Remember, the symbol makes all the difference!
Different markings, different voltages, different types – how not to get confused?
Replacing a battery seems like a trivial task. Just open the casing, remove the old battery, insert a new one – and you’re done. But is that really the case?
In the case of measuring devices such as CoolSens, this seemingly minor step can be of enormous importance. Although the battery is a small component of the system, it is crucial for the continuity of measurements, operational safety and durability of the electronics.
Similar in appearance, completely different inside
Let’s imagine a simple situation: a CoolSens device is operating in a cold store, monitoring temperature and humidity around the clock. After a few months, the battery runs out – which is normal. Someone from the service team, in a hurry, reaches for a battery of the same size but a different type. ‘It looks similar, so it will probably work,’ they think. The device starts up, but after a few days it begins to transmit incomplete data. After a week, it stops working completely.
What happened?
The new battery had a different voltage and discharge characteristics. For an advanced measuring device, this is enough to disrupt the operation of the circuits and, as a result, damage the electronics.
👉 Information on the voltage of the batteries used in CoolSens devices can be found in the information card included in the package.
Markings that can be confusing
Batteries feature symbols such as Li-SOCl₂, CR123A, ER14505, AA 1.5 V, Li-ion – they look like a code for electronics engineers. However, each of these symbols denotes a different type of battery:
- Li-SOCl₂ (lithium thionyl chloride) – industrial batteries with a very long service life, resistant to low temperatures. This is the type used in CoolSens CloudHub.
- Alkaline (1.5 V) – popular in household appliances, but not suitable for use in low temperatures and under heavy loads.
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion) – rechargeable batteries, but requiring charge control and a completely different device design.
In practice, this means that batteries of the same size can perform very differently – and using the wrong one can result in failure, data loss, and even the risk of overheating.
Why is it worth consulting the user manual when all else fails?
Every device, including CoolSens, has a specific type of recommended battery, which can be found in the user manual, information sheet and on the device label.
The manufacturer specifies not only the chemical type, but also the voltage, polarity and installation method.
This is some simple information that can save you a lot of trouble.
In the case of CoolSens CloudHub, a 3.6 V battery is used, selected to ensure:
- stable power supply even at low temperatures,
- long operating time (up to several years),
- safety and resistance to changes in environmental conditions,
- the ability to temporarily operate on a single battery as a UPS for lossless data transfer.
Replacing it with a regular alkaline or lithium-ion battery may not only cause malfunction, but also permanent damage to the device, which is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
👉 Check: Warranty terms and conditions for telemetry devices – Inventia.pl
A real-life story – mixing batteries can end in disaster
One of our customers, in a hurry, decided to leave one original lithium-ion battery in the device and add one new AA alkaline battery. The device started up, so it seemed that the problem was solved. However, after a short time, it began to overheat, stopped responding, and as a result, electrolyte leaked from the alkaline battery.
This is an example of how a seemingly minor change can cause serious damage to equipment and pose a safety hazard.
Mixing battery types is absolutely prohibited – even if they appear to be the same size and voltage ‘at a glance’.
Good practices when replacing batteries
- Always check the battery type in the manual or on the casing.
- Do not replace types “by eye” – even if the size matches.
- Do not mix different chemistries (e.g. alkaline + lithium).
- Avoid batteries of uncertain origin – cheap replacements may not have a stable voltage.
- Store the device in the recommended conditions to avoid premature discharge.
A small component, a big difference
Power supply is one of those things we don’t usually think about – until something stops working. However, a properly selected battery guarantees that CoolSens will reliably monitor environmental conditions for many months, and you will avoid unnecessary interruptions and stress.
Remember, before you reach for a new battery, take a moment to check the markings.
It’s a small habit that can protect your device from failure, your data from loss, and you from unnecessary costs.
