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What Is An SR626 Battery And Where Is It Used?
An SR626 battery is a standardized silver-oxide button cell, typically measuring 6.8mm in height and 11.6mm in diameter (IEC code 377/SR626SW). Operating at 1.55V, it’s widely used in watches, calculators, car keys, and low-power electronics requiring stable voltage and compact design. With capacities ranging 12–28mAh, these batteries feature oxidation-resistant seals to prevent leakage, ensuring compatibility with precision devices like quartz movements and medical thermometers.
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What distinguishes SR626 batteries from other button cells?
SR626 cells use silver-oxide chemistry (Ag₂O) for steady 1.55V output, contrasting with alkaline variants that decline from 1.5V. Their stainless steel casing provides superior corrosion resistance, critical for humidity-sensitive devices. A real-world example: GPS pet trackers last 15% longer with SR626 versus LR626 alkaline equivalents. Pro Tip: Store at 15–25°C to minimize annual self-discharge below 2%.
Where are SR626 batteries commonly applied?
These cells power timekeeping devices (85% of quartz watches), laser pointers, and CMOS memory backups. Hybrid smartwatches like Garmin Vívoactive use SR626 for non-rechargeable button cell slots. Automotive applications include key fobs (3–5 year lifespan) and dashboard clock modules. Ever wonder why luxury watches prefer SR626? The stable voltage curve prevents timing drift beyond ±2 seconds/month.
| Application | Typical Runtime | Replacement Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Wristwatch | 2–4 years | When seconds hand skips |
| Car Key Fob | 3–5 years | LED dims after 15m |
How do temperature extremes affect SR626 performance?
Below -10°C, capacity drops 40% due to slowed silver-oxide reactions. Above 60°C, internal pressure risks seal failure. Dive computers compensate using dual SR626 cells with thermal buffers, maintaining accuracy to 0.5% in 0–50°C ranges. Pro Tip: Install in winter? Warm batteries to 20°C first—cold installation reduces contact conductivity by 15%.
What safety features prevent SR626 leakage?
Multi-layer nylon seals and nickel-plated steel casings withstand 95% humidity for 1000 hours (IEC 60086-3). Gas recombination chambers absorb hydrogen from overdischarge—crucial for preserving antique watch dials. For example, TAG Heuer uses SR626SW in heritage models because their 0.001μL/year leakage rate won’t tarnish silver guilloché.
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| Component | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode | Silver oxide | High-energy density |
| Separator | Polypropylene | Prevents internal shorts |
How to test SR626 remaining capacity?
Use a 100Ω resistor load—voltage above 1.45V indicates >80% capacity. Smart battery testers like ZTS Mini MBT-1 measure actual mAh via pulse discharge. Watch repairers often check through backplate conductivity: If quartz movement stalls below 1.35V, replacement’s due. Did you know? A fresh SR626 should lift a 3g load for 180 seconds in DIY balance tests.
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FAQs
Only temporarily—alkaline’s 1.5V drops below device thresholds faster, risking data loss in CMOS circuits. Always match chemistry types.
Why do some SR626 batteries last longer?
Premium versions (e.g., Renata 377) use 0.1mm thicker separators, increasing cycle life by 30% in high-drain devices like laser thermometers.
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