Can CR123 Primaries be left installed for long periods?

[Natbyte]

Hi to all,

Great forum, only found this website a few days ago when browsing the net, but I have always been err.. how can I put it a flashlight collector, It is just that I never knew that others shared this addiction

Anyway onto my question, I have a number of CR123 primary cells that I leave installed in the flashlights that are in my on the shelf collection, these are not duty lights, the question I have is this okay to do? Specifically with the CR123 primaries or should I leave the torches without cells.

Look forward to any replies.

Cheers

Nathan

 

[45/70]

Hi, Natbyte.

As with any device that uses batteries, it's always best to remove the cells when you're not going to be using it for an extended period. It's just good insurance. That said, providing you use good quality cells, lithium primaries are probably the least likely to cause problems, if you prefer to leave your lights "locked and loaded".

The one condition that I can think of that may cause a problem is, if a light's circuit has a parasitic drain. This usually applies only to more complex lights with multi-mode ability etc. It also depends on how often you actually use the light. Parasitic drain from these lights is usually very small, so it may not really make that much difference.

Dave

 

[NeonLights]

Shouldn't be a problem assuming they are quality cells, and no parasitic drain. I've had 123 and AA lithium cells in lights for years at a time, mainly in the lights I keep in my cars for emergency use. Sometimes they only get used once or twice a year, and I've never had any problems, and those lights see 100+ degree temperature swings in the course of a year.

 

[Natbyte]

Thanks guys for taking the time to reply to my question, much appreciated.

I would personally feel better having even my shelf lights ready to use at the drop of a hat without the need to locate cells and fit them should the need arise to use them. So I will keep the cells installed

Cheers

Nathan

 

[recDNA]

Hi to all,

Great forum, only found this website a few days ago when browsing the net, but I have always been err.. how can I put it a flashlight collector, It is just that I never knew that others shared this addiction

Nathan

Welcome! I'm a newbie too and felt exactly as you do...surprised to find others who "collected" more flashlights than we "need". When my wife and I visit a hardware store and she go off to look at plants or kitchens or whatever she KNOWS to look for me in the flashlight section.

I was equally shocked to find there are so many quality brands and types of flashlights I never heard of before joining this forum. Trouble is now I'm going broke trying to buy them ALL! LOL

 

[325addict]

The same here. Only half a year ago, I thought a Maglite was BRIGHT

Never heard of Surefire, Wolf-Eyes, Eagletac or Fenix, or even Olight..... now, I know better and have collected more than 10 Surefires and some Fenixes and Wolf eyes'.

My favorites are the incan lights from Surefire and Wolf Eyes.

Surefire sometimes sells lights with the batteries already installed. Surefire claims "at least 10 years shelf life" with these batteries. "Making them great for sticking into disaster preparedness kits" or something like that

Timmo.