📖 Click to view full specifications, comparison & safety guide
16340 (RCR123A) Batteries – Compact High-Voltage Cylindrical Cells, The Rechargeable Choice for Tactical & Professional Devices
Welcome to our 16340 (RCR123A) Batteries collection. The 16340 lithium-ion cell (approx. 16mm diameter × 34mm length) is the rechargeable Li-ion version of the standard CR123A primary lithium battery. Sharing virtually identical dimensions with CR123A, it delivers a 3.7V nominal voltage and usable capacities from 500mAh to 900mAh—making it the ideal sustainable alternative to expensive disposable CR123A cells for power-hungry tactical and professional equipment. This collection features NMC, IMR, and LiFePO₄ chemistries, serving a wide range of applications including tactical flashlights, laser sights, night vision devices, rangefinders, digital cameras, medical equipment, and various professional portable instruments.
Core Advantages of 16340 Batteries
- Standard CR123A Size – Perfect Compatibility: Approximately 16mm diameter × 34mm length—virtually identical to disposable CR123A batteries. Direct drop-in replacement for most CR123A-powered devices.
- Rechargeable – Drastically Reduce Operating Costs: Supports 500–1,000+ charge/discharge cycles. Disposable CR123A batteries are expensive; using rechargeable 16340s can save over 90% on battery costs while reducing battery waste.
- High Voltage Platform: NMC/IMR versions deliver a nominal 3.7V (full charge 4.2V)—approximately 1.2× the voltage of disposable CR123A (3.0V). Some devices may require voltage compatibility verification.
- High Discharge Capability: IMR/INR high-drain models support 2A–5A continuous discharge with pulse currents up to 8A—ideal for tactical flashlight turbo modes and laser devices with high instantaneous power demands.
- Flexible Chemistry Options: Available in high-energy NMC (3.7V), high-drain IMR (3.7V), and inherently safe LiFePO₄ (3.2V) formulations to meet diverse voltage, power, and safety requirements.
- Low Self-Discharge: Monthly self-discharge as low as 3% ensures readiness even after extended storage—perfect for intermittently used tactical and emergency equipment.
16340 vs. CR123A (Primary) vs. 18350 – Key Comparison
| Parameter | 16340 (RCR123A) | CR123A Primary Lithium | 18350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ~16mm × ~34mm | ~16mm × ~34mm | ~18mm × ~35mm |
| Nominal Voltage | 3.2V (LiFePO₄) / 3.7V (NMC/IMR) | 3.0V | 3.2V / 3.7V |
| Full Charge Voltage | 3.65V / 4.2V | ~3.2V (fresh) | 3.65V / 4.2V |
| Typical Capacity | 500mAh – 900mAh | 1400mAh – 1550mAh | 700mAh – 1200mAh |
| Energy (Wh) | 1.6Wh – 3.3Wh | 4.2Wh – 4.7Wh | 2.2Wh – 4.4Wh |
| Rechargeable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| High-Drain Discharge | 2A – 5A (high-drain models) | 1A – 2A | 10A – 15A |
| Key Strengths | Rechargeable, low operating cost, high-drain options | High capacity, stable voltage, extremely long shelf life | Larger diameter, higher capacity & power |
| Typical Applications | Tactical lights, laser sights, night vision | Premium tactical lights, cameras, instruments | Mini flashlights, compact vapes, headlamps |
Popular 16340 (RCR123A) Cell Models – Quick Reference
| Model | Brand/Source | Chemistry | Nominal Capacity | Continuous Discharge | Dimensions (approx.) | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INR16340 800mAh | Generic | NMC | 800mAh | 2A–3A | 16×34mm | High-capacity NMC; top choice for flashlights & digital devices |
| IMR16340 700mAh | Generic | IMR | 700mAh | 3A–5A | 16×34mm | High-drain IMR; preferred for tactical flashlight turbo modes |
| ICR16340 900mAh | Generic | LiCoO₂ | 900mAh | 1A–1.5A | 16×34mm | Ultra-high capacity; best for low-power long-runtime devices |
| IFR16340 500mAh | Generic | LiFePO₄ | 500mAh | 1A–2A | 16×34mm | LiFePO₄; high safety / long cycle life / 3.2V compatible |
| Vapcell INR16340 800mAh | Vapcell | NMC | 800mAh | 3A | 16×34mm | High-performance NMC; preferred for bright flashlights |
| Efest IMR16340 700mAh | Efest | IMR | 700mAh | 4A–5A | 16×34mm | High-drain; tactical flashlights & vape compatible |
| Keeppower Protected 16340 | Keeppower | NMC + PCB | 700–800mAh | 2A–3A | 16×35–36mm | Protected; consumer safety first choice |
Typical Specifications Range (16340)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 3.2V (LiFePO₄) / 3.6V–3.7V (NMC/IMR) |
| Full Charge Voltage | 3.65V (LiFePO₄) / 4.2V (NMC/IMR) |
| Capacity Range | 500mAh – 900mAh |
| Continuous Discharge Current | 1A – 5A (model dependent) |
| Internal Resistance | 50mΩ – 120mΩ |
| Cycle Life | 500 – 1500+ cycles (chemistry dependent) |
| Operating Temperature | Charge: 0°C~45°C / Discharge: -20°C~60°C |
| Dimensions | Diameter 15.5mm–16.5mm × Length 33.5mm–36.0mm (protected slightly longer) |
| Weight | Approx. 16g – 20g |
Typical Applications
| Application | Recommended Type | Suggested Models |
|---|---|---|
| Tactical flashlights / high-output searchlights | IMR / INR High-Drain | Efest IMR16340, Vapcell INR16340 |
| Laser sights / laser rangefinders | IMR High-Drain | Efest IMR16340 |
| Night vision / thermal imaging | NMC / Protected | Keeppower Protected, INR16340 |
| Digital cameras / flash units | NMC High-Capacity | ICR16340 900mAh |
| Medical devices / portable monitors | LiFePO₄ / Protected | IFR16340 500mAh, Keeppower Protected |
| Emergency lighting / security systems | LiFePO₄ | IFR16340 500mAh |
| Vaping / mini box mods | IMR High-Drain | Efest IMR16340 |
| Wireless sensors / IoT terminals | LiFePO₄ | IFR16340 500mAh |
How to Choose the Right 16340 Battery?
| Your Requirement | Recommended Type | Suggested Model |
|---|---|---|
| I need maximum capacity for low-power long-runtime devices | NMC/ICR High-Capacity | ICR16340 900mAh |
| I need high current output for tactical flashlight turbo or lasers | IMR High-Drain | Efest IMR16340 |
| I want built-in protection for worry-free use | Protected 16340 | Keeppower Protected 16340 |
| I need 3.2V voltage or ultimate safety/long cycle (medical/emergency) | LiFePO₄ | IFR16340 500mAh |
| I need bulk quantities or custom packs | Contact our sales team | — |
⚠️ 16340 Battery Safety Guidelines
- Voltage Compatibility – Special Attention Required: 16340 nominal voltage is 3.7V (full charge 4.2V), whereas disposable CR123A nominal voltage is 3.0V. Inserting a 16340 into voltage-sensitive devices may cause overvoltage damage or malfunction. Always consult the device manual to confirm compatibility with 3.7V RCR123A rechargeable batteries. Some devices are dual-voltage compatible; others accept 3.0V only.
- Do Not Mix Chemistries: 3.2V LiFePO₄ and 3.7V NMC/IMR cells cannot be mixed or charged with the same charger.
- Use a Dedicated Li-ion Charger: 16340 cells require a Li-ion-specific charger. Do not use NiMH/NiCd chargers. Select a charger that explicitly supports 16340.
- Avoid Over-Discharge: Stop discharging when voltage drops below 2.5V–2.8V (NMC/IMR) or 2.0V–2.5V (LiFePO₄). Recharge promptly to prevent permanent capacity loss.
- Avoid Short Circuits & Overheating: Do not short the terminals. Keep away from heat, moisture, and metal objects.
- Discontinue if Damaged: Stop using cells with torn wraps, dents, or leakage. Recycle responsibly.
Why Choose Our 16340 Batteries?
- Genuine Grade-A Cells: Sourced from Vapcell, Efest, Keeppower, and other reputable manufacturers. 100% authentic—no recycled or counterfeit cells.
- Fully Tested & Matched: Every batch undergoes capacity grading, IR testing, and voltage sorting. Industrial-grade matching services available.
- Complete Portfolio: Covers NMC high-capacity, IMR high-drain, protected, and LiFePO₄ series—one-stop for all CR123A-sized Li-ion needs.
- Flexible Purchasing: Single-cell retail, multi-pack discounts, tiered bulk pricing, and custom pack assembly.
- Certified & Documented: UN38.3, MSDS, CE, RoHS documentation provided for seamless international shipping.
- Expert Technical Support: Guidance on cell selection, pack design, BMS integration, and after-sales service.
👇👇👇 Browse the product list below and filter by capacity or chemistry to find the perfect 16340 (RCR123A) cell for your application. For volume quotes or custom pack solutions, please contact our engineering team.












