What Is a 394 Battery & Its Equivalents

What Is a 394 Battery?

The 394 battery is a battery, which is very small, round with a diameter of about 9.5 millimeters, and a thickness of 3.6 millimeters and is mostly applied in low-drain electronics like watches, calculators and medical devices. The 394 battery is designed to provide stable power throughout extended periods of time; therefore, it is applicable to exact devices in which a steady voltage is imperative.

Chemical Composition

A battery composed of a 394 weighs 181g; its nominal voltage is 1.55volts, expected of a silver oxide button cell. It has a maximum capacity of 26-32 milliampere-hours (mAh) on average. It is a miniature battery compared to the rest of the bigger batteries, but it might be called upon to supply the low current aspects of watches, calculators and small medical apparatus.

Common Applications of the 394 Battery

Watches and Small Electronics

Wrist watches and other little electronic gadgets come with the 394 battery, which is one of the most common areas of usage of the battery. The accuracy of timekeeping demanded by the analog and digital watches is also ensured by the invariable temperature of the battery of 1.55 volts. In addition to watches, it is also commonly found in miniature electronics like remote controls, key fobs and compact portable music players.

Medical Devices

Medical devices, especially those requiring precise measurements, often rely on the 394 battery. Examples would include glucose meters, which require a constant power source to provide precise data on the level of blood sugar in the body. Any change in voltage may also undermine the working of the device and result in imprecise readings, and that is why silver oxide batteries, such as 394. are better. This battery is also used in other small medical instruments, such as hearing aids and digital thermometers, owing to its consistent energy output.

Calculators and Small Toys

Certainly, the 394 battery is common in calculators and other small electronic toys as well. In the case of calculators, the uniformity of voltages is necessary to ensure proper operation with time, particularly in appliances that are not in frequent use as they may remain idle for months. On the same note, miniature-sized electronic toys, like mini-game consoles or light-up devices, enjoy the benefit of the consistent power of the 394. It is small, which means that it can fit into small toy designs without being bulky. Also, since these gadgets and toys are typically low-drain, long shelf life and consistent performance of the battery make it an easy and efficient source of power.

Low-Drain Devices

The 394 battery fits especially better with low-drain equipment, i.e., equipment that does not draw high currents at any given time. Low-drain devices, e.g., watches, medical meters, and calculators, do not need bursts of high power, but instead a constant low voltage over extended periods. The use of silver oxide batteries, such as the 394 that are used in these applications, is outstanding since they are able to maintain a constant voltage throughout most of their life cycle, unlike alkaline batteries, which become steadily weaker in terms of voltage.

394 Battery Equivalent

SR936SW Battery

SR936SW is the most common silver oxide equivalent of the 394 battery. The “SR” indicates silver oxide chemistry, while “SW” denotes a low-drain (watch) application. It matches the 394 in size and voltage, making it fully interchangeable. This model is often sold in watch repair stores and online as a standard replacement for small electronics. Because it maintains stable voltage throughout its lifespan, SR936SW is ideal for precision devices.

AG9 Battery

AG9 is another widely recognized equivalent to the 394 battery. It is a 1.55V silver oxide battery of similar size (9.5 mm diameter, 3.6 mm thickness). AG9 is commonly used in general electronics and toys, so it is more functional in consumer products. It can substitute 394 batteries in watches, small calculators and medical gadgets such as glucose meters.

380 Battery

The battery is a 394-equivalent battery that is referred to as the 380 battery in a slightly older form. It also possesses a silver oxide composition with a 1.55 nominal voltage and the same physical dimensions. This battery is present in old watches and electronic miniatures. Although it performs the same functions as the 394. it might be called by other names based on the manufacturer. Although the 380 has not been widely designated in contemporary packaging, it is still a good option with low-drain appliances and provides the same stable, long-life performance as the 394.

LR936 Battery

A substitute for the 394 battery is LR936. which is an alkaline battery. It has the same dimensions (9.5 mm x 3.6 mm), but the difference with chemistry and voltage stability. It has a voltage of 1.5 volts, but the voltage drops gradually when in operation, as compared to silver oxide batteries, which have a constant voltage. LR936 can work in low-drain devices, but precision electronics like watches may not perform as accurately over time. It is more commonly found in general-purpose electronics rather than specialized devices.

V394 Battery

V394 is a branded equivalent often sold by manufacturers such as Varta or other battery companies. Chemically, it is equal to 394 (silver oxide), and has the same 1.55V output and physical size. The V394 may be substituted with the 394 in watches, calculators, small medical devices and toys with safety. Its brand can differ according to the region; however, it is functionally identical to the original 394. V394 can be used by users who want to have good alternatives to branded packaging, where they are sure that the performance and life span are guaranteed, particularly in precision electronics, where voltage is of paramount importance.

GP394 Battery

Another branded variant of the 394 battery is GP394. which GP Batteries produces. Similar to other equivalents, it is silver oxide-based, offers a steady 1.55V output, and can be used in devices that take a battery of 9.5 mm by 3.6 mm. GP394 is used in watches and low-drain small electronics that are normally marketed. Its packaging usually shows that it fits with devices that say 394. SR936SW or AG9. hence easy to use by the consumer.

Are 392 and 394 Batteries Interchangeable?

The two products are not identical even though the nominal voltage is the same, since it is 1.55 volts. They are just different in terms of thickness, with the battery 392 being relatively 2.6 mm thick and the battery 394 being less, 3.6 mm thick. They are of the same diameter (Approximately 9.5 mm), and this is a possibility that may cause them to seem like each other. Since there is a difference in thickness, when a 394 is replaced with 392. there might be poor contact, a loose fit or the device will be operating poorly.

Device Compatibility Considerations

Devices tend to be made to fit a battery of a certain size and thickness. A 392 battery will not fit into a device 394 because the battery does not make complete contact with the terminals. On the other hand, having a 394 on a machine that is expected to hold a 392 may not physically fit, or it may strain the compartment, leading to its breaking. Thus, they may be compatible with the voltage, except that their thickness is not compatible with most of the devices, and the user must also never replace the size of another battery unless it is the one that the manufacturer suggests.

Conclusion

The 394 battery is an extremely trusted silver oxide button cell that is used in low-drain, high-end electronic gadgets like watches, calculators, and miniature medical devices. Its constant 1.55 volts output, low diameter and size 9.5 mm and 3.6 mm ensure that it is especially useful when the supply voltage must be constant. It should be mentioned that the 394 battery cannot be used in the same spot as the 392 battery because they differ in terms of thickness, despite having the same voltage and diameter. The quality of the 394 battery as a reliable power source in daily low-drain uses can be solidified with the assistance of safe, long-lasting and accurate functioning of the electronic equipment that the customers purchased and using the high-quality equivalents that correspond to the manufacturer specifications.

FAQ

What devices use a 394 battery?

There are also excellent low-drain devices like watches, calculators, glucose meters, small toys and medical instruments, need 394 batteries, and stable voltage is needed as well as long-term operation.

Can I replace a 394 battery with a 392 or another type?

No, 392 and 394 batteries are not equal in terms of thickness. Only 394 or its exact equivalents (SR936SW, AG9. 380. V394. GP394) are suitable to be used to fit and operate with a proper degree of reliability.

How long does a 394 battery typically last?

A 394 battery will have a life of 2-5 years in low-drain devices. Adequacy of storage, storage in moderate temperatures and use of quality equivalents are used to enhance lifespan and uniform performance.

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