Saft LS-14500-AX (AA) Axial-Lead 3.6V Li‑SOCl₂ Primary Cell

The LS-14500-AX pairs Saft’s bobbin-type lithium‑thionyl chloride chemistry with axial leads for secure PCB mounting. It is built for long life in low-to-moderate drain applications where maintenance access is limited and predictable, stable voltage is essential.

Key advantages at a glance

• Axial leads for quick, secure through-hole assembly and strain relief options.
• 3.6V nominal with flat discharge profile for stable electronics supply rails.
• Very low self-discharge (typically ≤1%/year at 20°C) for multi-year deployments.
• Wide operating range (approximately −60°C to +85°C) for outdoor and industrial use.
• High energy density in AA format; ideal for space-constrained designs.

Typical applications

• Utility and submetering (water, gas, heat, smart grid modules)
• Real-time clock and memory backup in PLCs and data loggers
• Security and alarm transmitters, access control
• Remote sensors, environmental and industrial IoT
• Medical/lab instruments (non-life-support)

Specifications (guide values)

Form factor	AA (approx. 14.5 × 50.5 mm body; axial leads)
Chemistry	Lithium‑Thionyl Chloride (Li‑SOCl2)
Nominal voltage	3.6 V
Typical capacity	~2.6 Ah at low drain and 20°C (to 2.0 V cutoff)
Recommended load profile	Low continuous current; pulse loads supported with capacitor
Operating temperature	~−60°C to +85°C (verify vs device limits)
Self-discharge	Typically ≤1% per year at 20°C
Mass	~17 g (approx.)
Termination	Axial, tinned leads for through-hole soldering

Note: Exact performance depends on load, temperature, and cutoff. Confirm against the latest Saft datasheet for your specific lot and conditions.

When to choose it

• You need 5–15+ year field life at low average current (for example, tens of microamps with brief pulses).
• Devices operate across wide temperatures (cold chain, outdoor enclosures, unheated spaces).
• Service access is difficult or costly, so long intervals between replacements are critical.
• PCB assembly requires secure, leaded mounting and vibration resistance.

When to avoid or consider alternatives

• High continuous current (for example, >50–100 mA) or frequent heavy pulses without a buffer capacitor.
• Rechargeable requirement (daily charging, energy harvesting)—consider Li‑ion or LiFePO₄.
• Direct AA replacement in consumer products—voltage is 3.6 V, not 1.5 V (alkaline) or 1.2 V (NiMH).
• Hot environments consistently above +85°C—verify temperature ratings or choose an alternate chemistry.

Runtime planning (quick estimates)

• Rule of thumb: Runtime (years) ≈ Capacity (Ah) ÷ Average current (A), then reduce for temperature and self‑discharge.
• Example: 30 µA average → 2.6 Ah ÷ 0.00003 A ≈ 86,700 h ≈ 9.9 years. Plan 7–9 years allowing for self‑discharge and pulses.
• Example: 60 µA average → ≈ 5 years theoretical; budget 4–5 years in the field.
• Pulsed loads (e.g., 100 mA for 100 ms) usually require a parallel capacitor (low ESR) sized to handle pulse energy and voltage droop.

Integration best practices

• Soldering: Use a temperature‑controlled iron, minimize dwell time, and provide strain relief. Avoid heating the cell body. Follow Saft’s soldering recommendations.
• Mechanical: Add clips or adhesive anchors to reduce vibration stress on axial leads.
• Power architecture: For pulse loads, add a reservoir capacitor and consider a series resistor to limit inrush; validate voltage at the device during worst‑case pulses and temperature.
• Series strings: Use matched cells from the same lot; add per‑string fusing; monitor end‑of‑life to prevent reversal of weak cells.
• Parallel cells: Generally avoid direct paralleling of primaries. If necessary, isolate with diodes or ideal‑OR controllers and fuse each branch.
• Cutoff and brownout: Set device cutoff ≥ manufacturer’s recommended minimum voltage. Implement low‑battery warning based on load and temperature.

Storage and handling

• Store cool and dry (ideally ≤30°C), in original packaging until use.
• Use FIFO inventory rotation; record in-service dates for field assets.
• Avoid short circuits; protect leads during assembly and transport.

Safety and compliance

• Non‑rechargeable: Do not charge, crush, short, or incinerate.
• Use only in equipment designed for 3.6 V primary lithium cells.
• Cells are typically UN 38.3 tested; ships as lithium metal (UN3090/UN3091). Follow all transport regulations.
• Recycle according to local regulations; do not dispose in fire or household trash.

Compatibility notes

• Not a direct substitute for 1.5 V AA alkaline or 1.2 V NiMH cells.
• Not the same as “14500” Li‑ion (rechargeable 3.7 V nominal). Verify chemistry and voltage before use.
• Axial‑lead variant (LS‑14500‑AX) is intended for PCB assembly; if you need tabs, button‑top, or radial leads, select the appropriate configuration.

FAQ

Can I recharge the LS‑14500‑AX?

No. It is a primary lithium cell and must never be recharged. Charging can cause leakage, venting, or explosion.

How do I support pulse loads?

Use a low‑ESR capacitor across the supply sized for your pulse energy and allowed voltage droop. Validate at cold temperatures where internal resistance is higher.

What field life can I expect?

At microamp‑level averages, 5–10+ years is typical. Actual life depends on average current, pulse profile, cutoff, and temperature. Budget conservatively and test.

Is it safe to solder the axial leads?

Yes, with proper technique. Keep heat away from the cell body, limit dwell time, and provide strain relief. Follow Saft’s assembly guidance.

Can I replace an AA alkaline with this battery?

No. The voltage and chemistry are different. Use only in equipment designed for 3.6 V Li‑SOCl₂ cells.