more_vampires
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2014
- Messages
- 3,475
The critical point that I have not yet seen mentioned is the only real danger comes from mixing and matching live and partially depleted batteries. If you match the set and leave them in the flashlight until dead, you'll be fine. It's when you have a fresh hot live one and a dead one that things can get exciting.In January, I installed a trio of Energizer Ultimate lithium AAAs in my Maglite XL50, and after three months of moderate use, the light began dropping down to the lower light level after only 10 seconds or so at full brightness. I checked the cells, and found one reading only .7V. I took the prudent action and tossed that cell.
I wonder what venting/explosion/fire danger might have happened if I continued using that light with that bad cell? I don't plan on testing this possibility, but my question appears to be somewhat similar to the OP's - so I thought I'd get some additional opinions regarding risks from Primary Lithium AAA cells. Many thanks.
WriteAway
Any battery can be dangerous if mistreated, but the paranoia of Lithium AA's is WAY to high in this thread. CR123's in series and rechargeable Li-ion's are responsible for incidences 99% of the time. However, if you follow the rules, you won't have a problem with them either.
Lithium AA's and AAA's are generally not dangerous at all without doing something extremely stupid.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?214954-CR123A-vs-hot-AZ-sun
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?277891-Eneloops-in-the-car-in-the-summer
That's fine, don't mix and match batteries. It'll be fine.I was just planning on using them in basic off-the-shelf 2AA flashlights, more specifically the Inova X2 and the 2AA Mini MagLED. I don't know the current draw of those two flashlights, but I don't think they are much more than 500mA.
Single lithium battery lights are pretty safe. It'll be fine. No worries. This isn't Ultrafire we're talking about.I still have questions about whether an Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA is a risky proposition in a ONE cell flashlight that is sealed with an O ring, for example an Olight i3s.
Stored in a car? Never alkaline, never. The risk there is that WHEN it leaks, it will damage your light. Both the Eneloop NiMH and Energizer UL AAA are better choices for a car light.Is Eneloop AAA any safer than Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA, or a primary Alkaline AAA? Lets say for sake of example, that the flashlight is stored in the glovebox of a car. Bad idea? Worse idea with the Lithium than the NiMh? Alkaline AAA worse than the others?
What is the safest single AAA battery to put in a light that is stored in a car?
In summary, I agree with the FC. The lithium paranoia lately is too much.