Need help protecting IMR 26650

[mansell2]

Hello. Most of my lights are C Mags. I have been away from CPF for awhile and just ordered 2 IMR 26650's from light hound.

I mistakenly thought they were protected. I don't build hot wires anymore but have a mag 3c with teralux tle-6ex that I was going to power with the 2x26650.

I can protect the overcharge with my inteligent Li-ion charger.

How can I easily protect from over-discharge?

Do i add PCB protection to each cell?
Do I add PCB protection to light?
Do I go for a 1x26650 option and shorten light.

I prefer not to make a pack.

I am ok with boring and cutting host.

Thanks,

mansell2

 

[bshanahan14rulz]

Some drivers will, instead of DD-ing when not enough voltage, just turn off instead. I don't know which ones, but that would be helpful feature. Probably cheaper than making a custom protection circuit for an IMR cell. Most protection circuits are for cells with ICR designation, and it would be poor use of IMR.

 

[jasonck08]

What kind of bulb / LED(s) are you planning on driving off these two IMR batteries?

Most high end PCB's for 18650 cells have about a 6A current limit.

 

[alpg88]

What kind of bulb / LED(s) are you planning on driving off these two IMR batteries?

.

teralux tle-6ex that I was going to power with the 2x26650.

 

[mansell2]

This is going to turn into a "what to do with 2x26650 and c mag host?" thread I bet.

 

[BigusLightus]

IMR cells are considered "Safe Chemistry" and don't need to be "Protected".

 

[mansell2]

IMR cells are considered "Safe Chemistry" and don't need to be "Protected".

My understanding is that the are Safer in regards to crushing, puncturing, etc, but that they still require over/under protection.

 

[jasonck08]

They are safer in the sense that they will not vent with flames like LiCo chemistry can. They still can be damaged by over charging or over discharging, the same way LiCo can.

They will also self destruct just like any battery will when short circuited for any length of time.

It is not recommended to discharge IMR batteries below 2.5v (under load).

Single IMR batteries are not protected usually, you just have to use caution and keep a DMM on hand to check the voltage occasionally. IMR batteries in tool battery packs and EV applications absolutely have protection circuits and cell balancing.