Can I mix used and new CR123A batteries?

[cybersoga]

Hi there, I just got a new Fenix TK11 R2. I have a few spare CR123A batteries, but they are all measuring slightly different voltages (3.2XXX, XXX changes) 3 of which are energiser and one is a great power. Can I mix pairs of CR123A batteries without any problems?

 

[TooManyGizmos]

You need to read some of the *sticky* threads of intrest at the top of this forum..... Flashlight Electronics - Batteries Included - Threads of Interest

Concerning battery safety - do's and dont's.

 

[Kiessling]

Unless you have suicidal tendencies, don't do it. Only combine new cells from one manufacturer. Don't take risks with those high energys-density cells.


And ... what the man with the too many gizmos said.

bernie

 

[cybersoga]

Even the pair of new batteries that the dealer sent me with the torch vary slightly in voltage, is it not safe to use them?

 

[mdocod]

Voltage readings on CR123s are basically meaningless. There are going to be natural variations in your readings from cell to cell whether they are from the same package, manufacture, date, whatever. The important thing is that they are matched for their state of charge and capacity and behavior. The only way to be certain that any 2 cells are tightly matched for capacity is to just use them fresh out of the package together and not mix old and new and used and new. You can't measure much of any useful information with a multi-meter on a CR123.

 

[cybersoga]

Thanks, ill stick to unused pairs from the same manufacturer bought at the same time and forget about measuring them then.

 

[mdocod]

I should also mention that there is this thing called a ZTS tester. In theory it can match cells that are within ~20%. It would still be advisable only to apply it's results to matches made with same brand and manufacture date. Many people own a ZTS simply for safety to weed out the occasional underperforming cell, but they are not bad tools to have around...

The ZTS does something a multi-meter can not, and that is perform an actual load test on the cell rather than just take a voltage reading.