Is a cr1632 battery the same as a cr2032
In the realm of small electronic devices, lithium coin batteries like the CR1632 and CR2032 are ubiquitous. From car key fobs to digital scales, these compact power sources drive countless gadgets. However, a common question arises: Are CR1632 batteries and CR2032 batteries interchangeable? This article delves into their specifications, applications, and compatibility to clarify their differences and similarities.
What Is a CR1632 Battery?
The CR1632 battery is a lithium-manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂) coin cell battery defined by the IEC 60086-4 standard. Its name encodes its dimensions: "CR" indicates a lithium-based chemistry with a cylindrical shape, "16" denotes a diameter of 16 mm, and "32" represents a thickness of 3.2 mm.
Key specifications include:
Voltage: 3.0 V (nominal), with a cutoff voltage of 2.0 V.
Capacity: Typically 120–140 mAh, though variations exist based on manufacturer.
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C, though some high-performance models (e.g., from Shenzhen-based manufacturers) function at -40°C.
Weight: Approximately 1.4–1.5 g.
CR1632 batteries are commonly used in low-power devices such as computer motherboards (CMOS batteries), remote controls, electronic scales, and car key fobs for older models like certain Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi vehicles. Their compact size makes them ideal for space-constrained applications, but their limited capacity restricts use in high-drain devices.
What Is a CR2032 Battery?
The CR2032 battery is another lithium-manganese dioxide coin cell, adhering to the same IEC standard. Its designation follows the same logic: "20" for a 20 mm diameter and "32" for 3.2 mm thickness.
Key specifications include:
Voltage: 3.0 V (nominal), with a cutoff voltage of 2.0 V.
Capacity: Typically 200–240 mAh, offering nearly double the energy of a CR1632.
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 70°C, with some industrial variants extending to -30°C.
Weight: Approximately 3.0–3.2 g.
CR2032 batteries dominate in devices requiring longer runtime, such as modern car key fobs (e.g., the Harvard H6’s smart key), wireless doorbells, fitness trackers, and digital thermometers. Their higher capacity makes them a preferred choice for applications where frequent battery replacement is inconvenient.
Are CR1632 Batteries the Same as CR2032 Batteries?
Despite superficial similarities, CR1632 and CR2032 batteries are not interchangeable due to three critical differences:
1.Physical Dimensions:
The CR1632’s 16 mm diameter is 4 mm narrower than the CR2032’s 20 mm. This size mismatch prevents CR2032 batteries from fitting into devices designed for CR1632 slots, and vice versa. For example, a Harvard H6’s early straight-board remote uses CR1632, while its later smart key requires CR2032.
2.Capacity and Runtime:
A CR2032’s 200–240 mAh capacity outlasts a CR1632’s 120–140 mAh by a significant margin. In a car key fob used 10 times daily, a CR1632 might last 6 months, whereas a CR2032 could endure up to 1 year.
3.Cost-Efficiency:
While CR2032 batteries offer longer life, they are also slightly more expensive. Using a CR2032 in a low-drain device like a simple remote control is technically feasible but economically wasteful. Conversely, forcing a CR1632 into a high-drain device (e.g., a smartwatch) would result in rapid depletion.
4.Exceptions and Caveats:
Voltage Compatibility: Both batteries share a 3.0 V nominal voltage, so voltage-related incompatibility is rare.
BR2032 Substitution: The BR2032, a lithium-thionyl chloride battery with a lower voltage (2.8 V) and wider temperature range, can sometimes replace a CR2032 in low-power devices, but this is not relevant to CR1632 comparisons.
Conclusion
CR1632 and CR2032 batteries, while both lithium coin cells, are distinct in size, capacity, and application. The CR1632’s compact form suits legacy car keys and small electronics, whereas the CR2032’s higher capacity powers modern smart devices and tools. Attempting to interchange them risks physical damage or poor performance. Always consult the device manual to select the correct battery type—ensuring optimal functionality and longevity.
In summary: No, a CR1632 battery is not the same as a CR2032 battery. Their differences in design and capability make them specialized for specific roles in the electronics ecosystem.
