LED Monkey
Enlightened
Solid state is just around the corner I hear!
It's a big corner though.
It's a big corner though.
Cr123a questions
- Thread starter yankees102110
- Start date
yankees102110
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2019
- Messages
- 32
Thanks guys for all the replies. After thinking about it I just don't want the added risk. I overthink everything so I know I'll just drive myself crazy.
No, it gives us something to discuss around here.
And hyperbole aside, I don't think battery problems are "one-in-a-million" level of risk.
CPF doesn't have a million members total, and yet we have multiple members who have posted about "Hot Cells and Close Calls" ... indeed, there have even been individual members affected more than once.
Now, maybe we do collectively use more power than most :grin2:
As I recall, I spent quite some time studying Li-Ion before feeling comfortable using them outside of "engineered systems" (automated and continuously monitored designs like laptops, mobile phones, etc)
Best to err on the side of caution.
I don't have much to offer info. wise regarding li-ion but I have been using CR123s in multi and single cell lights for the last 14 years or so without any problems. Never really had any issues but I frequently use a ZTS battery tester (tests under load) to insure good cells when dealing with multi cell lights. The vast majority of problems related to CR123s seem to occur with multi-cell use. Sticking with name brand CR123 cells and single battery lights the risks are really low. I personally don't bother trying to get SF cells and usually just use Panasonic or Energizer as they are more cost effective.
The previously mentioned Streamlight 1L-1AA is a good light for anyone wanting to try CR123s since you can always go back to AA if you so choose. The OP may want to try and look for a Zebralight SC5 for higher output on eneloops.It has been discontinued afaik and a little "husky" for a single AA but has "turbo" output around 500 lumens on a single AA NiMH. The Olight i5T has just been released and is claiming 300 lumens for regular AA batteries but I have yet to see first hand experience with it. I used my SC5 with eneloops as a work light for a while but I have never been fond of the Zebralight user interface so I switched to the Streamlight 1L-1AA with CR123s as I have some older battery stock to use up.
The previously mentioned Streamlight 1L-1AA is a good light for anyone wanting to try CR123s since you can always go back to AA if you so choose. The OP may want to try and look for a Zebralight SC5 for higher output on eneloops.It has been discontinued afaik and a little "husky" for a single AA but has "turbo" output around 500 lumens on a single AA NiMH. The Olight i5T has just been released and is claiming 300 lumens for regular AA batteries but I have yet to see first hand experience with it. I used my SC5 with eneloops as a work light for a while but I have never been fond of the Zebralight user interface so I switched to the Streamlight 1L-1AA with CR123s as I have some older battery stock to use up.
thermal guy
Flashaholic
The question I have always wanted to know is what is to much of a voltage difference between two cells. My CR123 cells test under load at 3.2 volts. If I put one dam near into anything for a very short time say 5 minutes and pull it it’s at 2.9-3 volts. Is mixing a cell with 5 minutes use on it with a band new cell bad? Is that close enough in volts that’s it’s fine? I mean I know it works and must be fine as I have done that for 10-12 years and have never had one cell vent,pop, explode or jump out and order a pizza. But all kidding aside my question is do those that are perhaps overcautious think that this is not a good practice.
Me personally TG, if it was ever used alone it is always used alone. If it started out in a team it stays in that team.
I operate pretty much the same way. It is unlikely but possible that I might break up a pair to use as single cells but I never put individually used cells together in a pair.
Same here. But once one is removed from a team it stays in single cell lights or other devices such as game cam's etc.
thermal guy
Flashaholic
Ok hey thanks for your opinions guys. And keep it safe. I’m off to do some runtime tests.
CREEXHP70LED
Enlightened
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2016
- Messages
- 552
I might be one of the most reckless people here, willing to speak at least. I never have had a problem in the last 20 years mixing and matching 123A cells. I throw them in a light and go. The only problem I had was about 15 years ago when I made my first light and with Lithium Ion not Lithium Primaries.
I used the battery pack out of a new Speedglass welding pack that vents fresh air to the welder. At the time I had no problem tearing up a $1,200 device to get the battery pack out of it. I hooked up my redneck looking Osram projector bulb into a Maglite reflector and zip tied it to a ball cap.
I put the (I think 6 or 8) 18650 cells into a small Plano tackle box, and ran the wires to my backpack I was wearing on my back.
My brother in law was in town, time to show this baby off! We went out for a walk and I flipped the switch and BOOM, not an explosion boom, I mean like a freight train with high beams on. A truck drove by going the same direction we were walking, and I unintentionally turned my head and looked at his truck. He slowed way down almost to a stop. I am not sure if I scared him or made him mad when I looked over at him, not thinking the light was now a headlamp.
After a few seconds he decided whatever the heck just lit him up was not worth getting out for and drove off. Now I know by now this seems like a story or a joke, but this really happened. The light drained all 6 or 8 18650 cells in about 5 minutes or less.
I went home, put them back on the charger and a few minutes later smelled something. I looked over and the small Plano tackle box holding the 18650 cells was hissing and really smoking very badly. I was scared I was going to burn my parents home down, so I grabbed the pack, ran down stairs and threw it into the garage.
The hissing and venting stopped and there was no fire, but my heart was pounding. I had no experience with lithium ion cells back then. I didn't even know they were dangerous. Now I use my cells respectfully. I do match Lithium ion cells, However CR123A cells I take out of the box and load my lights with fresh ones. when they start to dim, I pop them all out of the Surefires or Elzetta and put them in a box labeled used. Those used cells then go into my Malkoff (1) 123A cell MDC light until depleted.
I hope at least someone got a laugh at my crazy story. That light was promptly disposed of a couple days later when I was no longer scared to get near the battery pack.
I used the battery pack out of a new Speedglass welding pack that vents fresh air to the welder. At the time I had no problem tearing up a $1,200 device to get the battery pack out of it. I hooked up my redneck looking Osram projector bulb into a Maglite reflector and zip tied it to a ball cap.
I put the (I think 6 or 8) 18650 cells into a small Plano tackle box, and ran the wires to my backpack I was wearing on my back.
My brother in law was in town, time to show this baby off! We went out for a walk and I flipped the switch and BOOM, not an explosion boom, I mean like a freight train with high beams on. A truck drove by going the same direction we were walking, and I unintentionally turned my head and looked at his truck. He slowed way down almost to a stop. I am not sure if I scared him or made him mad when I looked over at him, not thinking the light was now a headlamp.
After a few seconds he decided whatever the heck just lit him up was not worth getting out for and drove off. Now I know by now this seems like a story or a joke, but this really happened. The light drained all 6 or 8 18650 cells in about 5 minutes or less.
I went home, put them back on the charger and a few minutes later smelled something. I looked over and the small Plano tackle box holding the 18650 cells was hissing and really smoking very badly. I was scared I was going to burn my parents home down, so I grabbed the pack, ran down stairs and threw it into the garage.
The hissing and venting stopped and there was no fire, but my heart was pounding. I had no experience with lithium ion cells back then. I didn't even know they were dangerous. Now I use my cells respectfully. I do match Lithium ion cells, However CR123A cells I take out of the box and load my lights with fresh ones. when they start to dim, I pop them all out of the Surefires or Elzetta and put them in a box labeled used. Those used cells then go into my Malkoff (1) 123A cell MDC light until depleted.
I hope at least someone got a laugh at my crazy story. That light was promptly disposed of a couple days later when I was no longer scared to get near the battery pack.
thermal guy
Flashaholic
Lol. And thanks for speaking out and giving your opinion. I “sorta” handle my cr123’s the same way.
