[General]
Q
What do the model numbers of coin lithium batteries indicate?
A
The four-digital model number of a coin lithium battery signifies the battery's diameter and thickness. Each model number corresponds to a specific battery size. It is important not to substitute batteries with different model numbers in your device. For example, if you use a CR2025 battery instead of a CR2016, it will be too thick for the battery compartment. If you use a CR1616 instead of a CR2016, the smaller diameter will allow the battery to move, leading to poor contact between the device and the battery. If two CR2016s are used instead of a single CR2032, the voltage doubles to 6 V, exceeding the device's specifications and potentially causing a problem. Always use the battery size specified in the device's manual.
[Usage]
Q
Why is the life of the battery inside my smart key less than expected?
A
Smart keys allow you to unlock, lock doors, and start the engine via a remote control and have quickly gained popularity. The battery inside generally lasts about 1–2 years before needing replacement, varying slightly depending on usage conditions. When people experience issues with their smart keys, they often think the battery must be the cause. However, most of these issues are usually attributed to the location of the smart key and the surrounding usage environment, as explained below.
Magnetic Interference
The smart entry system uses weak radio waves to communicate with the vehicle, facilitating key unlocking and engine start. Placing the smart key near devices emitting magnetism can lead it to communicate continuously with the car, resulting in a significant battery drain. To avoid this, it is important not to store the key in close proximity to devices such as PCs, TVs, cell phones, cordless phones, induction cookers, or electric lamps.
Radio Interference
Smart keys communicate with the car through the emission of weak radio waves. However, the smart key's performance may be affected if strong external radio waves are present nearby, such as those emitted by broadcasting facilities or power lines. Additionally, smart keys can be impacted by radio waves sometimes used to manage parking lots. It is advisable to read the instruction manual for the smart key when you have time. Being familiar with the manual will help you troubleshoot issues and handle emergencies calmly.
Q
I replaced my coin battery, but the device doesn't work. Why?
A
If you have replaced a coin/button battery and encounter issues such as the device not working, unstable operation, short battery life, or low battery voltage, it is likely that the problem is not with the battery itself but rather due to an external short circuit. Please note that smart keys may be subject to potential causes for issues other than those mentioned in the nearby graphic (click here for more information).
- How to Distinguish Coin/Button Battery Polarity
Coin/button batteries have positive and negative polarity, as shown in the figure. The positive and negative terminals are closely spaced, so handling the battery carefully is essential to avoid short circuits.
Possible Reasons for Issues with Replacement Batteries
- Battery Short Circuit in the Device
As depicted in the nearby figure, if the battery is installed in the device with the positive and negative sides reversed, the battery may short-circuit at the device terminals. This happens because of the terminal structure in the device. When installing a battery, verify the correct orientation of the battery (positive/negative). If a short circuit occurs only for an instant, leave the device for a day and check its operation again. The battery voltage may recover.
- Short Circuit During Installation
Due to the close proximity of the positive and negative poles of a coin battery, tilting the battery during installation can cause the positive and negative poles to contact the device's metal terminal, causing a short circuit. Furthermore, due to their small size, you may need to use tweezers or other tools when installing a coin/button battery. However, touching the battery with a metal tool can cause a short circuit. Always use insulated tools when inserting batteries. Plastic tweezers are recommended. If a short circuit occurs only for an instant, leave the device for a day and check its operation again. The battery voltage may recover.
- Deformed or Dirty Device Terminals
Deformation or contamination of the device's terminals may lead to unstable contact between the device and the battery, resulting in inadequate device operation. Consult the device manufacturer for advice on cleaning the terminals or assistance if the terminals are deformed.
[Safety]
Q
What should I do if a coin battery is ingested?
A
If a coin battery is ingested, seek immediate medical attention. Swallowing a coin battery can lead to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, blackened stools, diarrhea, rash, and holes in the stomach wall. Do not induce vomiting, as doing so might cause the battery to become lodged in the esophagus. If possible, present the package the battery came in and any remaining batteries to the doctor, as it can help determine the size, type, and number of swallowed batteries and aid in treating the patient.
Q
Why is the coin battery package so difficult to open?
A
In recent years, there has been an increase in the accidental ingestion of coin batteries by infants, leading to injury and, in some cases, death. In response to this issue, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has issued guidelines for package designs infants cannot open with their bare hands. Safeguarding the lives of children is our top priority. Consequently, since 2021, we have been rolling out childproof packages for primary lithium coin batteries (model numbers beginning with CR) in accordance with IEC guidelines. While we understand this packaging requires the use of scissors to open, which is inconvenient, we sincerely request your understanding as we work to reduce the incidence of battery ingestion.
Alkaline Button Batteries
[General]
Q
Do you sell a 12-volt battery equivalent to products labeled A23 or 23A?
A
Our equivalent product for other manufacturers' A23, MN21, KE23A, V23GA, GP23A, A23S, L1028, and 23A products is the LRV08 alkaline battery.
Q
Do you sell a 12-volt battery equivalent to products labeled A27 or 27A?
A
Our equivalent product for other manufacturers' A27, MN27, V27GA, GP27A, A27S, L828, and 27A products is the LRV27A alkaline battery.
[General]
Q
Can you reapply the seal on an open Zinc Air battery, store it, and use it later?
A
Storing open Zinc Air batteries with the seal reapplied is possible in the short term but not the long term. Once the seal is removed, a chemical reaction occurs by drawing oxygen through holes in the battery, initiating its function. Reapplying the seal does not stop this initial reaction, and storage life is reduced compared to the expiration date shown on the packaging. Depending on usage levels and how long the product was left unsealed, short-term storage of about one week is generally acceptable. In such cases, affixing the original seal on the battery is important. Never use alternatives such as cellophane tape, as traces of adhesive glue might remain on the battery's surface, leading to unstable contact.
Q
What are the characteristics and voltage of Zinc Air batteries?
A
Zinc Air batteries possess unique characteristics. Unlike conventional batteries, Zinc Air batteries lack any active material for their positive electrode. Instead, upon removing the seal from the positive electrode, small holes allow the entry of oxygen from the surrounding air. This oxygen serves as the active material for the positive electrode. The design of Zinc Air batteries allows for more active material to be used in the negative electrode, resulting in a larger capacity and longer usage time depending on conditions. Before the seal is removed, the initial voltage is relatively low at 1.0–1.2 V compared to a typical nominal voltage of 1.4 V. However, the voltage gradually increases as the seal is removed.
[Usage]
Q
Why do some hearing-aid batteries not last as long as conventional batteries?
A
Pinpointing a single cause is difficult due to device usage and conditions variations, but several potential factors may reduce the operating life of Zinc Air batteries and other non-conventional batteries in hearing aids. These include:
- Immediate installation without allowing the Zinc Air battery to sit for 30 seconds to several minutes after peeling off the seal, leading to insufficient air entering the battery.
- Removing the seal and placing the open Zinc Air battery on a surface hole-side down, reducing air ingress into the battery, and installing it in the device.
- Reapplying the seal to a Zinc Air battery, storing it, and reusing it later. Once the seal is removed and air enters the battery, deterioration begins due to air exposure.
- Leaving an open Zinc Air battery near equipment that emits carbon dioxide (e.g., an oil stove) or using the battery for a long period near carbon dioxide-emitting equipment.
- Storing the hearing aid with the Zinc Air battery installed in a dry storage box containing desiccants, which accelerates battery electrolyte evaporation.
- Using a high-power battery in a general-purpose device such as a hearing aid.
Note: In cases 3, 4, and 5, the electrolyte may be diluted due to water evaporation or carbon dioxide absorption from the air, resulting in reduced battery performance.
Q
What reduces the life of Zinc Air hearing-aid batteries during winter?
A
Zinc Air batteries differ from conventional dry batteries in terms of their materials and design. Understanding how Zinc Air batteries work will help optimize their use. Please read the following to get the best performance from your Zinc Air batteries.
Operating Principles
Zinc Air batteries use zinc as the anode material and oxygen from the air as the cathode material to generate electricity. Although they offer a larger capacity than comparable batteries, such as silver oxide batteries, their service life can vary significantly depending on the usage environment due to their structure, which allows oxygen to enter through holes in the cathode.
Using Zinc Air Hearing-Aid Batteries
- Before use, remove the seal and leave it for at least 30 seconds (about a minute in winter) before installation. When not in use, firmly affix the original seal to the hole-side surface. Avoid using cellophane tape or similar alternatives to prevent adhesive glue from remaining on the terminal service and blocking contact.
- When measuring the remaining battery level, use a commercially available battery checker specifically designed for hearing aids rather than a general-purpose device.
Precautions
- Warm the battery slightly to body temperature if it is cold before use.
- Maintain proper ventilation in the room. When using oil/gas fan heaters or stoves, carbon dioxide in the air may enter the battery and degrade its performance. Battery life may be reduced by as much as half to two-thirds, depending on the usage conditions.
- Avoid storing the hearing aid in a dry case with the batteries installed. Dry air increases electrolyte evaporation from the battery, and depending on usage and conditions, battery life could be reduced by as much as half to two-thirds. If you use a case to store your hearing aid, always remove the batteries, affix the original seal over the hole-side surface, and store the batteries separately.
- When installing replacement Zinc Air batteries, keep them away from heaters such as oil heaters. Oxygen is drawn into the battery when the seal is removed, and high carbon dioxide content in the air accelerates deterioration. Replace the batteries in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
- Store spare batteries in cool, dry areas with low carbon dioxide levels.
General Specialty Batteries
[General]
Q
How should micro batteries be stored?
A
Micro batteries, including coin/button batteries, should be stored in their original packaging in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. The appropriate storage temperature ranges from 5 °C to 35 °C. Avoid prolonged storage in humidity extremes (where the relative humidity is above 95% or below 40%), as it may adversely affect the batteries or their packaging.
Q
Are coin and button batteries RoHS compliant?
A
No, they're not. Since RoHS refers to regulations on using certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic devices, it does not apply to coin/button batteries.
Q
Why does my battery tester show a low voltage from my unused coin or button battery?
A
The voltage of a coin/button battery may not be measured correctly depending on the type of tester used.
- Simple Analog Testers (Including Needle-type)
These testers cannot measure correctly. The voltage may appear lower than the actual battery voltage. Simple analog testers (including needle-type simple battery checkers) are designed to measure the battery voltage with a high current flowing. With a small battery, such as a button battery, voltage is measured lower than the actual voltage due to the large load.
- Digital Testers (Numerical Display)
Digital testers can measure correctly. Since a low current can be used when measuring, even low-capacity batteries (such as coin/button batteries) can be measured with relative accuracy. The battery voltage measurements can be used as a guide for battery replacement timing.
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