Battery Spacers - what do they do??

[Jonster]

I've seen some magnetic battery spacers on DX ... are they literally just to space out batteries which don't have the +ve "nipple" on the end? or do they perform other functions?

Also does anyone know if magnetic battery spacers should be put on a specific way round?
If you put them the wrong way round would it drain the battery / get hot?

 

[FlashCrazy]

They're used to facilitate the connection between two "flat top" batteries as you mentioned. Also used to allow a flat top battery to contact the positive contact in a flashlight that doesn't have a spring for the positive contact. Doesn't matter which way you attach the magnet. :)
Many people don't recommend using them (me included) because they can shift and contact the flashlight housing. If the housing isn't anodized, the battery can short out... not good. :) If using protected batteries, the battery's protection will kick in during this situation, preventing the battery from shorting. But, protection circuits have been know to fail... I wouldn't want to rely on it. If using magnets with unprotected batteries, well.. you're just asking for trouble. :poof: At least try to find magnets that have the sides encased with insulating plastic. :thumbsup:

 

[Jonster]

Cheers FlashCrazy,
Makes sense ...
I'm just sat here wondering - how well would they hold the batteries together if you knock your torch (or bike light) about?

I'm picturing my local drop-off ... weeee ... !!thump!! ... batteries lose contact and the light resets to low power ... aaargh ... I can't seee .... second thump as I hit a tree ... nee-nah-nee-nah!!! :twothumbs

 

[csshih]

oh no, it won't reset to low power.. if the magnet gets knocked loose, then the battery will probably short, with would either:

1. if using a protected liion, shut off the light until the circuit is reset.

2. turn your light into a hand grenade if there is no protection circuit.

 

[Jonster]

if the magnet gets knocked loose, then the battery will probably short

I presume you're referring to what would happen to a dislodged battery in a metal housing.
In my instance I'm going to be using a plastic tubular housing but in any case if the picture on DX is correct the 18650's heading my way won't need any spacers.

Cheers bud

 

[EngrPaul]

Britney Spears? Sings, dances, among other things...

 

[Jonster]

Britney Spears? Sings, dances, among other things...

On a cold day that may even be battery spacers down her top!!!:naughty:

 

[csshih]

well, the + and - contact points both have to be in the head, right?

so if this magnet gets shifted

then it'll short out + and -.

britney spears what :O :crackup:

 

[Jonster]

well, the + and - contact points both have to be in the head, right?

Indeed they do - in your application - and so you are 100% correct.
I see why people are so dead against them.

In mine there will be some ~3/4" tube with a machined plastic 'bung' at either end into which a spring will be inserted with a wire soldered to the spring.
So +ve and -ve ends of the battery pack will be about 200mm apart (with x3 18650's).

 

[csshih]

ohhh, I get it :)

magnet away!

 

[EngrPaul]

Battery spacers help you insert non-standard cells in the next-size-up charger.

 

[KiwiMark]

so if this magnet gets shifted
then it'll short out + and -.

That is a pretty good illustration of the potential problem - definitely something to be wary of. Obviously adding a blob of solder to the +ve terminal on the light would be WAY safer.