A coin cell battery, also known as a button cell or watch battery, is a small, round, single-cell battery.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes them distinct:
- Appearance: They resemble a small coin or button, hence the names.
- Shape & Size: Coin cells are characterized by having a diameter greater than their height. For instance, a common type, the CR2032, measures 20mm in diameter and 3.2mm in thickness.
- Voltage: Coin cell batteries come in different chemistries which determine their voltage. Lithium coin cells, like the CR2032, typically have a nominal voltage of 3V, while alkaline coin cells, like the LR44, have a nominal voltage of 1.5V.
- Chemistry: While some types are alkaline, lithium coin cells are also prevalent, [according to Microbattery].
- Uses: Coin cell batteries are commonly used in low-power devices, such as watches, calculators, remote controls, medical devices, and computer motherboards, where they help retain certain system settings when the computer is powered off.
- Safety Concerns: It’s crucial to be aware of the hazards associated with coin cell batteries. Their small size makes them particularly attractive to young children, and if swallowed, they can cause serious internal burns or even death. Duracell has addressed this by adding a bitter coating to their batteries to deter swallowing. Safe storage and disposal are crucial to prevent these dangers.
- Rechargeable vs. Non-rechargeable: Most coin cells are non-rechargeable (primary cells) and are discarded once their power is depleted. However, rechargeable variations exist, often labeled as LIR (Lithium-Ion Rechargeable).
What is the difference between a battery and a coin cell battery?
From my experience, But there is an important difference between them: Coin batteries contain lithium, button batteries do not. Coin batteries (or cells) contain lithium chemistry and have a 3 Volt output.
Why does my laptop have a coin cell battery?
I can help with that. Your computer has a special type of memory that maintains the date, time, and settings for built-in features, such as parallel connector assignments (configurations). A coin-cell battery keeps this information active when you turn off the computer.