Energizer Specialty Lithium – CR, 123, 223, 2CR5: The Complete 2025 Guide to High-Performance Photo & Electronics Batteries

Energizer Specialty Lithium batteries—covering the CR coin series, 123 (CR123A), 223 (CR-P2), and 2CR5—power devices where ordinary cells fall short: professional cameras, tactical and EDC flashlights, medical sensors, motion detectors, key fobs, IoT hardware, rangefinders, and safety-critical electronics. This in-depth guide explains formats, chemistry, voltage, runtime, temperature performance, storage, safety, and practical buying strategies so you can choose the exact Energizer Specialty Lithium cell your gear demands—confidently, efficiently, and with the lowest total cost per use.

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Table of Contents

1. Why Specialty Lithium? The Performance Advantage
2. Battery Families Explained: CR Coin, 123, 223, 2CR5
3. Chemistry, Voltage & Discharge Curves
4. Top Applications by Format
5. Runtime, Temperature Range & Shelf Life
6. Fitment & Compatibility: Getting the Exact Size Right
7. Storage, Handling & Safety (Including Coin-Cell Safety)
8. Value: Cost per Use, Stock Rotation & Buying Tips
9. Troubleshooting & FAQs
10. Fast Buying Checklist
11. Bottom Line

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1) Why Specialty Lithium? The Performance Advantage

Specialty lithium cells deliver higher energy density, lighter weight, stable voltage under load, and long shelf life compared to standard alkaline. They also thrive where other chemistries struggle: extreme temperatures, burst current for high-drain devices, and gear that sits in standby for months yet must work instantly. For photographers, first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, AV techs, and security professionals, Energizer Specialty Lithium means fewer battery changes, more reliable performance, and better readiness in critical moments.

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2) Battery Families Explained: CR Coin, 123, 223, 2CR5

CR Coin (3V lithium coin series)

CR coins (e.g., CR2032, CR2025, CR2016) are compact 3V cells used in key fobs, wearables, medical sensors, motherboards/CMOS memory, bike computers, smart tags, and compact remotes. Their slim profile, long shelf life, and steady voltage make them ideal for low-to-moderate drain electronics where size and runtime balance matter.

123 (CR123A, 3V photo lithium)

123 cells (often labeled CR123A) are short, high-drain 3V cylinders favored in high-output flashlights, weapon lights, film/digital cameras, motion sensors, and security gear. They provide excellent pulse current capability and stable output, crucial for devices that demand bright, sustained light or quick start-up under load.

223 (CR-P2, 6V photo lithium)

223 (also called CR-P2) is a rectangular 6V lithium pack commonly used in select SLR/film cameras, medium-format gear, rangefinders, and certain flashes. It delivers robust capacity and voltage in a compact block tailored for photographic equipment.

2CR5 (6V photo lithium)

2CR5 is a 6V photo lithium format used in classic and modern camera systems, photo strobes, and some specialty sensors. Its compact, uniquely keyed body ensures correct fitment in battery compartments designed around the 2CR5 footprint.

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3) Chemistry, Voltage & Discharge Curves

Energizer Specialty Lithium cells in these families typically use primary lithium-manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂) chemistry. Key advantages:

• Nominal voltage: 3V per cell (e.g., CR coins and CR123A). Multi-cell packs (223, 2CR5) deliver 6V.
• Stable discharge curve: Voltage remains more consistent as the battery discharges, improving device reliability and reducing sudden drop-offs.
• High pulse current: Supports bright flashlight modes, fast camera operations, and RF bursts.
• Lower internal resistance: Better performance at low temperatures and under load.

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4) Top Applications by Format

Format	Voltage	Common Devices	Why Choose It
CR Coin (e.g., CR2032, CR2025, CR2016)	3V	Key fobs, wearables, medical sensors, bike computers, CMOS memory	Compact size, long shelf life, steady low-drain power
123 (CR123A)	3V	High-output flashlights, weapon lights, cameras, motion/security sensors	High pulse current, excellent cold-weather performance
223 (CR-P2)	6V	Film/SLR cameras, rangefinders, select flashes	Integrated 6V pack for photographic systems
2CR5	6V	Cameras, strobes, specialty sensors	Compact 6V with keyed fitment for secure installation

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5) Runtime, Temperature Range & Shelf Life

Specialty lithium cells are engineered for long runtime and instant readiness in harsh environments:

• Runtime: Higher energy density and lower internal resistance yield longer, more stable operation in high-drain and pulse-load devices.
• Temperature performance: Reliable output in sub-zero cold and high heat, making them ideal for winter sports, expedition travel, and industrial use.
• Shelf life: Designed for multi-year storage, perfect for emergency kits, pro photo bags, and security spares that must work on demand.

Pro tip: If your device dims rapidly with alkaline or underperforms outdoors, moving to Energizer Specialty Lithium (123/223/2CR5 or the proper CR coin) can eliminate the bottleneck.

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6) Fitment & Compatibility: Getting the Exact Size Right

Correct fitment is critical. Although names are similar, dimensions and terminal arrangements differ across formats:

• CR coins: Match the numeric code precisely (e.g., CR2032 vs CR2025)—they differ in thickness and capacity. The device compartment is engineered for the exact height.
• 123 (CR123A): Standard 3V cylinder; do not substitute different chemistries unless the device explicitly supports them.
• 223 (CR-P2) & 2CR5: Rectangular/curved packs with keyed housings; only the exact specified pack will fit and make proper contact.

Never force a near-match: You risk damaging contacts, compromising seals, or causing unreliable operation.

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7) Storage, Handling & Safety (Including Coin-Cell Safety)

General Storage

• Keep in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and heat sources.
• Store in original packaging to protect terminals and preserve labeling for audit/rotation.
• Avoid loose contact with metal objects (keys, coins) to prevent short circuits.

Handling & Installation

• Confirm polarity (+/−) before installing; photos packs (223/2CR5) are keyed but still check orientation.
• Do not mix old and new cells or different brands within the same device or battery compartment.
• For multi-cell devices, replace the entire set simultaneously to maintain balance.

Coin-Cell Safety

• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Coin cells present ingestion hazards.
• Use secure, child-resistant packaging until installation.
• Dispose of exhausted coin cells promptly and safely; tape terminals before recycling to prevent shorting.

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8) Value: Cost per Use, Stock Rotation & Buying Tips

Specialty lithium costs more per cell than alkaline, but delivers lower cost per hour in high-drain, cold-weather, or mission-critical scenarios. To maximize value:

• Right-size chemistry: Use lithium where it pays off (cameras, tactical lights, motion sensors). Use alkaline only for low-drain, room-temp devices.
• Standardize formats: For teams (photo, security, AV), reduce SKU variety so spares are interchangeable in the field.
• Rotate stock: FIFO (first in, first out). Label cartons with receipt month to maintain freshness.
• Deploy kits: Keep a dedicated pouch with the exact CR coins, 123, 223, or 2CR5 your gear needs—clearly labeled by device.

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9) Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My camera shuts down suddenly in cold weather. Will specialty lithium help?
A: Yes. Lithium’s low internal resistance and cold tolerance keep voltage stable, preventing premature shutdowns common with alkaline in low temperatures.

Q: Are 223 (CR-P2) and 2CR5 interchangeable?
A: No. They are distinct shapes and contact layouts. Use only the format specified by your device.

Q: Can I recharge CR coins, 123, 223, or 2CR5?
A: These are primary (non-rechargeable) lithium cells. Do not attempt to recharge unless your device uses a rechargeable variant explicitly designed for charging.

Q: My flashlight takes 123 cells—can I use two CR2 instead?
A: Only if the device manufacturer approves that substitution. Differences in size and contact geometry can cause poor contact or unsafe conditions.

Q: What shelf life should I expect?
A: Specialty lithium is designed for multi-year storage and reliable on-demand use. Always observe packaging date codes and rotate stock.

Q: Are coin cells safe in wearables?
A: Yes when installed correctly and the battery door is secured. Keep spares out of reach of children and dispose of used cells safely.

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10) Fast Buying Checklist

• Confirm the exact format: CR coin code (e.g., CR2032), 123 (CR123A), 223 (CR-P2), or 2CR5.
• Note the use case: high-drain flashlight, camera, sensor, or low-drain wearable.
• Estimate temperature exposure: winter use or outdoor operations justify lithium.
• Set up stock rotation: label cartons with receipt month, use FIFO.
• Prepare a spares kit tailored to your devices.

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11) Bottom Line

Energizer Specialty Lithium – CR, 123, 223, 2CR5 delivers professional-grade power where it matters most: longer runtime under load, dependable starts in extreme cold or heat, and multi-year readiness for mission-critical devices. Choose the exact format specified by your device, maintain a simple rotation system, and carry a labeled spares kit. Do that—and you’ll get maximum performance, minimum downtime, and the best total value from your batteries and your gear.