Saft LS-14500-BA Li‑SOCl2 AA Battery (3.6 V, 2.6 Ah)

What it is

The Saft LS‑14500‑BA is a primary (non‑rechargeable) lithium‑thionyl chloride AA cell designed for long service life in low‑to‑moderate drain electronics. Its bobbin construction delivers high energy density and very low self‑discharge for multi‑year deployments in metering, asset tracking, and industrial IoT.

Use if / Avoid if

• Use if your device averages microamps to a few hundred microamps and needs multi‑year life (e.g., meters, data loggers, sensors).
• Use if you need wide temperature operation (approximately −60°C to +85°C) and long storage with minimal loss.
• Use with a pulse buffer (low‑ESR capacitor or hybrid layer capacitor) if your device draws short bursts up to ~0.2–0.25 A.
• Avoid for continuous high current or frequent heavy pulses; choose a spiral Li‑SOCl2 cell (e.g., Saft LSH series) or a rechargeable chemistry instead.
• Avoid as a drop‑in replacement for 1.5 V AA alkaline/NiMH or 3.7 V 14500 Li‑ion; the 3.6 V nominal can damage incompatible devices.

Key specifications

Chemistry	Lithium‑Thionyl Chloride (Li‑SOCl2), bobbin
Nominal voltage	3.6 V
Typical capacity	2,600 mAh (at 25°C, to 2.0 V cutoff, low drain)
Max continuous current	Up to ~50 mA (application and temperature dependent)
Pulse capability	Short pulses to ~250 mA with suitable pulse capacitor
Self‑discharge	<1% per year at 20°C
Operating temperature	−60°C to +85°C
Size / weight	AA (Ø 14.55 × 50.28 mm), ~17 g
Construction	Stainless steel can, hermetic glass‑to‑metal seal, non‑flammable electrolyte
Form factor equivalence	AA / ER14505 (3.6 V)
Compliance	RoHS and REACH compliant

Performance and runtime planning

Estimate runtime for low‑drain use with: hours ≈ 2600 mAh ÷ average load (mA). Always apply margin for self‑discharge, temperature, pulse losses, and cutoff voltage.

• Example A: 50 µA average → 2600 mAh / 0.05 mA ≈ 52,000 h ≈ 5.9 years.
• Example B: 200 µA average → 2600 mAh / 0.2 mA ≈ 13,000 h ≈ 1.5 years.

Notes: capacity drops at low temperatures and with higher currents. Plan a 15–30% design margin for real‑world conditions.

Handling pulse loads

• Use a low‑ESR capacitor across the load (e.g., 47–470 µF for light RF bursts; supercap 0.1–1 F for longer/heavier pulses).
• Keep leads short and use wide traces to minimize voltage droop.
• Validate at cold temperatures; internal resistance rises in the cold.
• If you see voltage delay after long storage (passivation), a small preload or pre‑pulse can condition the cell before the main burst.

Temperature behavior

• Cold (≤ −20°C): expect reduced pulse capability and lower apparent capacity; increase capacitor size and allow recovery time.
• Hot (≥ +60°C): higher self‑discharge and faster aging; store cool when possible.

Installation and compatibility

• Do not solder directly to the can; request tabbed/lead versions or use a holder.
• Do not mix different chemistries, brands, or new/used cells.
• For series/parallel packs, use matched cells from the same lot and consider protective components (e.g., blocking diodes, PTC) per your design rules.
• Verify that your device accepts 3.6 V primary lithium before substitution. This cell is not equivalent to alkaline/NiMH AA.

Handling, storage, and safety

• Primary cell—do not recharge, short, crush, or incinerate.
• Store cool, dry, ventilated; recommended ≤ 30°C. Keep in original packaging to reduce passivation.
• Avoid heating above 100°C. Follow applicable transport regulations for lithium metal cells.

Alternatives and related options

• Need frequent high pulses: consider Saft LSH (spiral) series or add a larger pulse capacitor/supercapacitor.
• Rechargeable operation: consider Li‑ion 14500 (3.6/3.7 V) with a proper charger and protection—note different voltage and behavior.
• Lower voltage AA devices: use alkaline or NiMH if the device is not rated for 3.6 V.

FAQ

Can this replace a standard 1.5 V AA?

No. This is a 3.6 V primary lithium cell and may damage devices designed for 1.5 V alkaline/NiMH.

Is the LS‑14500‑BA rechargeable?

No. Never attempt to charge a Li‑SOCl2 primary cell. Use a compatible rechargeable chemistry if charging is required.

How do I power a radio burst that needs 200–250 mA?

Use a low‑ESR buffer capacitor sized for the pulse width and temperature (e.g., 100–470 µF for short RF bursts at room temperature, larger or a supercap for longer/colder conditions), and validate under worst‑case conditions.

What does ER14505 mean?

ER14505 is another designation for a 3.6 V Li‑SOCl2 AA cell; LS‑14500 is Saft’s model name.

How long will it last in storage?

Self‑discharge is typically under 1% per year at 20°C. Practical shelf life is up to about 10 years when stored cool and dry.