BR1225 and CR1225 Battery Equivalents
BR1225 and CR1225 batteries are 3.0V non-rechargeable button/coin cell batteries commonly used for devices, toys and gadgets that require small but stable power sources, including LED micro flashlights, car keys, remote controllers, calculators, thermometers and other similar medical devices, watches, etc.
BR1225 and CR1225 batteries are offered by many battery brands and often can be found at local hardware and office supply stores and online shops, under different labels.
Published: March 11, 2023.
BR1225 and CR1225 Batteries Features and Specifications
BR1225 and CR1225 batteries feature physical dimensions of (D x H) 12.5 x 2.5 mm (~0.4921 x 0.0984 inches), and nominal voltage of 3.0 volts.
Although BR1225 and CR1225 labels are the most common ones, other labels are also used, including 5020LC, DL1225, ECR1225 and similar.
CR1225 batteries are 3.0V non-rechargeable lithium batteries based on the Lithium/Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO2) chemistry, featuring a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts and a nominal capacity of ~50 mAh.
Standard continuous drain CR1225 battery current is up to 0.1 mA, with the maximum continuous drain current of 1.0 mA and pulse current of up to 5-6 mA.
BR1225 batteries are 3.0V non-rechargeable lithium batteries based on the Lithium/Poly-Carbon Monoflouride (Li/CFx) chemistry, featuring a cutoff voltage of 2.0-2.25 volts and a nominal capacity of ~48 mAh.
Note: although BR1225 batteries feature a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, in real-life applications the voltage is a little bit lower, but very stable over a long period of time.
BR1225 batteries feature a standard drain current up to 0.1 mA, with (much) stronger currents than that generally not being recommended.
Both CR1225 and BR1225 batteries feature very low-self discharge rates (often <1% annually when stored at room temperatures) and broad operating temperature ranges - BR1225 batteries generally feature lower self-discharge rate and broader operating temperature range, but are not well suited for applications/devices that require stronger/pulse currents.
The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular CR1225 and BR1225 batteries with their most important features and specifications:
| Battery Datasheet |
Nominal and Cutoff Voltage | Capacity | Operating Temperature | Annual Self-Discharge Rate | Discharge Current |
| EEMB CR1225 | 3.0V; 2.0V | 50 mAh | -20°C to +60°C | <3% | - |
| Energizer BR1225 | 3.0V; 2.0V | 48 mAh, 30kΩ down to 2.0V @21°C | -30°C to +80°C | - | 90µA @2.7V 30kΩ @21°C |
| Energizer CR1225 | 3.0V; 2.0V | 50 mAh, 45kΩ down to 2.0V @21°C | - | - | 64µA @2.9V 45kΩ @21°C |
| Panasonic BR1225 | 3.0V; 2.25V | 48 mAh | -30°C to +85°C | - | 30µA continuous |
| Panasonic BR1225A | 3.0V; 2.25V | 48 mAh | -40°C to +125°C | - | 30µA continuous |
| Renata CR1225 | 3.0V; 2.0V | 48 mAh | -40°C to +85°C | <1% @23°C | 0.1 mA continuous, 1.0 mA max. continuous |
Of course, there are many other very good CR1225 and BR1225 batteries on the market, too.
BR1225 and CR1225 Batteries Safety Issues
BR1225 and CR1225 batteries contain no heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, etc.) or other dangerous pollutants.
However, they should be kept away from kids and pets - if swallowed, they can cause chemical burns due to the electrolysis.
If they (or any similar battery) get swallowed, contact immediately the nearest emergency center, tell them what happened, and act according to their instructions.
Fortunately, most button/coin-cell batteries come in "child/pets" safe packages, but nonetheless, be careful...
Long Story Short: If You are looking for a 3.0V lithium 12.5 x 2.5 mm battery, go for CR1225/BR1225 battery from a reputable brand that features many positive reviews from other buyers, just be aware that for applications/devices that require stronger discharge currents, CR1225 batteries are a better choice.
But, advances in electronics and chemistry slowly nullify the difference between CR1225 and BR1225 batteries, making both chemistries truly multi-drain batteries.
