Maximum Discharge Rate for CR123A in Series

[awyeah]

Quick question - I've read that the max discharge rate for CR123As is 1.5C, which would be about 2.2 amps for the USA-made CR123As. That's clear.

I'm not an electrical engineer, so... if we have two CR123As in series - do we still adhere to the 2.2 amp rating? Or does it become 4.4 amps?

I ask because I'm thinking about doing a Solarforce setup with an XM-L P60 drop-in that's rated at 3 amps. I plan to use mostly 18650s with it, but I'd like to be able to use CR123As in a pinch.

 

[Mattaus]

I'm probably oversimplifying this but no. The capable discharge rate remains the same, its only your voltage that is increased.

The only way to double the discharge rate of your cells is to put them in parallel.

That being said I've seen plenty of CR123 tests done on discharges above 3A....though I wouldn't recommend it.

Hell, search these forums for 'CR123 shootout' (or words to that effect), and you'll find a very nice test writeup.

- Matt


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