Saft LSH14 3.6 V C Li‑SOCl2 High‑Power Primary Battery

The Saft LSH14 is a high-power spiral Li‑SOCl2 C cell designed to deliver strong pulse currents with very low self-discharge. It is a proven choice for industrial sensors, utility metering, asset tracking, and remote telemetry that need years of standby life plus short, high-current bursts for radio transmissions or actuations.

At a Glance

• Nominal voltage: 3.6 V (primary, non-rechargeable)
• Typical capacity: ~5.8 Ah at low drain, 20°C to 2.0 V cutoff
• Pulse capability: up to ~2 A with an external low‑ESR buffer capacitor
• Typical continuous load: up to hundreds of mA; application dependent
• Self-discharge: generally <1% per year at 20°C
• Operating temperature: wide range; consult the datasheet for exact limits (many deployments target −60°C to +85°C)
• Form factor: C cell, stainless-steel can, hermetic seal

When to Choose the LSH14

• Your device spends most time in ultra‑low standby and wakes to transmit or actuate, needing short bursts up to ~2 A.
• Installations in cold or outdoor environments where lithium primary cells outperform alkaline.
• Long maintenance intervals are required; very low self‑discharge supports multi‑year life.

When to Consider Alternatives

• Need for recharging or frequent cycling: choose a rechargeable chemistry (e.g., Li‑ion) instead.
• Very low, steady load with minimal pulse demand: a bobbin Li‑SOCl2 C cell (e.g., LS26500) offers higher usable capacity.
• Extended operation at high temperatures above ~+85°C: use a cell specifically rated for sustained high‑temperature service.
• Longer runtime or higher pulse margins in the same application: consider the larger D‑size LSH20.

Sizing and Runtime Planning

Estimate average current, then adjust for pulse efficiency, temperature, and cutoff voltage. Example:

• Device sleeps at 10 µA. Every 60 s it draws 1000 mA for 0.2 s to transmit.
• Average from pulses: 1000 mA × 0.2 s / 60 s ≈ 3.33 mA
• Total average ≈ 3.33 mA + 0.01 mA ≈ 3.34 mA
• Ideal runtime: 5.8 Ah / 0.00334 A ≈ 1737 h ≈ 72 days

Apply a practical derating of 30–50% for low temperature, high pulse loads, and end‑of‑life voltage, yielding ~1.2–1.7 months. Add a low‑ESR buffer capacitor (e.g., 220–2200 µF polymer/tantalum) to support pulses and maintain voltage headroom.

Integration Notes

• Pulse buffering: place the capacitor close to the load; choose low ESR to reduce droop. Validate at cold temperatures.
• Connections: order tabbed/lead versions; avoid direct soldering on the cell can. Use holders or welded tabs.
• Packs: do not mix new and used cells. Match lot and state of charge. Include a fuse or PTC and reverse‑polarity protection.
• Cutoff voltage: many devices should cut off near 2.0–2.5 V under load; verify with your electronics.

Key Specifications

Chemistry	Lithium thionyl chloride (Li‑SOCl2), spiral high‑power
Nominal Voltage	3.6 V
Typical Capacity	~5.8 Ah at low drain, 20°C to 2.0 V
Pulse Capability	Up to ~2 A with suitable buffering (application dependent)
Continuous Current	Application dependent; validate thermals and voltage droop
Self‑Discharge	Typically <1%/year at 20°C
Operating Temp	Wide; verify against latest datasheet for your duty cycle
Size/Weight	C cell, approx. 26 × 50 mm; ~51 g
Can/Seal	Stainless steel, hermetic glass‑to‑metal seal
Compliance	RoHS/REACH; designed per IEC 60086‑4 (primary lithium safety)

Storage and Shelf Life

• Store cool, dry, ventilated; recommended ≤30°C away from direct sunlight.
• Keep in original packaging until use to limit humidity and short‑circuit risk.
• Typical shelf life exceeds 10 years at 20°C due to very low self‑discharge.

Safety and Regulatory

• Primary cell—never recharge. Do not short, crush, incinerate, or expose above rated temperatures.
• Use only in equipment with proper battery management and short‑circuit protection.
• Transportation: Lithium metal battery—refer to UN 3090/3091 and IATA PI 968–970 as applicable.
• Dispose/recycle according to local regulations; keep away from children.

Common Alternatives

• Need more capacity or higher pulse headroom: Saft LSH20 (D size).
• Need maximum life at very low drain with minimal pulses: Saft LS26500 (bobbin C size).
• Extreme pulse demand at low temperature: consider adding a hybrid layer capacitor (HLC) or supercap buffer.

FAQ

Can I power a 2 A radio burst directly from the LSH14?

Use a low‑ESR buffer capacitor near the load to support 2 A bursts and limit voltage sag. Validate performance at end‑of‑life and at the lowest operating temperature.

Is the LSH14 rechargeable?

No. It is a primary lithium metal cell and must never be recharged.

What temperature range is safe?

The LSH14 supports a wide range, but exact limits depend on duty cycle and application. Many applications target −60°C to +85°C. For sustained operation above +85°C, select a cell specifically rated for high temperature.

Can I solder wires directly to the cell?

Avoid heating the cell. Order factory‑tabbed versions or use a suitable holder. Spot‑welding tabs is preferred over direct soldering.

How do I build packs?

Use cells from the same lot and state of charge, include protection (fuse/PTC), and follow applicable safety standards. Do not mix new and used cells or different models.