Re: NEW and trying to learn. Questions
I think we are getting off topic, or missing the point. The point being, why aren't LED flashlights being made idiot proof? MORE SAFE
It's not the laptop itself that controls the battery packs. The packs contain their own sophisticated circuits that keep an eye on the pack. A pack can be out of the laptop and still be protected. Same is true in tool battery packs. They need this safety more so because they are contained into closed and sealed space without venting. And with flashlights, batteries are also contained in a closed space not being able to release any gas pressure should the need arise and are not monitored to shut them down in case of failing cell giving rise to the possibility of an explosion. Simply put, these new modern LED flashlights are not safe. One cell can blow a flashlight apart releasing toxic fumes into the air. These monitoring circuits are not that expensive so why isn't safety the first consideration from the manufacturers of the new LED flashlights?
There are a lot of safe and very good and bright LED lights - they are powered by NiMh batteries.
If you are an enthusiast or professional needing that extra power that LiIon gives you have some good lights to choose from also.
Singel cell lights that steps down and finally switch off when battery gets weak, for instance Zebralight but also many more.
Many of these also have voltage indicator of some kind.
You don't need protected cells in these lights but many, incl me, use protected cells anyway for extra safety (during discharge and charge).
For multi cell flashlights (I don't have any multi LiIon myself) I would prefer if the cells were in parallell and not in serie.
You don't get inverse charge when connected in parallell.
There are som lights like that, ZL, Fenix, Olight and more I'll guess.
If using a flashlight with 2 or more cells in serie I would only use good quality, protected cells and check voltage before and after use and charge so I know in what health and charge the cells are
Regarding powertools (using the safer IMR chemistry I think) and laptop battery packs they are made with 3 or 6 or maybe more cells and then used and abused in the same configuration for several years.
They are getting drained and charged over and over and maybe put on charge for long time.
As the years passes one or more cells gets bad and without the built in protection you would get inverse charge and problems.
If you want a flashlight that you can treat in the same way my tip is to go with NiMh or buy a light from one of the powertool brands that uses one of their batterypacks