CR-P2, BR-P2, 5024LC, 223A, CR17-33 Battery Equivalents and Replacements
CR-P2, BR-P2, 5024LC, 223A, and CR17-33 batteries are very popular non-rechargeable lithium batteries, commonly used in photo and film cameras, medical systems, security systems, standby devices, and other applications where the reliable and strong source of energy is required, even after a long time of being stored away.
CR-P2, BR-P2, 5024LC, 223A, and CR17-33 are made by practically all the most reputable battery brands and can be easily found at most hardware and online shops. But, since manufacturers use several, often non-standardized labels, to describe these batteries, some confusion may arise ...
Updated: March 13, 2023.
CR-P2/223A Battery Features and Specifications
CR-P2 is a rectangular lithium battery with physical dimensions of (H x L x W) 36 x 35 x 19.5 mm. It features two lithium cells connected in series with a nominal voltage of 6.0 volts and a cut-off voltage of 4.0 volts, although the actual cut-off voltage depends on the device powered by this battery.
The nominal capacity is in 1300-1500 mAh range, but it depends on the discharge current and the actual cut-off voltage.
But, since CR-P2 batteries are lithium batteries, their main task is providing energy for high-drain devices, including photographic equipment.
One of the very interesting features of the CR-P2 battery is its shape - the CR-P2 battery is shaped so that it can fit the battery compartment only one way, allowing the user to quickly replace the empty battery with a new one, even in low light and similar stressful conditions.
The most common label for this battery is "CR-P2 battery," although other labels are used as well, for example, BR-P2 (for very rare carbon-monofluoride lithium battery), 5024LC, 223, 223A, EL223A, DL223A, CR17-33, 6204, etc.
Thanks to lithium chemistry, CR-P2 battery commonly has a shelf/standby life of 7-10 years, with some models featuring a shelf life of even longer.
Also, CR-P2 batteries often have a very broad range of operating temperatures, often from -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C), although this parameter is model/brand dependent.
CR-P2/223A Batteries Comparison Chart
The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular CR-P2 batteries with their most important features and specifications:
| Battery Datasheet |
Capacity | Operating Temperature | Annual Self-Discharge Rate | Discharge Current |
| Duracell CR223 | 1550 mAh | -20°C to +75°C | ≤1% | 0.9A, 3s On, 27s Off, down to 3.6V @20°C: ~1820 cycles 1.2A, 3s On, 7s Off, down to 3.6V @20°C: ~1250 cycles 1.8A, 3s On, 7s Off, down to 3.6V @20°C: ~780 cycles |
| Energizer EL223 | 1500 mAh over 200Ω, down to 4.0V @21°C | -40°C to +60°C | - | 0.9A, 3s On, 27s Off, down to 3.1V @21°C: ~2000 cycles 1.2A, 3s On, 7s Off, down to 3.6V @21°C: ~1370 cycles 1.8A, 3s On, 7s Off, down to 3.6V @21°C: ~860 cycles |
| GP CR-P2 | 1400 mAh @10mA down to 4.0V @23°C | - | 10 years shelf life | 0.9A, 3s On, 27s Off, down to 3.0V @23°C: ~1870 cycles 1.2A, 3s On, 7s Off, down to 3.0V @23°C: ~1320 cycles |
| Panasonic CR-P2 | 1550 mAh | -40°C to +70°C | - | 0.9A, 3s On, 27s Off, down to 3.0V @20°C: ~1850 cycles |
| Varta CR-P2 | 1450 mAh over 200Ω, down to 4.0V @20°C | -20°C to +60°C | 10 years shelf life | 0.9A, 3s On, 30s Off, down to 4.0V @20°C: ~1615 cycles 0.9A, 3s On, 30s Off, down to 3.1V @20°C: ~1713 cycles |
As one can see, CR-P2 batteries are hard-working lithium batteries and when looking for new ones, don't go cheap.
CR-P2 vs. CR123A Battery
With its dimensions of (H x L x W) 36 x 35 x 19.5 mm, the CR-P2 battery looks very similar to two CR123A (H x D: 34.5 x 17.0 mm) batteries side by side.
Technically, many manufacturers use their CR123A cells to make CR-P2 batteries by placing a pair of CR123A batteries in a suitable battery package.
Also, some devices designed to accept one CR-P2 battery feature a battery holder for a pair of CR123A batteries, allowing the user to power the device with multiple batteries.
Note: When placing two CR123A batteries in such battery holder, be very careful regarding their orientation.
However, the use of rechargeable CR123A batteries, often labeled as RCR123A batteries, is not recommended unless explicitly allowed by the manufacturer of such a device.
The actual problem is not dimensions but voltages - the CR-P2 battery features a nominal voltage of 6.0 volts, while two RCR123A batteries connected in series feature a nominal voltage of 7.2-7.4 volts.
Such voltage difference doesn't sound large, but it can damage or even destroy sensitive electronic equipment or at least cause them to malfunction.
For short, when replacing 6.0 volts CR-P2 batteries with CR123A batteries, use non-rechargeable 3.0 volts CR123A batteries.
CR-P2 vs. 18350 Battery
Lithium rechargeable 18350 battery features a nominal voltage of 3.6-3.7V and physical dimensions of (L x D) 35 x 18 mm - it is slightly larger than CR123A battery and thus has a somewhat larger capacity than RCR123A batteries.
Some high-drain devices that are powered by nonchargeable 6.0V CR-P2 batteries also support the use of either a pair of RCR123A or a pair of 18350 batteries.
Again, to use a pair of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (7.2-7.4V) instead of one CR-P2 or a pair of CR123A batteries (6.0V), the device's manufacturer MUST explicitly allow it, or the device can be destroyed.
CR-P2/223A Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common CR-P2/223A batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What battery can replace the CR-P2 battery?
Lithium non-rechargeable 6.0V batteries with labels 5024LC, 223, 223A, EL223A, DL223A, CR17-33, 6204 can replace CR-P2 battery.
Fortunately, most brands use "CR-P2", "223A," and/or "CRP2" as part of their battery labels, helping avoid confusion.
How long does a CRP2 battery last?
When the battery is used in low-drain applications, the battery may last for years to come.
When the battery is stored at room temperature, it can be stored for up to 7-10 years.
When the battery is used in high-drain devices, the actual lifetime of the battery depends on the drain current, the length of the current pulse, and the time the battery has to rest between the pulses.
What is the difference between CRP2 and CR123A?
CRP2 (or CR-P2) is a flat battery, while CR123A battery is a cylindrical battery.
CR-P2 internally consists of a pair of CR123A batteries connected in series to provide a 6.0V nominal voltage.
Are CR-P2 batteries rechargeable?
No, CR-P2 batteries are not rechargeable.
What does CR mean on a battery?
That means the battery's chemistry is a non-rechargeable Lithium Manganese Dioxide chemistry.
Long Story Short: CR-P2, BR-P2, 5024LC, 223, 223A, CR17-33, 6204, etc. batteries are non-rechargeable, 6.0 volts lithium batteries. When looking for a replacement, go for reputable brands, especially if you need a battery that features long shelf life.
While some devices come with a 2xCR123A battery holder that may replace one CR-P2 battery, be sure to use only non-rechargeable 3.0 volts CR123A batteries unless stated by the manufacturer of the device that the device supports the use of 2xRCR123A (again: 7.2-7.4 volts nominal voltage) batteries.
