Lithium 2CR5 Battery - Features, Dimensions, and Equivalents
Lithium 2CR5 battery is a very popular 6V non-rechargeable lithium battery commonly used not only in cameras and other photo equipment, but also in some flashlights, security systems, toys, and similar.
2CR5 battery features other common labels like 5032LC, EL2CR5, DL245, 6203, KL2CR5, etc., but in order to avoid confusion, they are always labeled as 2CR5 batteries (according to the IEC standard) and sometimes with 5032LC (according to the ANSI standard).
Updated: April 16, 2021.
Dimensions and Specifications of 2CR5 Battery
2CR5, 5032LC, EL2CR5, DL245, 6203, KL2CR5, etc. battery is rectangular battery shaped so that it can be inserted in the battery compartment only in one way, ensuring proper orientation even when the battery is being replaced in hurry or in low light conditions.
Physical dimensions of the 2CR5 battery are (H x L x W) 45 x 34 x 17 mm, with both terminals on the same end of the battery.
Physically, a 2CR5 battery consists of two, non-rechargeable lithium batteries (3V each) connected in series (6V total).
Thanks to the lithium chemistry, 2CR5 batteries feature a good capacity of 1200-1700 mAh (depending on the model, although lower capacity models can provide larger currents and vise versa) and very long shelf life, with some models from reputable brands featuring 10+ years shelf/standby life.
Because of these features, 2CR5 batteries are commonly used in standby applications and for powering high-drain devices.
2CR5 Battery vs CR123A Battery
CR123A battery is a cylindrical, non-rechargeable 3V lithium battery that features physical dimensions (H x D) of 34.5 x 17 mm. CR123A battery on average feature a battery capacity of 1500 mAh, a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, and a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts.
Because the 2CR5 battery's dimensions are slightly larger than the dimensions of two CR123A batteries placed side-by-side, some devices feature a special battery holder that allows the user to power the device with either one 2CR5 battery or two CR123A batteries using the battery holder.
Since the CR123A battery can be found as a rechargeable CR123A battery (also labeled as RCR123A battery), two RCR123A batteries may be, theoretically, used for powering devices designed around 2CR5 batteries - again, in theory.
In real life, two RCR123A batteries feature a nominal voltage of 7.2 - 7.4 volts and this voltage difference between 2CR5 and two RCR123A batteries of 1.2 - 1.4 volts can damage or even destroy some sensitive devices.
For short: in order to use two RCR123A batteries (with the battery holder) to power a device powered by a 2CR5 battery, it must be clearly stated by the device manufacturer that such device can handle that voltage difference!
Long Story Short: If You are looking for a 2CR5 battery replacement, go for the battery from some of the reputable brands labeled as 2CR5, 5032LC, EL2CR5, DL245, 6203, KL2CR5 or similar.
Some of the most popular models include (Amazon links, the links open in the new windows):
On average, these batteries feature a capacity of 1500 mAh, a nominal voltage of 6.0 volts, a cut-off voltage of 4.0 volts (although it depends on the device being powered), and a long shelf life of 5-10 years, sometimes even more.
