Blog
What Is The Equivalent Battery For An LR44 Battery?
The LR44 battery is a 1.5V alkaline button cell commonly used in watches, calculators, and medical devices. Direct equivalents include AG13, A76, and 357 batteries, while silver oxide alternatives like SR44SW offer higher capacity. Key factors when substituting are voltage consistency (±0.2V), physical dimensions (11.6mm diameter × 5.4mm height), and terminal polarity (positive top/flat bottom).
AG4 LR626 LR66 177 376 377 SR626 SR626SW Battery
What defines the LR44 battery’s technical specifications?
The LR44 operates at 1.5V nominal voltage with alkaline chemistry, delivering 110-130mAh capacity. Its standard dimensions (11.6×5.4mm) and stacked three-LR1130-cell design prevent confusion with taller SR44 variants. Devices like glucose monitors use its stable discharge curve, which maintains >1.3V until 85% depletion.
Wholesale lithium golf cart batteries with 10-year life? Check here.
Deep Dive: The LR44’s zinc/manganese dioxide chemistry provides moderate energy density at low cost. Pro Tip: Use silver oxide SR44 replacements in high-drain devices like digital thermometers—they maintain voltage better under >5mA loads. For example, an SR44SW in a laser pointer lasts 3× longer than alkaline LR44. However, SR cells cost 50% more. Watch for polarity—some substitutes like the 357A have reversed terminals, risking device damage. But what if your gadget needs precise voltage? Silver oxide’s flatter discharge curve prevents performance drops in medical sensors.
Which battery chemistries offer LR44 equivalence?
Three chemistries replicate LR44 function: alkaline (LR1154), silver oxide (SR44), and zinc-air (PR48). Silver oxide cells outperform in capacity (170-200mAh) and voltage stability, while zinc-air variants excel in hearing aids with 600mAh capacity but require air exposure.
Deep Dive: Alkaline LR44s cost $0.50-$1 per unit but suffer 15% voltage sag under 10mA loads. Silver oxide SR44s solve this with mercury-free AgO cathodes, holding 1.55V until 90% depletion. Pro Tip: Never use zinc-air PR48s in sealed devices—they need airflow to activate. Transitioning between chemistries? Check device manuals—some cameras won’t work with 1.4V zinc-air. A real-world example: Olympus voice recorders specify SR44W batteries because their motors stall below 1.4V, which alkaline cells can’t sustain. Why risk device failure? Always verify voltage curves before swapping.
| Chemistry | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaline (LR44) | 110-130mAh | Low-drain devices (clocks) |
| Silver Oxide (SR44) | 170-200mAh | High-drain (thermometers) |
| Zinc-Air (PR48) | 600mAh | Hearing aids |
Are LR44 replacements safe for all devices?
No—voltage-sensitive electronics like calibration tools may malfunction with substitutes. Silver oxide’s 1.55V vs. alkaline’s 1.5V can overload circuits in precision devices. Always verify manufacturer specs; some Seiko watches use SR43SW batteries explicitly incompatible with LR44 dimensions (1mm taller).
Want OEM lithium forklift batteries at wholesale prices? Check here.
Deep Dive: Casio’s FX-991EX calculator tolerates both LR44 and SR44, but Fitbit trackers require SR1120SW batteries despite similar size. Pro Tip: Measure replacement thickness—counterfeit cells often exceed 5.4mm, jamming battery compartments. For example, a “357” battery labeled as LR44-equivalent caused a digital caliper to short-circuit due to 0.3mm overheight. Heard about leakage risks? Alkaline cells leak potassium hydroxide after 2-5 years, whereas silver oxide’s steel casing resists corrosion. Transitioning to replacements? Prioritize OEM-specified models for sensitive gear.
How does temperature affect LR44 equivalents?
Alkaline LR44s lose 30% capacity at -10°C, whereas silver oxide SR44s operate down to -30°C. High-heat environments (>50°C) accelerate alkaline self-discharge (15%/year vs. silver oxide’s 3%/year). For outdoor equipment like ski thermometers, SR44SW is mandatory.
Deep Dive: Zinc-air PR48s fail below 0°C due to electrolyte freezing. Pro Tip: Store LR44 spares in refrigerators (non-condensing) to halve self-discharge rates. A fishing boat’s emergency GPS tracker using SR44s lasted 3 winters, while alkaline equivalents died annually. Ever wonder why car key fobs drain faster in summer? Heat spikes accelerate chemical reactions, draining alkalines 2× faster than silver oxides.
| Battery | Min Temp | Max Temp |
|---|---|---|
| LR44 | -10°C | 60°C |
| SR44SW | -30°C | 80°C |
| PR48 | 0°C | 45°C |
What’s the shelf life difference between LR44 and substitutes?
Unused alkaline LR44s last 3-5 years, silver oxide SR44s 5-7 years, and zinc-air PR48s 1-2 years (once activated). Storage in cool, dry environments extends life—avoid humid areas where alkaline cells develop oxide layers increasing internal resistance.
Deep Dive: Silver oxide’s hermetic seal reduces gas leakage, unlike alkaline’s porous steel. Pro Tip: Write purchase dates on batteries with permanent markers—rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out). For instance, a hospital’s unused SR44SW stock from 2018 still powered thermometers in 2023, while 2020 LR44s had 40% failure rates. What’s worse than a dead battery mid-surgery? Scheduled replacements every 2 years prevent critical device failures.
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, but verify thickness—some 357 batteries are 5.6mm tall vs. LR44’s 5.4mm, risking compartment damage. Check polarity; most 357s match LR44’s + top configuration.
Do SR44 batteries cost more than LR44?
Yes—silver oxide SR44s average $2.50 per cell vs. $1 for alkalines. However, their 2× lifespan in high-drain devices makes them cost-effective long-term.
At What Voltage Is a AA Battery Dead?
