What is a CR123A battery?

A 3-volt lithium manganese dioxide primary cell; Energizer designates its version ANSI 5018LC and IEC CR17345.

How long does a CR123A battery last in a flashlight?

It depends on the light; Streamlight lists its HL-X at 1.25 hours on high and 20 hours on low with two CR123A cells.

Can I use rechargeable CR123A batteries?

Only if your light's maker allows it; Streamlight says its ProTac 1L-1AA is not designed for rechargeable CR123 cells.

Can I fly with CR123A batteries?

Spares go in carry-on with terminals protected, per FAA; Energizer's 123 lists 0.55 g of lithium, under the 2 g limit.

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CR123A battery: the small 3-volt lithium cell behind many tactical lights

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs, manuals and safety agencies; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answer

A CR123A is a 3-volt lithium manganese dioxide cell, about 17 mm across and 34.5 mm long. Energizer's 123 lists a typical capacity of 1,500 mAh, operation from -40 to 140°F, and 0.55 g of lithium. It is a primary cell, not rechargeable. Many flashlights take one or two; Streamlight's ProTac HL-X runs on two CR123A cells or its SL-B26 rechargeable pack. Streamlight warns that some of its lights are not designed for rechargeable CR123 cells, so check your manual before swapping in rechargeables.

CR123A specs from a maker datasheet

Spec	Energizer 123 (EL123AP)
Chemistry	Lithium / manganese dioxide (Li/MnO2)
Designations	ANSI 5018LC, IEC CR17345
Nominal voltage	3.0 V
Typical capacity	1,500 mAh to 2.0 V (100 ohm load at 21°C, about 70°F)
Max discharge	1,500 mA continuous, 3,500 mA pulse
Operating and storage range	-40 to 140°F
Weight	16.5 g (0.58 oz)
Lithium content	0.55 g
Size	17.0 mm max diameter, 34.5 mm max height

As simple arithmetic, 3.0 V x 1.5 Ah is about 4.5 Wh per cell. Two in series, as many lights use, give 6 V nominal.

Reading the names on the package

CR123A, 123 and CR123: retail names for the same cell size. Energizer sells it as the 123, model EL123AP.
CR17345: the IEC designation on Energizer's datasheet. Its numbers line up with the listed size, 17.0 mm across and 34.5 mm long.
5018LC: the ANSI designation, also on the datasheet.
Photo battery: many packages call CR123A a photo battery. Energizer's datasheet includes photoflash discharge curves, for example 1,200 mA pulses of 3 seconds on and 7 seconds off, which is the camera-flash use behind that name.
3 V vs 3.7 V: primary CR123A cells are 3.0 V nominal. If a package lists a higher voltage, it is a different cell; check that your light's maker allows it before using one.

Why flashlights use CR123A cells

Cold weather: Energizer rates the 123 to operate down to -40°F, useful for a vehicle or winter kit.
High drain: Energizer lists 1,500 mA continuous and 3,500 mA pulses, enough for bright LEDs.
Small size: the cell is short and light, so lights stay compact.
Built-in protection: Energizer says the 123 contains a PTC safety device that limits current during a short circuit.

Streamlight's ProTac 1L-1AA even includes a battery positioner so the same light takes either one CR123A or one AA cell.

CR123A vs rechargeable options

Check the manual first: Streamlight's ProTac 1L-1AA manual states the light is not designed to use a rechargeable CR123 cell.
Use the maker's rechargeable: where a light supports it, use the maker's own pack. Streamlight's ProTac HL-X runs on its SL-B26 rechargeable pack or two CR123A cells.
Runtime differs: Streamlight lists the HL-X on high at 1.5 hours with the SL-B26 against 1.25 hours on CR123A, and on low at 25 against 20 hours.
Keep primaries as backup: CR123A cells give a no-charging fallback for a stored kit.

Storage, safety and flying

Storage range: Energizer lists storage from -40 to 140°F; keep spares in their packaging so terminals cannot touch.
Flying: FAA limits lithium metal batteries to 2 grams of lithium each; Energizer's 123 lists 0.55 g. FAA says spare lithium batteries go in carry-on bags with terminals protected from short circuit.
Damage: FAA notes lithium batteries can overheat if damaged, overheated or packed poorly; discard any cell that is dented or leaking according to local rules.

How many to keep

Plan by your lights' runtimes. Streamlight's HL-X, for example, lists 20 hours on low with two CR123A cells, so a household with two such lights would use 4 cells for one full set each. A 6-pack covers one full change for three two-cell lights. Rotate stock by date and keep the spares with the lights they fit.

For lights that run on AA instead, see our flashlights guide; for high-output duty lights, see our tactical flashlight guide.

What to look for when you buy

Primary cells: Energizer 123 Lithium (6 pack)

Best for: Flashlights, kits and cold-weather storage

Energizer's datasheet lists 3.0 V, 1,500 mAh typical capacity, 1,500 mA continuous discharge, a -40 to 140°F range, a built-in PTC safety device and 0.55 g of lithium per cell.

Watch out: Single-use cells; do not recharge them.

See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Rechargeable alternative for the HL-X: Streamlight SL-B26 packs

Best for: Owners of lights Streamlight lists for the SL-B26

Streamlight lists the ProTac HL-X as running on one SL-B26 USB rechargeable pack or two CR123A cells, with slightly longer runtimes on the SL-B26.

Watch out: The Amazon listing we found is a Stinger 2020 bundle with a carrier and two SL-B26 packs; confirm your light accepts the SL-B26.