Start with chemistry, not the case
The normalized catalog keeps SR silver-oxide profiles separate from LR alkaline profiles even when their diameter and height match. That distinction is the first answer to a search for “silver oxide vs alkaline.”
Why voltage behavior matters
Silver oxide is valued for a flatter discharge voltage than alkaline manganese dioxide. Energizer’s 2001 application manual describes this distinction; it does not promise identical service life for every cell or load. In the reviewed 395 and LR927 pair below, nominal voltages are 1.55 V and 1.5 V. Choose from the device requirements rather than assuming one chemistry is always better.
Read W and SW as part of the decision
Within the silver-oxide rows, W and SW identify different drain markings. A same-size pair can therefore be conditional even before an alkaline alternative is considered.
Use the device requirement as the tie-breaker
If the manual specifies silver oxide, stay with that chemistry unless it explicitly permits another system. Matching the case is useful for screening candidates; it is not evidence of electrical or application compatibility.
Decision guide
| Profiles | First normalized profile | Second normalized profile | Compatibility decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 395 vs 399 | 395 1.55 V · Silver oxide · 9.5 × 2.7 mm | 399 1.55 V · Silver oxide · 9.5 × 2.7 mm | Same size · different drain Use the suffix requested by the device or an explicit multi-drain cross-reference.
|
| 395 vs LR927 | 395 1.55 V · Silver oxide · 9.5 × 2.7 mm | LR927 1.5 V · Alkaline manganese dioxide · 9.5 × 2.7 mm | Same fit · different chemistry Use only when the device maker explicitly approves both chemistry systems.
|
| LR754 vs 393 | LR754 1.5 V · Alkaline manganese dioxide · 7.9 × 5.4 mm | 393 1.55 V · Silver oxide · 7.9 × 5.4 mm | Same fit · different chemistry Use only when the device maker explicitly approves both chemistry systems.
|
Limits and safety checks
This guide narrows a battery decision but does not override the device manufacturer’s current manual, charging instructions or safety guidance.
Continue with: See a 395 profile decision See a 390 profile decision Review W and SW suffixes
Sources
- Duracell — Battery chemistry technical bulletins
Alkaline, lithium-manganese-dioxide, zinc-air and silver-oxide chemistry behavior.
- Energizer — Battery Replacement Guide
Cross-reference codes and manufacturer guidance to replace the same size and type together.
- Energizer — Silver Oxide Application Manual (2001)
Dated technical context for silver-oxide discharge-voltage behavior; not approval of a device-specific substitution or a current product rating.