Energizer CR1220 Lithium Coin Battery

This is a single Energizer CR1220, a 3V lithium coin cell supplied on its own card. The code is not a model name but a measurement: under the international numbering used for coin cells, CR marks lithium chemistry and the four figures give the size, so a 1220 measures 12.0mm across and 2.0mm thick. That matters more than the name on the front, because a coin cell has to sit tight in its holder to keep contact. Lithium coin cells hold a steady voltage for most of their working life rather than fading slowly, and they lose very little charge while sitting unused, which is why they are the usual choice for devices that draw a tiny current over several years.

Reach for this one when the cell you are replacing is already marked CR1220. The reliable way to buy is to open the device, lift the old cell out and read the code printed on its flat face, rather than working from the appliance manual or guessing by eye. Cells that look almost identical can differ by a fraction of a millimetre in thickness, and one that rattles in its clip will cut out the moment the device is knocked. Slim, low drain electronics are where coin cells of this size normally sit, usually under a sprung clip or a small screw down retainer.

The card is child resistant, as the pack marks, and wants scissors to open, so keep the cell carded until you are at the device and well away from small children. One cell is what you receive per unit ordered, and our minimum order is 10, sold in multiples of 10, which suits a maintenance drawer or a repair bench more than a single swap. It sits alongside our wider Energizer range, which runs from other lithium coin cells such as the CR2032 and CR1620 through to AA, AAA, C, D and 9V alkalines.

How do I check this is the right cell for my device?

Take the old cell out and read the code stamped on its flat face. If it reads CR1220 this is a direct match, and no adaptor or spacer is needed.

Is a CR1220 interchangeable with a CR1216 or a CR1225?

No. All three share the same 12.0mm diameter but differ in thickness, so a substitute will either foul the lid or fail to press against the contact properly.

What voltage does it give, and does that stay steady?

The pack states 3V. Lithium coin chemistry holds close to its rated voltage through most of its working life instead of tailing off slowly like some other types.

Can this cell be recharged?

No. A CR coded lithium coin cell is a primary cell, meant to be fitted, used and then replaced. Nothing on the pack offers a rechargeable version of this size.

How many cells do I receive, and what is the minimum order?

Each unit is one cell on its own card. Our minimum order is 10 units, sold in multiples of 10, so the smallest purchase is 10 cells.

Does the manufacturer print a shelf life on the pack?

Not as a figure in years.