CR2412/BR2412 3V Lithium Non-Rechargeable Batteries Equivalents and Replacements

CR2412/BR2412 are not the most common button/cell type 3V lithium non-rechargeable batteries on the market, but due to their dimensions, they are often used in small card-like devices, watches, car keys, memory backup, various medical meters, and similar.

And as such, when the original battery needs replacement, it is very important to find the proper one.

Updated: May 3, 2022.

CR2412/BR2412 batteries are button/cell batteries with a diameter of 24.5 mm (~0.96 inches) and a height of only 1.2 mm (0.047 inches). Thus, it is a very light battery, weighing around 2 grams (0.07 ounces).

CR2412/BR2412 batteries have negative electrodes made of lithium and positive electrodes made either of manganese dioxide (CR2412) or carbon-monofluoride (BR2412).

For example, the CR2412 battery is a manganese-dioxide lithium battery, with an operating temperature range between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F), a nominal voltage of 3.0 V and a cutoff voltage of 2.0 V. Typical capacity of CR2412 battery is ~100 mAh.

The BR2412 battery is a carbon-monofluoride lithium battery, with an operating temperature range between -30°C (-22°F) and 85°C (185°F), a nominal voltage of 3.0V (older models ~2.8V), and a cutoff voltage of 2.0V (older models ~2.25V). The typical capacity of the BR2032 battery is ~85 mAh.

Note: operating temperatures and capacities differ from the manufacturer to the manufacturer, so be sure to check these values for individual models. For example, the Panasonic CR2412 battery feature recommended operating temperature range between -30 and +85°C, with the optimal temperature being around 20°C.

Although older BR2412 batteries had slightly lower nominal voltage, newer BR2412 batteries feature initial output voltage very similar to the CR2412 batteries - during operation BR2412 batteries feature more stable voltage than CR2412 batteries.

CR2412 batteries have a very low self-discharge rate, ensuring a shelf life of up to 10 years. BR2412 batteries feature even better shelf life - both types can retain up to 90% of the initial charge even after 10 years of proper storage.

Thus, when used in extra low-drain applications, these batteries can power devices for 10 or even more years and are, as such, used as memory (CMOS) batteries in various devices, including credit card size devices and gadgets, wrist watches, car key fobs, etc.

But, due to their low volume, their total capacity is rather limited - CR2412 ~100 mAh, BR2412 ~85 mAh.

Note: BR2412 batteries are low drain devices, not tolerating well pulse/surge discharges.

CR2412/BR2412 battery equivalents are usually labeled as DL2412, ECR2412, KCR2412, KL2412, KECR2412, LM2412, etc.

Due to the very flat shape, it is vital to manage these batteries rather gently, holding them by the edges (to avoid any unintentional discharge) and if required, to wipe them with a dry cloth prior to installation.

Note: Due to the globalization, certain brands manufacture these and other batteries at different locations around the globe - such batteries should be made to the same specifications, but it appears (at least to me) that CR2412/BR2412 batteries made in Japan have a tendency to outperform batteries made in other parts of the world. But, that's just the author's opinion ... To be 100% sure, check the specs of the batteries that you are interested in and read other people's reviews and opinions...

For example, if your Lexus car uses a key with Panasonic CR2412 battery made in Japan, go for the same replacement battery.

Also, if you have Seiko watch or other similar device that uses Seiko BR2412 battery, and it operated well for years, replace the original BR2412 with the same Seiko BR2412 battery.

For Short: if you need a 3V lithium non-rechargeable CR2412/BR2412 battery replacement and you are not sure which one to take, consider CR2412/BR2412 battery from reputable brands (Panasonic, Seiko, etc.) with good user reviews ...