CR123A VS. RCR123A: Are They Interchangeable? [FAQ & Video]

CR123A Description

CR123A batteries are very popular cylindrical lithium batteries that are widely used in a variety of devices such as cameras, flashlights, security devices, military equipment, etc. It is classified into two types: rechargeable and non-rechargeable, with varying voltages, drain currents, capacities, and so on.

RCR123A Description

The RCR123A Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery is suitable for high-drain applications thanks to its 650mAh capacity and 3.7V output power. The location of the positive contacts on the battery and the positive protection circuit provides positive protection against the over-discharge current, over-discharge voltage, short circuit, and overcharge. The battery is designed to prevent liquid electrolyte leakage and has a charge and discharge cycle life of up to 500 cycles.

CR123A Applications

• Photographic

• Flashlights

• Cordless Phones

• Remote Controls

• Memory backup

• Plc's

• Main power

• UPS backup

• Board mountable

• Aerospace

• Military

• Transportation

• Voting machines

• Laser

• Hospital

  
  

RCR123A Applications

• High-drain devices

• Arlo Security Camera

• Flashlight

Output voltage: RCR123A batteries frequently have a higher voltage (3.6-3.7 volts) than CR123A batteries, which can cause sensitive electronic equipment to malfunction. The nominal voltage of CR123A batteries is 3.0 volts. Before replacing the CR123A battery with an RCR123A battery, see if your device can be powered by one.

Capacity: The capacity of CR123A batteries is 1500 mAh, while RCR123A batteries have a capacity of 500-800 mAh, with most models having a capacity of around 700-750 mAh. High-capacity RCR123A batteries typically have a lower maximum drain current than lower-capacity RCR123A batteries, but this must be verified for each model.

Storage and shelf life: Because RCR123A batteries are manufactured and shipped with only a partial charge for safety reasons, they must be fully charged before use. In contrast, RC123A batteries are manufactured and shipped fully charged and ready for use at any time. CR123A batteries have a shelf life of up to or even more than 10 years, whereas the best RCR123A batteries lose 10-30% of their initial charge after a year in storage.

Charging/Discharging cycles: A CR123A battery can only be discharged once before it must be properly disposed of and replaced with a new CR123A battery. A good RCR123A battery, on the other hand, can withstand 1000-1200 charging/discharging cycles when charged with a suitable charger and used as directed by the manufacturer. Because of their 1:1000-1200 ratio, RCR123A batteries are commonly used in commonly used devices, resulting in significant battery savings.

CR123A Package

RCR123A Package

The following key differences exist between CR123A and RCR123A batteries: output voltage and capacity. CR123A batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, whereas RCR123A batteries typically have a higher voltage (3.6-3.7 volts). This voltage difference can make it difficult to operate sensitive electronic devices. RCR123A batteries have a capacity of 650 mAh as opposed to 1550 mAh for CR123A batteries. High-capacity RCR123A batteries frequently have a lower maximum drain current than lower-capacity RCR123A batteries.

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