I have been EDCarrying a flashlight (Nitecore EC11) the last couple of weeks that was designed to accept 18350 IMR batteries. I have two such batteries (same brand, Nitecore, 700mAh) and I've had the setup for a couple of years, just never got around to carrying it daily.
Unfortunately, the light is a side-switch type, and the switch is a little too touchy for pocket use. So three times now, the light's gotten turned on in my pocket and stayed on. To my disappointment, the flashlight manufacturer did not include a low voltage shutdown circuit, which in my opinion is crazy if the light's designed for rechargeable lithium. So, yeah, three times my battery has been discharged all the way down to about 1.2-1.4 volt.
All three times, the battery has accepted a charge and returned to full voltage. All three times the battery APPEARS unharmed. But the question, given the stuff I've seen about overdischarging and damage to cells, is are these cells SAFE to use now, even though they seem fine? The last thing I want is a flashlight blowing up in my pocket because there's separator damage to these cells.
There's an adapter (included) that'll let me use CR123A primaries in this light instead, if I choose to continue carrying it and the IMRs are no longer trustworthy. Or I may just not carry it, or carry it locked out when I do (by loosening the tailcap).
Any advice appreciated.
Scott
Unfortunately, the light is a side-switch type, and the switch is a little too touchy for pocket use. So three times now, the light's gotten turned on in my pocket and stayed on. To my disappointment, the flashlight manufacturer did not include a low voltage shutdown circuit, which in my opinion is crazy if the light's designed for rechargeable lithium. So, yeah, three times my battery has been discharged all the way down to about 1.2-1.4 volt.
All three times, the battery has accepted a charge and returned to full voltage. All three times the battery APPEARS unharmed. But the question, given the stuff I've seen about overdischarging and damage to cells, is are these cells SAFE to use now, even though they seem fine? The last thing I want is a flashlight blowing up in my pocket because there's separator damage to these cells.
There's an adapter (included) that'll let me use CR123A primaries in this light instead, if I choose to continue carrying it and the IMRs are no longer trustworthy. Or I may just not carry it, or carry it locked out when I do (by loosening the tailcap).
Any advice appreciated.
Scott