Ok, from what I can gather from reading several posts on this forum, I have made the following observations, and have a few questions:
1. Unprotected 18650's can over discharge to the point where they will no longer take a charge. They can also overcharge, which can be dangerous and cause a fire. Does overdischarging present any danger? I also have a charger (Tenergy) that is supposed to shut off when the batteries reach around 4.1v. Does this make charging the unprotected cells any safer?
2. All the stories I have read on this forum regarding cells that vented, were actually in the light when they did so. Is there more of a danger of the cells venting while in use or charging?
3. I have about a dozen unprotected 18650's taken from two laptop batteries. I have used a few of them with no issues, and they are all Japanese made cells. Should I get rid of these and only use protected cells? How dangerous are these if they are in a fireproof container when charging, are being monitored, not overcharged, and being topped off every now and then after they are used?
I think I know most of these answers, but am just looking for second opinions from folks more experienced in using these cells than myself. Thank you to all!
Mike
1. Unprotected 18650's can over discharge to the point where they will no longer take a charge. They can also overcharge, which can be dangerous and cause a fire. Does overdischarging present any danger? I also have a charger (Tenergy) that is supposed to shut off when the batteries reach around 4.1v. Does this make charging the unprotected cells any safer?
2. All the stories I have read on this forum regarding cells that vented, were actually in the light when they did so. Is there more of a danger of the cells venting while in use or charging?
3. I have about a dozen unprotected 18650's taken from two laptop batteries. I have used a few of them with no issues, and they are all Japanese made cells. Should I get rid of these and only use protected cells? How dangerous are these if they are in a fireproof container when charging, are being monitored, not overcharged, and being topped off every now and then after they are used?
I think I know most of these answers, but am just looking for second opinions from folks more experienced in using these cells than myself. Thank you to all!
Mike
