JCB CR2016 Lithium Coin Batteries

This is a single CR2016 lithium coin cell from JCB, supplied on its own retail card with one cell per card. The code does most of the explaining: CR means lithium, and the four digits are the measurements, so a CR2016 is 20mm across and 1.6mm thick. Lithium chemistry gives it a nominal 3V, twice the 1.5V of an alkaline button cell, which is why the two are not swapped for one another.

Coin cells of this size turn up in car key fobs, alarm and garage remotes, kitchen scales, calculators, digital thermometers, small clocks, fitness trackers and the backup cell on a computer motherboard. The safest way to order is to take the old cell out and read the face of it, because CR2016, CR2025 and CR2032 are all 20mm across and differ only in thickness: a CR2032 is twice the depth of this one and holds correspondingly more, so fit only what the device asks for. We also stock JCB lithium coin cells in CR2025 and CR2032 singles, and a six pack that mixes CR2016, CR2025 and CR2032.

Each unit of this listing is one cell, and the minimum order is ten units in multiples of ten, so the smallest purchase is ten cells. That suits a workshop, an office or anyone fitting out several remotes at once. When you fit the cell, the marked positive face goes up towards the plus side of the holder, and it is worth handling it by the edges so that skin oils do not sit on the contact faces. Coin cells are a serious swallowing risk to small children and pets, so keep spares in their card until you need them and take used ones to a battery recycling point rather than the bin.

Will a CR2016 work in place of a CR2032?

Only where the device or its manual names CR2016. Both are 20mm across, but a CR2032 is twice as thick and holds more, so a CR2016 can sit loose in a CR2032 holder.

How do I check which cell my key fob takes?

Open the fob and read the face of the old cell. The code is printed on the positive side, and CR2016 is written out in full rather than abbreviated.

What voltage does it give, and will that match my old cell?

3V nominal, which is standard for every CR lithium coin cell. If the old cell reads CR2016 and 3V, this is a like for like replacement.

How many cells do I actually receive?

One cell for each unit of this listing. The minimum order is ten units, sold in multiples of ten, so the smallest quantity you can buy is ten cells.

Can I stack two CR2016 cells to stand in for a CR2032?

We would not advise it. Two cells in series give 6V rather than 3V and sit badly in a single cell holder, so fit what the device specifies.