CR123A help??

[MBKrPeter50]

I am fairly new to world of quality flashlights and I seem to find everyone recommending CR123A cell flashlights. I am unfamiliar with these types of batteries and I was wondering, what all do I need to know about these batteries? I am sure there are already posts on this topic, so if someone could post some links I would greatly appreciate it. Also if anyone has any recommendation on what I should look out for I would greatly appreciate that sort of help as well. The reason I am asking these questions is because I have heard some horror stories about these type of batteries and I was also curious of how you are supposed to dispose of these batteries, since them can be some what unstable?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Patrick

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Patrick,

Welcome to CPF.

If your light only uses 1 cell, you can pretty much get by using any brand available.

If your light uses more than 1 cell, you need to make sure the cells are well matched to each other. We have found that the name brand cells made in the US or Japan, or Sanyo cells made in China, are better to use in multicell lights.

The main thing to remember is that when the cells in a multicell light get run down, remove them. If you have extra cells you can load your new cells, but by removing the cells you will avoid the problems that have been reported with cells exploding and catching fire. You should also instruct family members to do the same.

If the light doesn't come on, or there is any other problems that come up, your first action should be to remove the cells.

Many of us use a battery tester like the ZTS tester to check the condition of cells prior to using them in multicell lights. It is also good to check cells that have been in long term storage.

Disposal is often done by simply putting them in the garbage, but it is better to check your location to see if there is a better way to dispose of them. I take mine to a hazardous disposal site and let them figure out how to properly dispose of them.

Tom

 

[MBKrPeter50]

Thanks Tom, for all of your help.

Thanks again
Patrick