CR1632 Battery Guide: Technical Specs, Uses, and Buying Tips

Introduction 

The CR1632 battery is a small 3-volt lithium manganese dioxide coin cell you can find in compact electronic devices. The first two digits indicate the size of the diameter, which is 16mm, while the second set indicates the thickness, which is 3.2mm. 

It is a good battery for a wide range of applications, which means its availability is good. Many people would be looking for such a battery to keep their devices running. Below, we look at more details about the CR1632 battery and why you may want to get one today. 

Technical Specifications of the CR1632 Battery

Before you can buy a CR1632 lithium battery, here are the technical specifications you should know about. 

Applications of the CR1632 Battery

The CR1632 battery is used in many compact electronic devices. These devices require a small but stable, long-lasting power source. Expect to find the battery in various industries, including consumer electronics, medical, and automotive devices. 

Automotive: The CR1632 batteries are common power sources for many automotive electronics, such as remote controls, key fobs, and tire pressure monitoring systems. 

Consumer electronics: The battery powers various small devices we use daily. Such applications include clocks, watches, calculators, fitness trackers, and wearables. 

Medical devices: The CR1632 battery is also good for powering small, portable, and reliable medical devices. These include glucose meters, hearing aids, portable ECG monitors, and digital thermometers. 

Computing and sensors: You are also likely to get a battery that offers a stable voltage to support computer and sensor applications. Examples include CMOS?BIOS memory, smart tags, wireless sensors, and trackers. 

CR1632 Battery Performance and Lifespan

The overall CR1632 battery depends on the device using it. Some devices can draw too much power, while others are low-drain devices. 

For active use, the battery is expected to last 2 to 4 years. As for shelf-life, when not in use and under ideal conditions, it can be up to 10 years. 

Factors that affect the CR1632 battery life include:

• The device’s power consumption is the biggest factor in determining the battery’s life. A low-drain device, such as a watch, can operate on the same battery for years; however, a high-drain device, such as a fitness tracker, might only last a few months. 
• The operating temperature also negatively impacts the performance, as it is always extreme. Exposure to high temperatures accelerates the chemical degradation of the battery. At low temperatures, the output voltage decreases, affecting the device’s performance. 
• Storage and handling also affect how the battery performs. Improper storage makes the battery lose its charge prematurely. Watch out for short circuits when the battery is in contact with metal objects such as coins. Also, physical damage can lead to leaks or complete failure. 

CR1632 Battery Equivalents

If you ever want to get yourself a CR1532 battery equivalent, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Look at the dimensions first. Ensure that the battery equivalent has the exact dimensions to fit in the battery compartment. 

Also, the battery chemistry should match when possible. This is vital for providing optimal performance with the same device and for safety as well. 

The top CR1632 battery substitute options to consider include:

• DL1632: This is a good alternative from Duracell
• ECR1632: Choose this one if you want the best battery equivalent from Energizer
• BR1632: This might use a different battery chemistry, but it is still good for the same applications as the CR1632 battery. 
• KCR1632: This is another common designation of the CR1632 battery from other manufacturers 

How to Choose the Best CR1632 Battery

Choosing the best CR1632 battery depends on several factors. Here is what you need to consider:

Pick from Top Brands 

Buying from reputable, well-known brands is always the safest choice for buying CR1632 batteries, as they offer consistency and reliability. The top brands include Panasonic, Energizer, Duracell, Murata, Renata, and more. 

Capacity and Longevity 

Capacity is vital to ensuring the device stays powered longer. It is worth noting that the capacity varies from around 120 to 150 mAh. It largely depends on the brand. We recommend getting batteries with a higher capacity to get the longest possible life. 

Since lithium batteries have a low discharge rate, they should still last longer even when stored. However, buying from top brands will give you more stable performance over time. 

Price vs. Quality 

Just because the CR1632 battery is expensive, it does not mean it is the best. Always compare price and quality to find the best value for money. Buying from established brands may mean spending more, but they are known for reliability, longer lifespans, and greater durability. 

We also recommend avoiding bulk packs from lesser-known brands. They seem like a good deal, but their performance is not guaranteed. 

Device Requirements 

Sometimes, the device manufacturers may recommend which battery brands and types to buy. Always check the device’s manual for this information, so it is easy to pick the correct battery for the job. 

Signs It’s Time to Replace the CR1632 Battery

Some signs indicate it is time to replace the CR1632 battery. Here is what to expect:

• Reduced range for key fobs and remotes
• Delayed response when you press a button for a key fob
• If your key fob or remote does not show an LED indicator when pressed 
• Watch hands skipping, leading to inaccurate time
• Other functions on the watch fail, including the backlight, alarm, and others. 

How to Replace a CR1632 Battery

Replacing the CR1632 battery is easy and straightforward. Here is how you can replace a CR1632 battery in a device:

1. Get the correct battery from a top brand such as Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic
2. Gather your tools, including a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry tool
3. Prepare your workspace by ensuring you have a clean workspace to avoid scratching your device 
4. Open the battery compartment of the device. Some need to use a screwdriver to open, while others need a pry tool to open the battery compartment.
5. Remove the old battery. Note the orientation of the old battery before removing it. Most of the time, the positive side will be facing up. 
6. Insert the new battery and make sure it is properly aligned in terms of polarity.
7. Close the battery compartment and test the device. 

What to Do If the CR1632 Battery Leaks

If this ever happens to you, first remove the battery. Do not use metal tools as they might lead to a short circuit. Place the leaking battery in a sealed plastic bag for disposal. 

Next, clean the affected battery compartment with a dry cloth. This is important so that the next battery will have a proper contact with the terminals to work effectively. 

You can use isopropyl alcohol for cleaning, as this helps remove the residue from the terminals. Once the terminals are dry, you can go ahead to insert the new battery. 

Conclusion 

The CR1632 battery is a versatile option for many applications. You are likely to get it working for a wide range of devices. The overall longevity is also good to ensure you do not need to keep buying new batteries. Well, the longevity is also dependent on the quality of the battery you buy. As such, remember to always buy high-quality batteries from top brands such as Energizer and Duracell for the best performance.