Lithium Thionyl Chloride Battery Cross Reference & Specification Chart
Lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) batteries run at 3.6 volts, lose less than 1% capacity per year in storage, and operate from -60°C to +85°C. Those specs make them the standard choice for smart gas and water meters, security sensors, GPS trackers, and industrial equipment that needs to run years without a battery change. The chart below maps equivalent part numbers across eight manufacturers: Tadiran, Saft, Omnicel, Eagle Picher, Tekcell, BiPower, and Xeno. It covers every standard cylindrical, wafer, and prismatic size.
Sizes follow a diameter-length naming convention. ER14250 means 14.5mm diameter and 25mm long (the 1/2AA form factor). ER14505 is 14.5mm diameter and 50mm long (the full AA size). If you have the old battery in hand, match its IEC number or brand part number to the chart. If you only have physical dimensions, open the page on desktop and use the Dimensions column to find the right row, then compare brand equivalents from there.
PRO TIP: The brand prefix does not change the chemistry. An Omnicel ER14505, Tadiran TL-2100, Saft LS14500, and Xeno XL-060F are all 3.6V AA-size Li-SOCl2 cells. For standard low-drain applications (meters, sensors, PLC backup), any of them works as a direct substitute. The differences in mAh capacity and internal resistance only matter in high-pulse designs or precision cutoff-voltage circuits.
| Battery Size | IEC Number | Volts | Chemistry | Capacity (Ah)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical Cells | ||||
| 1/2AA | 14250 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 1.0–1.2 |
| 2/3AA | 14335 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 1.3–1.7 |
| AA | 14500 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 2.0–2.4 |
| AA (Hi-Cap) | 14500C | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 2.7 |
| AA (High Drain) | 14500HD | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 2.1–2.2 |
| 2/3A | 17330 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 2.1 |
| A | 17500 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 2.8–3.6 |
| 9V | 9V | 9.0 | Li-SOCl2 | 1.2 |
| C | 26500 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 7.2–8.5 |
| C (High Drain) | 26500HD | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 5.8–6.5 |
| CC | 261020 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 15.0 |
| D | 33600 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 16.5–19.0 |
| D (High Drain) | 34615HD | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 13.0 |
| DD | 341245 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 35.0 |
| Specialty Cylindrical | ||||
| — | 13150 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 0.5 |
| Wafer Cells | ||||
| BEL Wafer | 22G68 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 0.4 |
| 1/10C Wafer | 2450 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 0.6 |
| 1/10D Wafer | 32L65 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 1.0 |
| 1/10D Wafer | 49L65 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 2.6 |
| Prismatic Cells | ||||
| 1/6D Prismatic | 32L100 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 1.7 |
| Prismatic | 651615 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 0.4 |
| Prismatic | 651625 | 3.6 | Li-SOCl2 | 0.8 |
* Capacity values are typical estimates and vary by brand, production batch, discharge rate, and temperature.
How the ER / LS / TL Naming System Works
Different manufacturers use different prefixes for the same lithium thionyl chloride chemistry. "ER" follows IEC 60086-4 and encodes physical dimensions in the part number: ER14250 is 14.5mm diameter and 25mm long. Saft uses "LS" (a legacy product line designation) for the same chemistry. Tadiran uses "TL" for its standard bobbin cells, with TL-5xxx being the current Xtra series and TL-2xxx being the older standard range. The voltage is always 3.6V nominal for all cylindrical Li-SOCl2 cells, regardless of prefix or manufacturer.
When the numeric portion matches, the cells are physically identical. TL-2100 and LS14500 are both AA-size 3.6V cells; the numbers use different conventions, not different chemistry. For wafer and prismatic cells, the format shifts: the "L" in 32L65 flags a flat wafer geometry. When part numbers differ completely, physical dimensions are the definitive comparison point.
Standard, High-Capacity, and High-Drain Variants
Several sizes come in multiple internal configurations. Standard bobbin-type cells optimize for low, steady current over many years. That's the right fit for passive sensors, metering infrastructure, and backup power. High-capacity variants (LS14500C, ER14505C) deliver more total energy at the same low discharge rate, at higher cost per cell. High-drain variants (LSH14, LSH20, LSX14500, ER26500HD, ER34615HD) trade total capacity for the ability to handle large pulse currents without voltage collapse. Use them for GPS transmitters, wireless alarm sensors, and devices that transmit data in bursts.
A standard bobbin cell in a high-drain application typically causes the device to brown out or fail to transmit. The voltage sags under pulse load faster than the circuit tolerates. A high-drain cell in a standard low-drain application works fine, but you'll pay more for no benefit. Check the device documentation for whether it calls for "standard" or "high drain" before ordering.
Common Applications by Battery Size
Device designers pick a Li-SOCl2 size based on the required runtime and available space. Smaller cells go into compact PCB-mounted sensors; larger cells go into infrastructure equipment that may sit in the field for a decade without service.
| Size | Capacity Range | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2AA (ER14250) | 1.0–1.2 Ah | PLC backup, alarm control panels, burglar sensors, computer memory backup, small IoT nodes |
| 2/3AA (ER14335) | 1.3–1.7 Ah | Wireless transmitters, industrial sensors, oil and gas monitors |
| AA (ER14505) | 2.0–2.7 Ah | Smart gas and water meters, toll transponders, GPS asset trackers, building automation controllers |
| 2/3A (ER17330) | 2.1 Ah | Flow meters, industrial process controls, remote monitoring transmitters |
| A (ER17505) | 2.8–3.6 Ah | Medical devices, industrial wireless sensors, military electronics |
| 9V | 1.2 Ah | Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, portable gas monitors |
| C (ER26500) | 7.2–8.5 Ah | Smart electricity meters, large asset trackers, seismic monitoring sensors |
| D (ER34615) | 16.5–19 Ah | Utility meters, railroad crossing signals, offshore and downhole instruments, large wireless nodes |
| DD (ER341245) | 35 Ah | Long-life infrastructure sensors, pipeline monitoring, defense systems, heavy industrial equipment |
| Wafer / Prismatic | 0.4–2.6 Ah | PCB-mounted backup power, real-time clock circuits, compact IoT modules, medical implantables |
Frequently Asked Questions About Lithium Thionyl Chloride Batteries
Can lithium thionyl chloride batteries be recharged?
No. Li-SOCl2 cells are primary (single-use) batteries by design. Attempting to recharge one causes violent off-gassing, electrolyte venting, and potential fire or rupture. Never place them in a charger under any circumstances.
What is the shelf life of a lithium thionyl chloride battery?
Most Li-SOCl2 cells carry a 10-year shelf life rating at room temperature, with self-discharge rates typically below 1% per year. Tadiran and Saft each produce cells rated to 40 years in storage under optimal conditions. That longevity is why utilities spec them for smart meters that go in the ground and won't be serviced for years.
Why does my device read a low voltage right after installing a new battery?
Li-SOCl2 cells develop a thin passivation layer (lithium chloride film) on the lithium anode during storage. This layer temporarily restricts current flow and causes an initial voltage dip lasting seconds to a few minutes. It clears once the battery starts discharging. This is called "voltage delay" and it's completely normal. In applications where an immediate full-voltage response is critical, a brief pulse test before installation removes the layer.
Are lithium thionyl chloride batteries hazardous?
Yes, they require careful handling. The thionyl chloride electrolyte is corrosive, and a damaged or over-discharged cell can vent toxic gas. Store them cool and dry, away from metal objects. Never short-circuit, puncture, incinerate, or disassemble them. Most municipalities classify spent Li-SOCl2 cells as hazardous waste. Check local rules before disposal and do not put them in household recycling bins.
What temperature range do lithium thionyl chloride batteries handle?
Standard cells operate from -60°C to +85°C (-76°F to +185°F), far wider than alkaline or standard lithium coin cells. High-temperature variants from Tadiran and Saft are rated to +125°C, used in downhole oil drilling tools and high-temperature industrial equipment.
Is an ER14250 the same as a Tadiran TL-5902/S?
Yes. Both are 3.6V 1/2AA lithium thionyl chloride cells with approximately 1.2Ah capacity. ER14250 follows the IEC dimensional naming convention; TL-5902/S is Tadiran's product designation for the same physical size. The Saft LS14250, Omnicel ER14250, Tekcell SB-AA02, and Xeno XL-050F are all direct equivalents for standard low-drain applications.
What is the difference between a standard and a high-drain Li-SOCl2 cell?
Standard bobbin-type cells deliver low, steady current for years and carry higher total capacity. High-drain variants (Saft LSH series, Omnicel ER-HD series) use a different electrode structure with greater surface area, allowing larger pulse currents without voltage collapse. The trade-off is lower total energy storage. Use standard cells for passive, always-on sensors; use high-drain cells for devices that transmit data in bursts, sound alarms, or run GPS functions.
Can I replace a lithium thionyl chloride battery with an alkaline?
Only if the device explicitly supports 1.5V input. Alkaline AA cells run at 1.5V; a Li-SOCl2 AA (ER14505) runs at 3.6V, more than double. Putting a 3.6V cell into a 1.5V device can damage the electronics or create a fire hazard. Devices built for Li-SOCl2 rely on 3.6V and won't work correctly on an alkaline cell.
How do I find the right lithium thionyl chloride battery for my device?
Start with the part number printed on the old battery. Match it to the IEC Number column in the chart above to find all brand equivalents. If the label is gone, measure the diameter and length with a caliper and compare to the Dimensions column on desktop. If you only have the device model number, the manufacturer documentation will list the battery specification as an ER number, a brand part number, or both.
Disclaimer
Trademarks & Brand Names: All battery manufacturer names, trademarks, logos, and brand names referenced on this page — including Tadiran, Saft, Omnicel, Eagle Picher, Tekcell, BiPower, and Xeno — are the property of their respective owners. Batteries In A Flash is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these manufacturers. This page is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
Accuracy & Updates: Manufacturers change part numbers, introduce new variants, and discontinue products without notice. Cross-reference matches are based on IEC size standards, physical dimensions, and published specifications. Verify compatibility with your device documentation before purchasing, particularly for high-drain or high-temperature applications.
Found an Error? If you notice incorrect part numbers, missing equivalents, or outdated data, please let us know. Use our contact page to report corrections. We review and update this chart regularly.