Eneloops in single digit weather

[RWT1405]

You know every AA / AAA cell that cannot be charged, and does not say 'Eneloop' on the wrapping? That's an alkaline. ^^
I haven't touched those things in years. 🙂

Incorrect 😉

 

[PaladinNO]

Incorrect 😉

Impressive box! I would like me one of those for my Eneloops!
I only have a stack of 8-slot boxes for my AAA/AA-cells.

But are those batteries rechargeables? If not, then my point kinda stands. 😉
And I was joking about suggesting only Eneloops exclusively are not alkalines. I have had some GP Power and Duracell rechargeable AA cells. The Duracells were rubbish and the GP Power were utter thrash(!).

 

[RWT1405]

They are NOT rechargeable

AND

they are NOT alkaline! 😉

You CAN have non-rechargeable AA's, that are NOT alkaline

They are non-rechargeable Energizer Lithium AA's, and for sure, they are NOT alkaline, LOL!

So no, your point is incorrect, sorry!

I'm also not a fan of DuraLeaks


As to the box, it works well, as long as you are not too rough with it

 

[PaladinNO]

They are non-rechargeable Energizer Lithium AA's, and for sure, they are NOT alkaline,

Huh, I don't think I've ever used such cells. Different chemistry, I would imagine.
I've never bothered to read up on batteries in details like their chemistry. All I have cared about is "what is best for my use" and "how to use and store them properly and safely".

My initial post was meant as joke, on how "Eneloops are obviously far superiour to anything else of that size" - and you just did kinda went and ruined it by poking holes in it with a factual stick. Thanks. xD

 

[TIFisher]

Huh, I don't think I've ever used such cells. Different chemistry, I would imagine.
I've never bothered to read up on batteries in details like their chemistry. All I have cared about is "what is best for my use" and "how to use and store them properly and safely".

My initial post was meant as joke, on how "Eneloops are obviously far superiour to anything else of that size" - and you just did kinda went and ruined it by poking holes in it with a factual stick. Thanks. xD

The caveat with Energizer Lithium Primaries is their initial voltage (full charge generally around 1.8v out of the package). In very rare instances, they may not be wholly compatible in "dual fuel" devices (AAA/AA>10440/14500 LI-ION), particularly if they are run in series. As an example, I have an early version of the Convoy T4 (2-cell 14500 or AA). The original drivers were designed for li-ion LVP to kick in above the voltage ceiling for dual lithium primary, and then not again come into regulation until normal x2 AA voltages. This has since been resolved in that model, but it's just a one-off example. I do run Eneloops in that light though as it is not in a critical primary or back-up role. That said, I run ELP's or CR123 primaries in anything that will accommodate them if intended for long term storage. They aren't inexpensive, but certainly qualify the price vs wrecking/replacing equipment due to leaky alternatives. They have long shelf lives and greater temperature tolerance. Never had any issues with them leaking nor noted any voltage or capacity degradation over time.

 

[RWT1405]

Huh, I don't think I've ever used such cells. Different chemistry, I would imagine.
I've never bothered to read up on batteries in details like their chemistry. All I have cared about is "what is best for my use" and "how to use and store them properly and safely".

My initial post was meant as joke, on how "Eneloops are obviously far superiour to anythinlse of that size" - and you just did kinda went and ruined it by poking holes in it with a factual stick. Thanks. xD

Sorry about that, LOL

FYI............

 

[Schokokeks]

I agree with you right up to the use of AA alkalines in my flashlights

Instead, I use Energizer Lithium AA's

I am slowly beginning to use rechargeables in some primary use flashlights, but always have CR123's or Lithium AA's with me, as back-up

I still continue to use only CR123's and Lithium AA's in flashlights kept in my vehicles, work bags, BOB's, etc..

I always wondered who buys those huge cases of batteries on Battery Junction, hahaha.
My AA supply is about as big as yours, but I'm all-in on Eneloops.

I've thought of picking up maybe 4 to keep around for extreme emergency use (I have a decent supply of unused CR123A's that came with lights), as they have that decade lifespan.

Are you primarily using them with really bright lights, or at more modest outputs? I get the impression they Lithium AA's are fantastic when run with low outputs, and that runtimes at lower outputs probably takes some of the sting out of the cost.

 

[Monocrom]

I always wondered who buys those huge cases of batteries on Battery Junction, hahaha.

😉

 

[RWT1405]

I always wondered who buys those huge cases of batteries on Battery Junction, hahaha.
My AA supply is about as big as yours, but I'm all-in on Eneloops.

I've thought of picking up maybe 4 to keep around for extreme emergency use (I have a decent supply of unused CR123A's that came with lights), as they have that decade lifespan.

Are you primarily using them with really bright lights, or at more modest outputs? I get the impression they Lithium AA's are fantastic when run with low outputs, and that runtimes at lower outputs probably takes some of the sting out of the cost.

You're a funny guy, New guy

You have all the answers, don't you?

We luvingly refer to such folks as 2/20's

2 months experience, but think they have 20 years of knowledge

My wife got me that for Christmas a few years ago

I'm pretty sure it was from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

She'd have no idea what Battery Junction is.

Yeah, I have about 30 or so AA Eneloops also.

 

[Schokokeks]

You're a funny guy, New guy

You have all the answers, don't you?

We luvingly refer to such folks as 2/20's

2 months experience, but think they have 20 years of knowledge

My wife got me that for Christmas a few years ago

I'm pretty sure it was from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

She'd have no idea what Battery Junction is.

Yeah, I have about 30 or so AA Eneloops also.

Hot skippy! I'm living in your head rent free! I didn't realize it was the "Get off my lawn" guy! NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! I thought you were going to turn your frown upside down, and come on down to Happy Town! What happened!? Wind took your kite? Snow got your socks soggy? Kid at the store didn't know what braunschweiger was? Goose stole your sandwich?

I hope you're sitting down, because it might shock you to know this... I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to share such classified secrets...but the date people register on a single website isn't the date they were born. It's true! I know! I didn't believe it at first, either!

People can come to this website and know about ALL SORTS of things before they ever post here! Many of us have ENTIRE LIVES outside of this website! Even OTHER HOBBIES! Professions, educations, experiences, too! It's truly amazing!

By "case," I was making a joke about this:

Energizer Ultimate L91 (620PK) AA 3000mAh 1.5V High Energy 5A Lithium (LiFeS2) Button Top Batteries - Case of 620

Lasts up to 8 times longer than alkaline keeping you powered up20 year shelf life - stock up for emergencies!The best choice for consistent power, great in low drain devices like remotesSafe and reliable - capable of performing in high or low temperatures

www.batteryjunction.com

Whenever I see these massive quantities of primary cells, I always just wonder who buys them, outside of commercial accounts.

Turns out - it's grumpy old men!
I was always a huge Jack Lemmon fan, but it's obvious you're more of a Walter Matthau fan...
Oh, what shenanigans do we have in store for the future around these parts!?
I guess you can say, we're an Odd Couple...united by our love for glowing tubes.

 

[this_is_nascar]

I can't believe how much those Energizer AA lithiums have increased in price over the last several years. I'm forced to use them in my Blink cameras and they really went up.

 

[RWT1405]

I hope you're sitting down, because it might shock you to know this... I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to share such classified secrets...but the date people register on a single website isn't the date they were born. It's true! I know! I didn't believe it at first, either!

People can come to this website and know about ALL SORTS of things before they ever post here! Many of us have ENTIRE LIVES outside of this website! Even OTHER HOBBIES! Professions, educations, experiences, too! It's truly amazing!

Well thank you, Captain Obvious

Thank god you informed me of this, as I had no idea

You can have lots of experience/knowledge on a subject, but WISE folks, know that when they are NEW someplace (new job, on-line forums/etc), walking in and acting like you know it all, and that you have ALL the answers, results in many people not thinking very highly of you

The other thing is that when you write a book for almost every response, it really makes you look like a pompous blowhard

I am sorry that we got off on the wrong foot, but my instincts have served me well over the years

One last thing, you might add to your profile what you do for a living and a little about yourself

We have had more than a few "super-secret agents" that have all sorts of "experience" with flashlights, etc. but were unable to actually tell us what that experience was, or ANYTHING about their jobs/etc.

So again, I am really sorry that we got off on the wrong foot

 

[bluflaam777]

^ you both should get a room. ;^)

 

[aznsx]

I always wondered who buys those huge cases of batteries on Battery Junction

Whenever I see these massive quantities of primary cells, I always just wonder who buys them, outside of commercial accounts.

BJ isn't really your 'average' flashlight / battery retail distributor. Keep in mind the fact that Battery Junction is a DBA of Shore Power, Inc., a (rather large?) wholesale distributor.

 

[JimIslander]

ChatGPT 4o

You said:
Eneloop vs primary lithium in sub zero weather?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
In sub-zero temperatures, primary lithium (Li-FeS₂ or Li-MnO₂) batteries significantly outperform Eneloop (NiMH) rechargeable batteries for several reasons:

1. Cold Temperature Performance
Primary Lithium (Li-FeS₂ or Li-MnO₂): Performs well down to -40°C (-40°F), with only a moderate drop in capacity.
Eneloop (NiMH): Experiences significant voltage drop below 0°C (32°F) and becomes nearly unusable below -20°C (-4°F).
2. Voltage Stability
Primary Lithium: Nominal voltage of 1.5V per cell, maintains a higher voltage over its discharge cycle.
Eneloop NiMH: Nominal voltage of 1.2V per cell, which drops further in cold temperatures.
3. Capacity Retention
Primary Lithium: Holds charge for 10+ years, even in cold storage.
Eneloop NiMH: Retains charge well (about 85% after 1 year), but self-discharge increases in cold temperatures.
4. Power Output
Primary Lithium: Provides more initial and sustained power at low temperatures.
Eneloop NiMH: Internal resistance increases, reducing available power and efficiency.
5. Weight
Primary Lithium: Lighter than NiMH, making them preferable for portable applications.
Eneloop NiMH: Heavier due to metal hydride chemistry.
Conclusion
If you need reliable power in sub-zero conditions, primary lithium batteries (e.g., Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA) are the best choice. Eneloop NiMH batteries struggle in extreme cold and will have significantly reduced performance. However, if you must use Eneloops in cold weather, keeping them inside warm clothing can help maintain their function.

 

[Schokokeks]

3. Capacity Retention
Primary Lithium: Holds charge for 10+ years, even in cold storage.
Eneloop NiMH: Retains charge well (about 85% after 1 year), but self-discharge increases in cold temperatures.

That's odd because Panasonic used to point out that, while cold storage reduces the self-discharge rate, you will see a performance decrease using cold batteries (they used to have

Generally, batteries self-discharge faster as temperature increases...

I guess it was "hallucinating" on that point, haha.

 

[lumen aeternum]

All the primary lithium C and D size I find are 3.6v. What's with that?

 

[NiOOH]

Before arguing, let's think what is the actual temperature in real use of a light. First, any light heats up (more or less) while in operation. When discharged at high currents, batteries produce heat themselves.
Second, you are likely to hold the light in your (gloved) hand. Think about what the temperature in this battery compartment will be, compared to the ambient. Truth is, it's higher, sometimes much higher.
Weather station sensors are a different scenario.

 

[dc38]

Before arguing, let's think what is the actual temperature in real use of a light. First, any light heats up (more or less) while in operation. When discharged at high currents, batteries produce heat themselves.
Second, you are likely to hold the light in your (gloved) hand. Think about what the temperature in this battery compartment will be, compared to the ambient. Truth is, it's higher, sometimes much higher.
Weather station sensors are a different scenario.

You can't tell me you don't like to boil yourself alive in a japanese hot spring while checking out the beam patterns of your lights underwater and exposing the other patrons to embarrassing situations...