Button Batteries

Button batteries, also known as coin cell batteries or round flat batteries, are a type of non-rechargeable small circular battery used to power a variety of compact electronic devices. The superior design of these lithium batteries provides high performance and long-lasting power, making them the ideal choice for applications ranging from smart gadgets and watches to critical medical appliances, all while meeting the highest standards for authenticity and reliability.

Types of Button Cell Batteries

The different chemical compositions of button batteries determine their unique performance characteristics. The most common types include:

Alkaline Button Batteries

Alkaline button batteries are an affordable and economical solution, offering moderate energy output for devices with lower power consumption. With a typical voltage of 1.5V, their performance is characterised by a gradual voltage drop over time, which gives them a shorter lifespan compared to lithium and silver oxide batteries. This makes them an ideal choice for low-drain devices such as remote controls and toys, as well as for industrial applications such as basic environmental sensors or backup power for real-time clocks in simple controllers.

Silver Oxide Button Batteries

Silver oxide button batteries offer a consistent voltage and a longer lifespan than their alkaline counterparts, making them ideal for high-precision devices. With a voltage of 1.55V, they are known for their stable power delivery over time and have a higher capacity. These button batteries also offer superior resistance to corrosion and leakage, giving them a longer shelf life. Their reliability and long-lasting performance make them a perfect choice for small, high precision devices such as watches, hearing aids and other critical medical products.

Lithium Button Cell Batteries

Lithium button cellbatteries are high-performance, long-lasting power sources that provide a stable 3V voltage, making them ideal for high-power applications. Unlike their alkaline and silver oxide counterparts, they are also renowned for maintaining consistent voltages throughout their lifespan, ensuring reliable power for high-drain devices such as cameras and key FOBs. These products are also highly resistant to corrosion and leaks, which makes them a trusted choice for critical medical equipment, industrial machinery and automotive applications.

How to Choose the Right Type of Coin Cell Battery

Selecting the right coin cell battery is essential for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your device. Here are the key factors to consider when making your choice:

• Voltage and Size: The battery’s physical dimensions and voltage must exactly match the device's requirements. Using the wrong size or voltage can lead to device malfunction or permanent damage, so always check the user manual or the existing battery’s markings.
• Battery Chemistry: Your choice of battery chemistry directly impacts performance. Lithium button cell batteries are ideal for high-drain devices that require a stable 3V output, while 1.5V alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries are more suitable for low-drain, cost-effective devices like remote controls.
• Shelf Life: For devices with long idle times, such as emergency backups or remote sensors, an extended shelf life is crucial. Lithium coin batteries are known for their extremely low self-discharge rate, allowing them to hold their charge for many years.
• Capacity: The battery’s capacity, measured in mAh, indicates how much energy it can store. Choosing a battery with a higher capacity ensures a longer operational lifespan for devices with continuous power needs.

Applications of Button and Coin Cell Batteries

Non-rechargeable button batteries are the most common power sources for a wide range of devices and applications, such as:

• Watches and Calculators: Their long-lasting power is ideal for devices such as watches and calculators that require stable, consistent energy over a long period.
• Medical Devices: Used to power essential items such as hearing aids and implantable defibrillators, where reliability is critical.
• Other Consumer Electronics: Found in various everyday items like scales, electronic greeting cards and remote controls.

Your Trusted Button Batteries Supplier and Manufacturer in Australia

Acquiring your button cell batteries from RS Australia’s digital platform is a straightforward and dependable process. Our extensive online catalogue offers a wide selection of top-quality button batteries — as well as related products such as multimeters and industrial temperature sensors — from leading manufacturers like Panasonic and Duracell.

Buy button batteries and other types of batteries from RS today and enjoy fast delivery across Australia. For complete specifics on dispatch timelines, applicable charges and various shipping choices, kindly consult our dedicated Delivery Page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Button Batteries

How long do coin cell batteries last?

The lifespan of a coin cell battery varies significantly based on its chemistry, the device's power drain and usage patterns. While lithium button cell batteries can last for several years in low-drain applications like computer motherboards, alkaline versions have a much shorter lifespan.

Which brand of battery lasts the longest?

The lifespan of a button cell battery is not determined by a single brand, but rather by its chemistry and the demands of the device it powers. Reputable brands that adhere to strict quality standards are a reliable choice for long-lasting and consistent performance.

Do you offer bulk pricing for lithium coin cell batteries?

Yes, we offer competitive bulk pricing on our lithium coin cell batteries to meet the needs of our B2B customers in the Australia market. The cost per unit is reduced when you buy button batteries in larger quantities, with pricing details available on each product page or through our sales team.

How to read the sizes of button cell batteries?

The size of a button cell battery is read using the IEC standard, where the letters define the chemistry and shape. The numbers that follow indicate the diameter in millimetres and the height in tenths of a millimetre. For example, a CR2032 lithium coin battery has a 20mm diameter and a 3.2mm height.