Battery gas

[Fallingwater]

I'm running a Fenix E01 with a Philips Powerlife alkaline AAA. In the beginning it'd sometimes be a little hard to open, then it'd go "pop" once the seal was released. Then it stopped for months. Now it's doing it again, harder - and even when I don't use it.

I've heard about alkalines outgassing, but it was in multi-cell lights and while they were being used. Single cells outgassing is new on me, as well as them doing it when the light isn't actually discharging them.

I'm going to toss the cell and replace it (it's nearing the end of its useful life anyway), but I'm still curious... does this happen a lot?

 

[Lanque]

I don't know it it happens a lot, but I had it happen on a single AAA light. The cell was fairly depleted (the gasing was noticed on cell change).

Once it started out-gassing, it would continue with the light off, since I put the cell back in just to see what would happen. Sure enough, there was a hiss again on the 2nd opening after a few minutes (the original open caused a pop)

 

[Mr Happy]

Outgassing of alkaline cells is common and normal. Gassing of cells that are not being used is one step away from leaking (gas bubbles forming inside the cell can force electrolyte out through the seal). Replace the cell as soon as possible. Don't use alkalines in lights that you value.