1. Support
  2. Articles
  3. Commander battery guide

Commander battery guide

North Commander uses an internal battery to keep its clock running and preserve settings whenever mains power is interrupted.

Do I need a battery?

Yes, for seamless operation. However, if power is lost while the battery is flat or missing, Commander will still recover safely – provided its default configuration has been saved to permanent memory. Upon powering on, Commander will reload its saved configuration and automatically re-synchronise its date and time from the network.

Battery lifespan & low-battery alarms

Commander uses a long-life, non-rechargeable ½ AA Lithium battery.

  • Expected lifespan: Up to 10 years under normal operating conditions.
  • Automatic alerts: Commander continuously monitors its battery health and can trigger an alarm event when the voltage drops too low.
  • Preventative maintenance: We recommend replacing the battery every 10 years, even if a low-battery alarm has not been triggered.

How to replace the battery

Replacing the battery is a quick maintenance task:

  1. Keep power on: Ensure Commander remains powered on throughout the battery replacement process; otherwise, it will revert to its default configuration.

  2. Remove the lid: Remove the lid to access the battery holder. Release the battery clip by inserting a slotted screwdriver (max 4mm tip) into either end of the clip.

  3. Swap the battery: Remove the old battery and insert a fresh ½ AA 3.6V, 1.2Ah Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl₂) (non-rechargeable) battery, making sure the positive (+) and negative (-) ends match the markings on the board.

    Recommended compatible batteries: EVE ER14250, Saft LS14250, and Tadiran SL-350/S.

  4. Complete the replacement: Refit the battery clip and lid. Confirm that any low-battery alarms on the system have cleared.

Battery safety

CAUTION
Risk of fire, explosion, or severe burn hazard:

  • DO NOT recharge.
  • DO NOT dispose of the battery in a fire or hot oven, mechanically crush, disassemble, short-circuit, or expose contents to water.
  • DO NOT store or expose the battery to high-temperature environments.

IMPORTANT

  • Replace only with a compatible ½ AA 3.6V non-rechargeable Lithium (Li-SOCl₂) battery, ensuring correct polarity as indicated by the + and - markings.
  • Risk of fire or explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.

Shipping & dangerous goods compliance

Safe handling and transport of the lithium battery supplied with Commander requires strict compliance with UN specifications. When transporting by air or internationally, refer to North Commander: Shipping & Dangerous Goods Compliance.