Product Specifications for Saft LS 26500 Plus | 3.6V 8500mAh Li-SOCl2 C-Size Primary Lithium Cell
| BM Part #: | LS26500-BA |
|---|---|
| Voltage: | 3.6 Volt |
| Capacity: | 8500 mAh |
| Type: | Li-SOCl2 |
| Height: | 1.95" |
| Diameter: | 1.02" |
| Shipping Weight: | 1.00Lbs |
| Warranty: | DOA |
Important Note: CLASS 9 HAZMAT - Ground Transport Only.
This battery cannot be shipped by air (Three-Day Select, Second Day, or Next Day) due to federal regulations regarding the transport of primary lithium cells on aircraft.
If this item absolutely needs to be shipped via Air transport, please contact us at 1-800-405-2121 for details and additional HAZMAT charges.
- 8500mAh high-capacity C-size cell — 10% more capacity than standard LS 26500 — the "Plus" designation reflects the LS 26500 Plus's 8500mAh rating versus 7700mAh for the standard LS 26500, delivering extended service life in the same form factor for demanding long-deployment applications.
- Industry-leading 10-year shelf life — Lithium Thionyl Chloride chemistry delivers the lowest self-discharge rate of any primary lithium chemistry, typically less than 1% per year, making the LS 26500 Plus the preferred choice for infrequently serviced equipment and long-deployment field installations.
- Exceptional temperature range: -60°C to +85°C (-76°F to +185°F) — stable 3.6V output from arctic cold to high-heat industrial environments; suitable for outdoor metering infrastructure, subsurface instrumentation, and extreme-environment deployments where other chemistries fail.
- 150mA continuous / 300mA pulse current — supports both steady-state low-drain applications and periodic high-drain pulse loads typical of wireless transmitters, GPS modules, and data loggers.
- C-size cylindrical form factor with button contacts — 1.02" diameter × 1.95" tall; drop-in compatible with standard C-size battery holders and equipment designed for the LS 26500 platform.
Product Description
Saft LS 26500 Plus — C-Size Li-SOCl2 Primary Lithium Cell
The Saft LS 26500 Plus is a 3.6V 8500mAh C-size primary (non-rechargeable) Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl2) cylindrical cell. It is the high-capacity variant of the Saft LS 26500 platform, delivering 10% more capacity than the standard LS 26500 in the same form factor — making it the preferred choice for long-life industrial, metering, and defense applications where battery replacement is infrequent or impractical.
Primary Applications
The LS 26500 Plus is well suited for any application requiring reliable primary power over an extended deployment period, including:
- Utility metering: AMR/AMI gas meters, water meters, heat meters, and smart meter data transmitters
- Industrial controls and automation: PLCs, RTUs, SCADA systems, process instrumentation, and memory backup
- Asset and fleet tracking: GPS trackers, asset monitoring devices, and long-life IoT sensors
- Military and defense electronics: compatible with equipment designed for the LS 26500 / BA-5800 cell platform
- Oceanographic and subsurface instruments: data loggers, buoys, and environmental monitoring equipment
- Memory and RTC backup: long-term backup power for industrial controllers and computing equipment
Why Li-SOCl2 for Long-Life Applications
Lithium Thionyl Chloride chemistry offers the highest energy density and lowest self-discharge rate of any primary lithium cell chemistry. At less than 1% self-discharge per year, the LS 26500 Plus retains usable capacity through its full 10-year shelf life — meaning a battery installed in a remote meter or field instrument in year one can still deliver rated performance in year nine without replacement. This characteristic makes Li-SOCl2 the chemistry of choice for applications where battery service access is difficult, costly, or infrequent.
Temperature Performance
Rated for -60°C to +85°C (-76°F to +185°F), the LS 26500 Plus delivers stable output across the full range of industrial and outdoor deployment environments — from arctic field installations to high-temperature industrial enclosures and subsurface applications where ambient temperatures can be extreme.
Handling Note
Li-SOCl2 cells contain thionyl chloride, a corrosive electrolyte that can generate toxic sulfur dioxide gas if the cell is damaged, short-circuited, or improperly disposed of. Handle with care, store away from conductive materials, and dispose of in accordance with applicable regulations for lithium primary cells. Do not attempt to recharge, disassemble, or incinerate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the LS 26500 and the LS 26500 Plus?
The LS 26500 Plus is the high-capacity variant of the Saft LS 26500 platform, rated at 8500mAh versus 7700mAh for the standard LS 26500. Both cells share the same C-size form factor, 3.6V nominal voltage, and Li-SOCl2 chemistry. The Plus variant is the preferred choice where maximum service life is required in the same physical footprint.
What is Li-SOCl2 chemistry and why is it used in metering applications?
Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl2) is a primary lithium chemistry offering the highest energy density and lowest self-discharge rate of any commercially available primary cell. Self-discharge is typically less than 1% per year, enabling a 10-year or longer service life in low-drain applications. This makes it ideal for utility meters, remote sensors, and any application where battery replacement is infrequent or costly.
What is voltage delay and does it affect the LS 26500 Plus?
Voltage delay is a brief, temporary drop in terminal voltage that can occur on initial load activation of a Li-SOCl2 cell after extended storage — caused by the formation of a passive film on the lithium anode. The effect is more pronounced after long storage at elevated temperatures. For most metering and low-drain applications the effect is negligible, but power circuit designers should account for it in pulse load applications. The voltage delay diminishes quickly once the cell is under load.
Is the LS 26500 Plus rechargeable?
No. The LS 26500 Plus is a primary (non-rechargeable) cell. It must never be connected to a charger under any circumstances — attempting to recharge a Li-SOCl2 cell can result in cell rupture, venting of toxic gas, or fire.
What are the handling and disposal requirements for Li-SOCl2 cells?
Li-SOCl2 cells contain thionyl chloride, a corrosive and toxic material. Handle carefully to avoid physical damage. Store away from conductive materials and heat sources. Dispose of in accordance with applicable regulations for lithium primary cells — do not dispose of in regular trash. Contact your local hazardous waste authority for disposal guidance.
Is the LS 26500 Plus compatible with equipment designed for the standard LS 26500?
Yes. The LS 26500 Plus shares the same C-size form factor, 3.6V nominal voltage, and button contact configuration as the standard LS 26500, making it a direct drop-in upgrade in any equipment designed for the LS 26500 platform.
