As most of the forum members , I have in the 30-40 batterie range accumulated. Is there any best way to store them for safety purposes? I mean a storage system. I currently have them in a tackle box type container . They are stored in pairs using the cheapo but effective 2 battery storage case that the seller gives. They are in a cool climate controlled environment and there is virtually no possibility of a short. I have read somewhere to use an ammo case with the gasket removed. The idea being if there was problem, the gasses could come out easily. Any thoughts, thanks
18650 and other size battery storage
- Thread starter zoulas
- Start date
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
Dicaeopolis
Enlightened
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2017
- Messages
- 277
I use a Bat Safe when recharging, and you could store in there, but I am not sure if it is rated for 30 or 40 batteries. You can calculate that on the web site. Also, you could keep them outside in a barbecue pit or something like that. I don't keep that many rechargeables on hand. I have CR123s as backup and just get a new rechargeable to replace the one I was using after it stops taking charges.
MAD777
Flashlight Enthusiast
Most of mine are "stored" inside the flashlights. Extra ones are in a fishing tackle box, commonly made by Pelican, Plano or Flambeau.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
WalkIntoTheLight
Flashlight Enthusiast
Heh, no you're not the only one. I've got a bunch in storage. I keep all of them in the plastic cases they came with. I have 2 dozen in the refrigerator, sealed in a plastic bag. Another 2 dozen stored in the basement at room temperature. All stored at 3.70v - 3.75v. I'm not sure if the refrigerator storage will be much better, but I'll see in a few years. I check voltage yearly, but it hardly changes at all. I might just check every couple of years.
My "regular" batteries are kept at 4.10v if I plan to use them within the next few weeks. Or 4.20v if I plan to use them soon (or if they're already in lights).
wicky998
Flashlight Enthusiast
mtm 12 guage shell box
get the tall ones
get the tall ones
Slow down annual battery aging.
It can be kept in the fridge if you don't use it often.
In this case, store at a voltage between 3.6 and 3.8 V.
If you need the battery wait many hours before recharging (12/24 hours) to allow the chemistry to stabilize, then perform a preferably slow recharge.
In an emergency, if you need the battery immediately better use the light at very low levels to not stress the battery (avoid high and turbo levels)
If you decide to put batteries in the fridge make a good packaging, I use the boxes for batteries, I wrap them in plastic wrap for food and then in aluminum foil, then again in plastic wrap.
All this I then put in an airtight food container (I want to avoid condensation or humidity in my batteries whether they have a protection circuit or not)
I also labeled everything to understand the age of the batteries.
I recently took 2 Samsung 30 Q out of the fridge, they have been there for 1 or 2 years.
I waited 24 hours and then I charged them with 0.25 A up to 4 V, then with faster charge.
Everything went well, I'm using them in Armytek Viking and Wizard Pro.
I'm curious to know if others users also store batteries in the fridge and if so with what precautions.
So you are saying storing 18650 batteries in a refrigerator as opposed to room temperature makes last longer? Is this really true? Do manufacturers like sony and Samsung recommend this? How much longer would they last? Has anyone done an analysis? The sweat equity you are describing with letting them sit for 24 hrs, etc., is it worth it if they last 7.5 years as opposed to 7 years?
Sorry for so many questions but if what you are saying is true, this can be a huge discovery.
Sorry for so many questions but if what you are saying is true, this can be a huge discovery.
No, I don't have exact data to provide.
But it is known that high temperatures are harmful to the life of lithium batteries.
I know that normally an aging is 10/20% year depending on the level of charge and temperature (then there are other factors such as amount of work, charge and discharge stress)
It seems to be almost nil if the battery is 40/50% charged and stored at a low temperature.
I don't know what the ideal temperature is but between 4 and 10 degrees I think it's fine (freezing is better to avoid it)
I am not aware of any official advice from the producers, if you search the internet you will also find conflicting opinions, some say 15 degrees C.
I don't think there is a lithium battery manufacturer that recommends this but I know that many flashlights enthusiasts keep batteries in the fridge.
However, this practice is potentially dangerous, the problem is condensation which over time can lead to corrosion and other problems.
If you store in the fridge it is good to use sealed containers like ziplock and if you want to be meticulous also use a desiccant.
Sometimes I opened the containers to get some batteries and I checked the voltage of some, in about 6 or 7 years they have not lost the voltage.
Maybe one day when I use them I might find that my batteries have instead ruined?
For the moment I can say that the two Samsung that I took out of the fridge (after 1 or 2 years) work well.
All this is for those who have many batteries and do not use them, if you have few batteries and are used regularly there is no sense in using the fridge.
But it is known that high temperatures are harmful to the life of lithium batteries.
I know that normally an aging is 10/20% year depending on the level of charge and temperature (then there are other factors such as amount of work, charge and discharge stress)
It seems to be almost nil if the battery is 40/50% charged and stored at a low temperature.
I don't know what the ideal temperature is but between 4 and 10 degrees I think it's fine (freezing is better to avoid it)
I am not aware of any official advice from the producers, if you search the internet you will also find conflicting opinions, some say 15 degrees C.
I don't think there is a lithium battery manufacturer that recommends this but I know that many flashlights enthusiasts keep batteries in the fridge.
However, this practice is potentially dangerous, the problem is condensation which over time can lead to corrosion and other problems.
If you store in the fridge it is good to use sealed containers like ziplock and if you want to be meticulous also use a desiccant.
Sometimes I opened the containers to get some batteries and I checked the voltage of some, in about 6 or 7 years they have not lost the voltage.
Maybe one day when I use them I might find that my batteries have instead ruined?
For the moment I can say that the two Samsung that I took out of the fridge (after 1 or 2 years) work well.
All this is for those who have many batteries and do not use them, if you have few batteries and are used regularly there is no sense in using the fridge.
HKJ
Flashaholic
Typical LiIon datasheet says:
Storage temperatures:
1 month: -20 ~ 60°C,
3 month: -20°C ~ 45°C,
1 year: -20°C ~ 20°C
I.e. any dry place below 20°C is fine according to this.
WalkIntoTheLight
Flashlight Enthusiast
Some of the testing I've seen shows that storing in the refrigerator does significantly reduce capacity loss over time. However, all that testing was done at full charge. So I'm not sure if it also applies to cells that are stored at partial charge. My guess is that it does help, but likely only a bit. If it's a hassle storing in the refrigerator, don't bother. You'll get the most benefit by storing at half charge, regardless of temperature. Obviously, don't store them in hot places, because that would be bad, but room temperature is fine.
