Page 107 - Lindens Handbook of Batteries

4.4 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

It is the inherent nature of batteries, in particular primary batteries, that replacements will at
some time be required. A third-party end-user of the equipment typically replaces the battery. It is
therefore essential that certain characteristics of the battery be specified by standard values—size,
shape, voltage, and terminals. Without a reasonable match of at least these parameters there can be
no interchangeability. These characteristics are absolute requirements in order to fit the appliance
receptacle, to make proper contact, and to provide the proper voltage. In addition to the end-user’s
need for replacement information, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) appliance designer
must have a reliable source of information about these parameters in order to design a battery
compartment and circuits that will accommodate the tolerances on battery products available for
purchase by the end-user.

4.4 IEC AND ANSI NOMENCLATURE SYSTEMS

It is unfortunate that the various standards identified in Table 4.1 do not share the same nomenclature
system. The independent nomenclature systems of the various battery manufacturers even worsen
this situation. Cross-references, however, are generally available from battery manufacturers.

4.4.1 Primary Batteries
The IEC nomenclature system for primary batteries, which became effective in 1992, is based on
the electrochemical system and the shape and size of the battery. The letter designations for the
electrochemical system and the type of cell remain the same as in the previous IEC system for
primary batteries. The new numerical designations are based on a diameter/ height number instead
of the arbitrary size classification used previously. The first digits specify the diameter of the cell
in millimeters and the second the height of the cell (millimeters times 10). An example is shown in
Table 4.2a. The codes for the shape and electrochemical system are given in Tables 4.2b and 4.2c,

TABLE 4.2a IEC Nomenclature System for Primary Batteries, Example

Number System letter Shape Diameter, Height,
Nomenclature of cells (Table 4.2c) (Table 4.2b) mm mm Example
CR2025 1 C R 20 2.5 A unit round battery
having dimensions
shown and electro-
chemical system letter C
of Table 4.2c (Li /MnO )
2

TABLE 4.2b IEC Nomenclature for
Shape, Primary Batteries
Letter
designation Shape
R Round-Cylindrical
P Non-Round
F Flat (layer built)
S Square (or Rectangular)