Is it a risk to use CR123A batteries in a headlamp?

[Phaselock]

I know this topic has been up before, but I asked more specifically about the use of CR123A batteries in headlamps. I'm considering buying a CR123A based Zebralight headlamp. There are many advantages with CR123A batteries over AA batteries (which I use today). Among other things, longer life and higher output. I have read a bit about CR123A batteries here on this forum and that there may be a risk that they may explode. Especially cheap china batteries. Is CR123A in flashlights dangerous even when using well-known brands (not rechargeables)? The last thing I want is to go with a ticking time bomb on my forehead Should i stick with AA batteries?

What is your opinion?

 

[McAllan]

I recall one case with an exploded CR123A single cell light. But that's about it.
And then I don't know what was the cause. The battery or the light.

But there has been "much" more incidents with two (or more) cell lights because the weakest cell can be pushed in reverse by the strongest when it's depleted.

Bottom line is. If it's a single cell light and using quality cells you should have no worry. I won't push you to USA made cells as I'm not that patriotic. I'm using my Fenix PD20 with cheap store brand cells and they works perfectly. I don't know where they're made but looks surprisingly similar to a Japan made Panasonic in just about every way.

 

[TranceAddict]

lithium cell in air-tight container can caused severe injury especially when place on head in the event of cell rupture. AA is a much safer choice.

 

[Niconical]

It depends on 2 things, the headlight and the batteries.

Same as anything else, get known quality like Zebralight, and good USA MADE batteries like Batterystation or Surefire, and I see no problem.

If I had to choose one, I'd rather sleep with a zebralight round my head in the "ON" position with a Batterystation battery in it than with a cheapy headlamp "ON" powered by an ebay CR123A laying on the pillow next to me.

 

[VidPro]

What is your opinion?

i still want the nuclear reactor headlamp but i wouldnt fall to sleep with any of them ON and stuck on my head.
With many lithium/li-ion eruptions you still get a nice 3 second warning, so even if you and the manufactures did everything wrong, if you felt that a volcano was about to go off, take it off you head :tinfoil:

a miners light used Calcium Carbide, that is what we used in a Cannon http://www.davescooltoys.com/bigbangcannons/

 

[Phaselock]

Thanks for all the feedback and opinions. I'm on the safe side and stick to AA cells for my future headlamp.

 

[carrot]

Quality CR123's are safe. The only time anyone ever runs into problems is when they use cheap quality cells, particularly counterfeits and Chinese junk.

 

[McAllan]

Seems like I got a little misunderstood. I can see why. In the Nordic CR123A cells normally come with a quite prohibitive price tag.

The cells I use are those. Still expensive compared to US prices but much more acceptable. They are available in Sweden too but unfortunately not Norway and actually a little cheaper (the alkalines in Sweden are a little more expensive though :thinking.
Generally their batteries IMHO seems to be very decent quality good performance and visual build quality. I mostly use their brand in my stuff that use non rechargeables. As for as alkalines go I haven't had a single leak with those in contrast to Duracells etc. For rechargeables I use LSD types of various brands.

It is possible to get genuine Panasonic a bit cheaper from respectable local online dealers but then I have to buy almost a ton.

I certainly wouldn't use "cheap quality cells" off eB/\y etc. whether they're unknown Chinese firecrackers or "genuine" Duracell, Panasonic or whatever either.

 

[carrot]

Additionally, CR123's are smaller and lighter than AA's while providing more power, and work better in cold temperatures (unless you buy expensive Energizer Lithium AA's). In my opinion, perfect for a headlamp.