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Specialty cylindrical

LR1 (N cell) battery: equivalents & specs

The LR1, universally called the N cell, is a 1.5 volt alkaline cylinder, 12 mm across and 30.2 mm long, holding 800 to 1000 mAh. Roughly two-thirds the length of a AA, it survives in instruments, clocks, chimes and various compact devices.

LR1 (N cell) battery drawing: 12 mm across, 30.2 mm tall LR1 30.2 mm ⌀ 12 mm
LR1 (N cell), side view, drawn to scale: 12 mm across, 30.2 mm tall.
Voltage
1.5 V
Size (D×H)
12 × 30.2 mm
Chemistry
Alkaline (Zn/MnO2)
Capacity
800-1000 mAh

Same battery, other names

Every code below is the exact same cell as LR1 (N cell). Any of them will fit and work identically.

NE90910AMN9100AM5KNLR01

Buying and replacement notes

The N cell was once mainstream (early Walkman remotes, camera grips) and is now a specialty size, but production continues from Energizer (E90) and Duracell (MN9100). A common trap: some devices that look N-sized actually take the 12 volt A23, which is 2 mm narrower and stacked internally; the two are absolutely not interchangeable despite similar proportions. Check the voltage marking before inserting anything.

Commonly used in

instrument and lab equipmentclocks (movement drives)older door chimessome flashlights and toysadult novelty devices

Need a replacement?

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⚠️ Keep away from children. Swallowed button batteries, especially 20 mm lithium coins, cause severe injury within hours. If a child swallows one, call the 24/7 National Battery Ingestion Hotline (US) at 800-498-8666 or poison control at 800-222-1222 immediately. What every parent should know.

Frequently asked questions

What is equivalent to an N battery?
LR1, E90, 910A, MN9100, KN and AM5 all name the same 1.5 V alkaline cell, 12 x 30.2 mm. A lithium version does not exist in this size, but rechargeable NiMH N cells (1.2 V) are made and work in most N-cell devices with slightly lower voltage.
Is the N cell the same as an A23?
No, and the confusion is dangerous for devices. The N cell is a single 1.5 V alkaline cylinder at 12 x 30.2 mm; the A23 is a 12 V stack at 10.3 x 28.5 mm. They look similar in hand, but an eightfold voltage error will destroy electronics.
Where can I still buy N batteries?
Pharmacies with a decent battery wall often keep the Energizer E90, and every major online retailer stocks them. Prices per cell run higher than AA because of low volume; buying two-packs from mainstream brands avoids the stale no-name stock common in this size.

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