy back to a dead battery is known as recharging.  

Charging a battery involves a number of steps which include;

• Charging
• Stabilising (optimising the charging rate)
• Terminating (knowing when to stop the charging process)

Charge and Discharge rates of batteries vary from one to the next depending on factors such as their chemical compositions and size (the amount of charge they are able to hold for their given physical size).  

Discharging involves the release of electrons when a chemical reaction occurs in between the two terminals (or electrodes) and electrolyte (the substance that separates the electrodes). 

Once the chemical reaction within the battery is over, the battery is effectively out of charge (flat).

For primary (disposable) batteries this is the end of the road, however, rechargeable batteries can be recharged to be used again.

Battery chargers are used to reverse the chemical reaction process to recharge the battery. While discharging involves energy leaving the battery, charging a battery involves feeding energy back into a battery (using a battery charger) to reset the chemicals to their initial state. 

To feed energy back into a battery, battery chargers supply electric current for a predetermined period of time. 

Reasons not to charge a Lithium-Ion battery while using it

It might seem that a battery charger has a simple task of just feeding current to a Lithium-Ion battery to recharge it.

However, there is a bit more that happens within the battery charger to ensure that the battery is optimally charged while also being protected. 

So it might not be the best idea to charge a Lithium-Ion battery while using it. 

Let’s take a look at why. 

There are a couple of things that happen when you try to charge a Lithium-Ion battery and use it at the same time.

Reason #1 not to charge a Lithium-Ion battery while using it

Firstly when a battery is being charged, it is subjected to a voltage higher than its own. This is why current flows from the battery charger to a battery.

If you try using a Lithium-Ion battery while it is charging (for low currents), you could trigger safety circuits as it may detect the extra current as an overcurrent or short, and stop the charging process. 

For higher currents, the load will draw power from the battery charger which means that the battery isn’t going to get much current and is going to charge at a slower rate taking it a longer time to reach full capacity. 

Reason #2 not to charge a Lithium-Ion battery while using it

The second issue that arises is that every now and then, the battery charger stops charging to monitor the voltage of the Lithium-Ion battery. 

When this happens, the battery will start supplying current to the load which isn’t an ideal situation as the Lithium-Ion battery will then report a different voltage when subjected to a load, as opposed to when not under load circumstances. 

This messes up the charging process.

Can you charge a Lithium battery while using it for consumer electronics? 

The scenarios we have discussed above have mostly been with Lithium-Ion batteries that are detachable from devices (like power tools for example), where the battery charger is a separate entity.

But, many consumer electronic devices (that use Lithium-Ion batteries), have their charging circuits embedded in them.

Devices such as smartphones, smart watches, laptops, and so much more. 

These devices have come a long way, and include sophisticated charging circuits within them. 

Most of the time you would have used one of these devices while you were simultaneously charging it as well.

But, how is this possible?

These devices have been designed with charging circuits that allow one to use it and charge it at the same time. 

Engineers would have realised that sooner or later, the user would need to use their device (especially smartphones) when charging.

Note, while it may be possible, it is still not advisable to do so as you will still be slowing down the rate of charge.

What is the best way to charge a Lithium Ion Battery?

As we have just learnt, charging a battery and while using it is not good practice. Doing so will reduce the rate of charge which means it is going to take longer for the Lithium-Ion battery to reach full charge.

To charge a Lithium-Ion battery more efficiently, follow the three tips below;

1. Do not use the battery while it is charging
2. Do not charge the battery under extreme temperatures (cold or hot). Stay within moderate temperature settings
3. Avoid fully charging the battery (especially with Lithium-Ion batteries). A partial charge will extend its lifespan 

For consumer electronics like smartphones, turn the device off and then charge. This will drastically reduce the charge time. 

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However, there isn’t one specific type of battery that is used for all devices. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, voltages, current capacities, and chemical compositions.

Chemical composition is one of the major characteristics that separate batteries, and make one more suitable for an application compared to its peers.

One of the most common chemical compositions in batteries nowadays is Lithium. 

But, when it comes to charging Lithium batteries, the process is a bit more complex.

So, can you charge a Lithium battery with a normal charger? No, you cannot charge a Lithium battery with a normal charger. This is because normal chargers have something known as trickle charging. However, you cannot trickle charge Lithium batteries. Once a Lithium battery reaches its nominal voltage, charging needs to be stopped. 

While batteries have the same goal (which is to power electrical and electronic devices), how they go about doing so can vary from one battery type to the next.

Also, there are different charging processes depending on the different chemical compositions. 

To better understand if we can charge a Lithium battery with a normal charger, it will help to learn a bit more about Lithium batteries and chargers separately. 

Deeper look at a lithium battery  

Within the world of Lithium batteries, there exist many variations, with the most common of them being the Lithium- Ion variety. So this article shall concentrate on this particular type to see if it is possible to charge it with a normal charger.

Most (if not all) batteries are given their name because of the type of chemical composition they are made of. 

In this case, the battery uses Lithium Ions.

During the discharge cycle, the lithium ions move from the negative terminal (cathode), through an electrolyte to the positive terminal (anode).

Different types of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium Ion batteries come in a variety of shapes for different applications which include;

• Small cylindrical (single cell with, solid body, with no terminals)
• Large cylindrical (single cell,solid body, with threaded terminals)
• Flat or pouch (soft, flat body)
• Rigid plastic case (large threaded terminals) 

How do normal chargers charge a battery

Batteries can be classed into two major categories; Primary and Secondary.

Primary batteries are one off and cannot be used once they run out of charge. Whereas, secondary batteries are rechargeable. This means once they lose charge they can be recharged multiple times with the help of a battery charger. 

Lithium batteries need a special charger (as we will see later), however most of the other batteries use standard chargers which have a similar structure and working principle. 

Charging a battery involves reversing the chemical reactions that take place when the battery is ‘discharging’. 

The most basic chargers do this by supplying either a constant voltage or constant current. However, older chargers required you to manually turn them off to stop charging. 

The issue with this is that if you forget to stop the charging, the batteries will overcharge. Or, if you stop charging too early they will not be fully charged (undercharged) 

When it comes to both the scenarios mentioned above, overcharging is worse than undercharging. This is because when the batteries are fully charged, they have no means of accepting more energy.  

However, that extra energy needs to go somewhere. This extra energy is released in the form of heat that builds pressure within the battery, which can lead to the battery rupturing (sometimes in an explosive manner).

A new technique has been developed which is now included in newer chargers to combat this issue. This technique is known as Trickle Charging.

Trickle charging is when a battery charger is able to charge a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, which allows the battery to maintain its full charge level. 

This ensures that you do not have to manually monitor the battery to see if it is at the right charge. Trickle charging will maintain the right voltage level. 

What type of charger is needed for a Lithium battery?

The Lithium-Ion is a special kind of battery compared to other batteries of different chemistries. This type of battery has strict requirements when it comes to charging it. 

The battery charger is a voltage limiting device with some key differences to other chargers. 

The key differences include;

• Higher voltage per cell
• Tighter voltage tolerances
• Absence of trickle or float charging

A lithium-ion battery charger does not offer trickle charging because the battery cannot accept overcharge. The battery can become unstable if charged above its nominal voltage which could result in permanent damage. 

Damage can result in the form of an explosion! 

The charger comes with strict settings that adhere to the restrictions that come with charging this type of battery which will include features such as an end-of-charge detection circuit  to monitor when the battery is fully charged. 

Can you charge a lithium battery with a normal charger?

As we have just learnt, Lithium batteries are quite unique compared to other batteries. The process involved in charging them is a bit more complicated.

Normal chargers have a feature known as trickle charging that enables them to keep feeding voltage (at a rate equal to the battery’s self-discharge) to maintain the desired voltage, even while the charger is still plugged in.  

However, lithium batteries cannot accept charge once they have reached their optimal voltage. 

Due to this, you cannot charge a lithium battery with a normal charger.

Lithium batteries have specially designed chargers which stop charging (thanks to an end-of-charge detection circuit), to protect the battery from overcharge.

How to charge a lithium battery with a normal charger?

While charging a lithium battery with a normal charger is not advised, it might be possible if a few criteria are met.

The first criteria is to ensure the ‘normal charger’ is supplying the same voltage as the lithium battery you are charging. 

Not higher, and not lower. 

Second is overcharging. We know now that overcharging a lithium battery is very bad so just connecting the battery to the charger and walking away is not a good idea.

So, to avoid this you could set a timer to remind you to remove the batteries so that they do not get overcharged.

But, be aware that even doing this poses some risks as each lithium battery itself will have different charging times depending on factors such as manufacturer, temperature, load, etc. 

Can you charge a Lithium battery with a normal charger inside a device?

We have been primarily discussing charging loose lithium batteries (batteries that can be removed from an electronic device) with normal chargers. 

However, nowadays most devices have their batteries inbuilt and do not need to be removed. For example, devices like smartphones, laptops, bluetooth speakers, and many more.

So, what about this scenario? Can you charge lithium batteries when they are part of a device?

Yes, you can charge a lithium battery with a normal charger when it is embedded in a device. This is because the device itself will include the necessary charging circuitry (end-of-charge detection) to ensure that the lithium battery does not get overcharged. 

This is why it is possible when you go on a trip and forget your charger, you can borrow your friend’s and charge your phone without any issues. 

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