Bulk Options for Trade & Specialist Equipment
Choosing a primary lithium battery starts with the equipment specification, not simply the shape of the cell. Industrial Shed stocks selected GP primary lithium batteries in bulk formats, including CR2, CR123A, CR17450 & GP15L AA options for trade, maintenance & commercial purchasing.
Matching the battery code, voltage, chemistry & dimensions helps narrow down the correct product before ordering. Technicians working around electrical systems can also explore Testing & Measurement Tools, while Wiring & Connectors support related electrical maintenance & repair requirements.
This collection includes 3V lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) models & a 1.5V lithium iron disulfide (LiFeS2) AA format, so batteries that appear similar should not automatically be treated as interchangeable. For broader electrical requirements across worksites & workshops, Site Lighting & Electrical Supplies provides another relevant trade range.
What Are GP Primary Lithium Batteries?
Primary lithium batteries are non-rechargeable cells. Within this GP range, chemistry, voltage, capacity & physical dimensions vary according to the individual battery model.
GP CR2, CR123A & CR17450 are 3V lithium manganese dioxide batteries. GP15L is a 1.5V LiFeS2 battery in the AA format.
That distinction matters because battery compatibility cannot be established from appearance or voltage alone. Selection should be checked against:
► Battery model or designated replacement code
► Nominal voltage
► Battery chemistry where specified
► Physical dimensions
► Capacity where relevant
► Equipment manufacturer's requirements
Technical reference: Product specifications in this guide have been checked against Powercell Australia product information & GP battery technical documentation available through Powercell.
Why the Exact Battery Model Matters
Two batteries can share a nominal voltage without sharing the same dimensions, capacity or intended format.
GP CR2 & GP CR123A, for example, are both 3V LiMnO2 batteries but have different physical dimensions & nominal capacities.
Match the battery designation specified for the equipment rather than selecting a replacement based only on voltage, shape or appearance.
That approach is particularly useful when workshops maintain multiple devices & need repeatable stock identification. For battery replacement tasks that also involve electrical checks or fault finding, Vehicle Diagnostic & Testing Tools provide useful equipment for compatible automotive testing requirements.
Applications Across the GP Lithium Range
Applications vary by model & should be checked against the equipment manufacturer's specification.
GP technical information available through Powercell identifies CR2 for photographic applications.
The CR17450 datasheet lists applications including smoke detectors, sensors, home security products, medical equipment & electronic meters.
GP15L provides a 1.5V lithium option in the AA format. AA describes the physical size class, so compatibility still needs to be determined from the electrical requirements of the equipment.
Where batteries, connectors & other small electrical consumables form part of workshop inventory, Small Parts Organisers provide a practical supporting storage option.
Choosing Between CR2, CR123A, CR17450 & GP15L
Start with the battery code specified on the existing battery, equipment label or manufacturer's documentation.
GP CR2 – 3V 800mAh LiMnO2
GP CR2 is a cylindrical primary lithium battery using lithium manganese dioxide chemistry.
► Nominal voltage: 3V
► Nominal capacity: 800mAh
► Chemistry: Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2)
► Powercell product-page dimensions: 15.2mm × 27mm
► GP datasheet nominal dimensions: Ø15.3mm × 26.5mm
► GP datasheet application: Photo
► GP datasheet shelf life: Up to 10 years under specified conditions
Powercell's displayed product dimensions are rounded differently from the nominal GP datasheet dimensions. Using the CR2 model designation therefore provides a clearer identification point than dimensions alone.
GP CR123A – 3V 1500mAh LiMnO2
GP CR123A uses the same broad LiMnO2 chemistry as CR2 but has different capacity & physical dimensions.
► Nominal voltage: 3V
► Nominal capacity: 1500mAh
► Chemistry: Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2)
► Dimensions: 16.8mm × 34.5mm
► Powercell format: Bulk
CR123A & CR2 should not automatically be treated as substitutes simply because both have a nominal voltage of 3V.
GP CR17450 – 3V 2400mAh LiMnO2
GP CR17450 is a larger cylindrical lithium manganese dioxide battery within this collection.
► Nominal voltage: 3V
► Nominal capacity: 2400mAh
► Chemistry: Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2)
► Nominal dimensions: Ø17mm × 45mm
► Maximum constant current: 1500mA
► Maximum pulse current: 3500mA
► Average weight: Approximately 22g
► Shelf life: Up to 10 years under specified conditions
The GP datasheet identifies smoke detectors, sensors, home security products, medical equipment & electronic meters among its applications.
GP15L – 1.5V LiFeS2 AA
GP15L differs from the CR models because it uses a 1.5V AA format & LiFeS2 chemistry.
► Voltage: 1.5V
► Chemistry: Lithium (LiFeS2)
► Size: AA
► Dimensions: 15mm × 50mm
► Powercell format: Bulk
Do not use the AA form factor alone to determine compatibility. Confirm the voltage, chemistry & battery specification required by the equipment.
GP Primary Lithium Battery Comparison
|
Model
|
Voltage
|
Nominal Capacity
|
Chemistry
|
Dimensions / Format
|
|
GP CR2
|
3V
|
800mAh
|
LiMnO2
|
15.2mm × 27mm*
|
|
GP CR123A
|
3V
|
1500mAh
|
LiMnO2
|
16.8mm × 34.5mm
|
|
GP CR17450
|
3V
|
2400mAh
|
LiMnO2
|
Ø17mm × 45mm
|
|
GP15L
|
1.5V
|
Check current specification
|
LiFeS2
|
AA, 15mm × 50mm
|
*Powercell's product page lists CR2 at 15.2mm × 27mm, while the GP technical datasheet gives nominal dimensions of Ø15.3mm × 26.5mm.
Workshops maintaining larger automotive starting & charging systems can browse Vehicle Batteries & Chargers separately from these smaller primary lithium formats.
Expert Tips for Battery Selection & Stock Control
Start with the battery code.
Look for CR2, CR123A, CR17450, GP15L or another specified designation on the existing battery, equipment label or manufacturer documentation.
Confirm voltage next.
CR2, CR123A & CR17450 in this collection are nominal 3V batteries. GP15L is 1.5V.
Check dimensions before assuming compatibility.
Cylindrical batteries can appear similar while differing in length, diameter & electrical specification.
Check chemistry where specified.
The CR-series batteries covered here use LiMnO2 chemistry while GP15L uses LiFeS2.
Record battery codes against regularly serviced equipment.
A model-based inventory can make repeat identification & purchasing more consistent across workshop, maintenance & field-service teams.
Primary lithium batteries should also be kept distinct from rechargeable battery systems. For guidance specifically covering rechargeable batteries, read How to Extend the Life of Your Batteries: Charging Habits That Matter.
Smarter Battery Stocking for Workshops & Maintenance Teams
Small batteries can become important consumables when multiple pieces of equipment rely on different formats. Recording the exact battery model against each device gives technicians & purchasing staff a straightforward reference when stock needs replenishing.
A practical battery inventory can record:
► Equipment identification
► Required battery code
► Voltage
► Chemistry
► Quantity normally held
► Minimum stock level
► Last stock-check date
For an example of how equipment, tools & consumables come together in a working trade environment, A Day With An Automotive Mechanic Peninsula provides additional workshop context.
Stock checks can also form part of planned equipment preparation rather than waiting until a required consumable runs out. Spring Jobsite Prep: Getting Your Gear Ready covers broader preparation ahead of busy periods.