How to Wire a 3V Lithium Battery to a Circuit

Written by Doityourself Staff
on Nov 18, 2009

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
H.R. Helm
on Sep 19, 2022

Many portable electronic devices are powered by a lithium battery. While lithium batteries may range in voltage, one of the most common sizes is a 3V battery, roughly the size and weight of a coin. These batteries may be used in portable phones, cameras, wristwatches and a variety of other electronics. A 3V battery can also be used to power a variety of devices via a handmade circuit. Continue reading for instructions on how to wire a 3V battery circuit for use around the house.

Step 1 - Collect Materials

Before you begin constructing your 3V battery circuit, collect the following materials

3V lithium battery
3-foot section of 22-gauge insulated copper wire
2 small blocks of wood
Clothespin made of plastic
Wire cutters, hammer, nails, thumbtacks, paperclips and electrical tape
A lightbulb from a small flashlight

Step 2 - Cut and Strip the Wire

Cut the wire into three equal sections and strip the insulation off of the 1-inch segment at either end of all three sections.

Step 3 - Connect the Wires to the Base

Wrap the end of one piece of wire around a thumbtack. Push the tack through a paperclip and then into one of the blocks of wood. Repeat the same process with another section of wire. In between the 2 thumbtacks, place a third thumbtack with another paperclip fastened through it, but without a piece of wire.

Step 4 - Create the Base for the Bulb

On the other piece of wood, create a base for the light bulb. You can nail a clothespin to the block, or you may use glue approved for electrical wiring if you prefer. The base needs to be able to support the lightbulb. Tack the end of the third wire so that it is in contact with the clothespin. Fix the bulb in the jaws of the clothespin, and attach the other end of the wire to the connector on the base of the lightbulb with electrical tape.

Step 5 - Attach the Remaining Wires to the Battery Power Source

Attach the exposed end of the first wire to the positive end of the 3V lithium battery with electrical tape. Having done this, attach the exposed end of the second wire to the negative end of the battery with electrical tape.

The paperclip that you have fastened between the two preexisting wires acts as a switch for the lightbulb. If you contact the paperclip with the wood, the circuit will complete and the lightbulb will light up. If you would like to use the 3V lithium battery to power another small device, ensure first that the device requires a 3V power source. Simply attach the wire to the connector of the new device instead.

If you have any further questions, or if you are looking for any of the materials listed above, please contact a hardware store or an electrical supply store.