BR1220 and CR1220 Battery Equivalents

BR1220 and CR1220 are lithium 3.0V non-rechargeable button/coin cell batteries typically used in medical devices, various watches, calculators, remote control devices, wearable electronics, thermometers, wireless sensors, credit card size devices, etc.

As such, these batteries are manufactured by most battery brands and can be easily found at hardware stores, office supply shops, and online stores. But, they are also offered in several chemistries, causing some confusion among their users.

Published: March 11, 2023.

BR1220 and CR1220 Batteries Features and Specifications

BR1220 and CR1220 batteries are coin cell batteries featuring nominal dimensions of (D x H) 12.5 x 2.0 mm (~0.4921 x 0.0787 inches).

Coin cell 12.5 x 2.0 mm batteries are commonly labeled as CR1220, DL1220, SB-T13, 5012LC, BR1220, ECR1220, etc., and can be found in several chemistries, including:

- Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO₂) chemistry is the most popular and the most common 12.5 x 2.0 mm battery chemistry, featuring the typical labels of CR1220, ECR1220 (Energizer), DL1220 (Duracell), and similar.

CR1220 batteries are non-rechargeable lithium batteries featuring a nominal voltage of 3.0V, a cutoff voltage of 2.0V, and a typical capacity of 35-40 mAh.

CR1220 batteries are able to provide strong current pulses and are often used in remote keys, remote controls, and similar devices.

Also, CR1220 batteries feature a low self-discharge rate (often less than 1% annually) and can be used as a CMOS memory battery for medical and security devices and similar.

If You are looking for a non-rechargeable 12.5 x 2.0 mm battery, You are probably looking for a CR1220 battery.

- Lithium Poly-Carbon Monoflouride (Li-CF_x) chemistry is another non-rechargeable lithium chemistry, suitable for low-current applications, like CMOS memory battery, as a backup battery, for specific medical and security devices, and similar.

The typical label for Li-CF_x 12.5 x 2.0 mm battery is BR1220 battery.

Older BR1220 batteries feature a typical nominal voltage of 2.8V, while newer BR1220 batteries usually have a nominal voltage of ~3.0V, with a cutoff voltage in the 2.0-2.25V range and a typical capacity of ~35 mAh.

BR1220 batteries feature an extra-low self-discharge rate and a broad temperature range.

Thanks to the advances in chemistry and technology in general, CR1220 batteries are much more common than BR1220 batteries.

- Lithium-Ion chemistry is a rechargeable lithium chemistry, with a typical nominal voltage of 3.6-3.7 volts, a typical cutoff voltage of 2.75-3.0V, capacity in the 7-10 mAh range, and the most common label for 12.5 x 2.0 mm batteries being LiR1220 battery.

LiR1220 batteries can be recharged up to 500+ times and support output currents up to 1.0C continuously.

But, when compared with CR1220 and BR1220 batteries, LiR1220 batteries feature a relatively large self-discharge rate, usually in the 5-10% range per month.

12.5 x 2.0 mm Batteries Comparison Table

The following comparison table lists some of the most popular 12.5 x 2.0 mm batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Battery	Chemistry Nominal and Cut-Off Voltage	Nominal Capacity Discharge Current	Operating Temperature Self-Discharge Rate
Duracell CR1220	Li-MnO2 3.0V, 2.0V	38 mAh (47 kΩ, @20°C, down to 2.0V) 0.1 mA; 1.5 mA max. cont.; 5 mA/1s	-20°C to +60°C -
Energizer CR1220	Li-MnO2 3.0V, 2.0V	37 mAh (45 kΩ, @21°C, down to 2.0V) 0.046 mA; 2.8 mA @2.8V 1kΩ 2 sec Pulse	-30°C to +70°C ~1% per year
GMB Power LiR1220	Li-ion 3.6V, 2.75V	8 mA 8 mA Max. Cont.	-10°C to +60°C ≤7% per month
Maxell CR1220	Li-MnO2 3.0V, 2.0V	36 mAh 0.1 mA	-20°C to +85°C -
Panasonic BR1220	Li-MnO2 3.0V, 2.0V	35 mAh 0.03 mA	-30°C to +85°C -
Panasonic CR1220	Li-CFx 3.0V, ~2.25V	35 mAh (30 kΩ, @20°C, down to 2.0V) 0.095 mA	-30°C to +85°C -
Renata CR1220	Li-MnO2 3.0V, 2.0V	35 mAh 0.1 mA; 1.0 mA Max. Cont.	-30°C to +70°C ~1% per year
Varta CR1220	Li-MnO2 3.0V, 2.0V	35 mAh (39 kΩ, @20°C, down to 2.0V) -	-20°C to +70°C ~1% per year

Of course, there are other good and well-established battery brands on the market that offer 12.5 x 2.0 mm batteries.

CR1220 Batteries Safety Issues

CR1220, BR1220, LiR1220, and other similar modern batteries don't contain heavy and toxic elements like cadmium, lead, and similar.

But, they are shiny small objects that are packaged in child-proof packages to prevent kids and pets from swallowing them.

If these batteries get swallowed, they can cause mechanical damage but also chemical burns - body fluids short-circuit the battery, causing the various electrolytic processes to occur.

If these batteries get swallowed, contact the nearest emergency center and act according to their instructions.

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Long Story Short: If You are looking for a 3.0V lithium non-rechargeable 12.5 x 2.0 mm battery, go for the CR1220 battery from reputable brands - such batteries can be found at online shops or in local hardware stores and office supply shops.

Only when directly replacing the BR1220 battery (or LiR1220 battery), go for the new battery of the same chemistry, having the same or even better performance than the old battery.