rooster.5
Newly Enlightened
I am ordering an ultrafire wf-500 along with charger and 18650's. I have a choice of protected and unprotected batteries. Whats the difference? Could someone steer me in the right direction on this? Thanks.
protected and unprotected batteries
- Thread starter rooster.5
- Start date
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
Juggernaut
Flashlight Enthusiast
Protected batteries "at least AW's" will hopefully stop the battery from being over discharged and charged by having a built-in circuit protector thingy. Well that's what I know:shrug:, if you don't want to take it from me wait until a more experienced Li-ion battery guy comes on, or you could read up on it
.
.
Mr Happy
Flashlight Enthusiast
Steer you in the right direction...do you want an honest answer? To be frank, the honest answer is do not make this purchase.
Every place I have seen that sells 18650's and chargers for them has a disclaimer something along the lines of "Only buy this product if you are an educated user, if you know what you are buying, and if you know how to use these products safely."
By asking the question you have asked, you indicate you are not an educated user and you do not know what you are buying.
Therefore, please spend some time on this forum with the search function and read the plentiful information you will find here. Then when you have done that, go ahead and make your purchase. At that time you will know what to buy and will know how to use it safely, and therefore will not be asking this question.
In case you are in any doubt, 18650's in the wrong hands can be dangerous.
brighterisbetter
Flashlight Enthusiast
LOL! Brutal...but LOL! Oh yeah, +1 on the importance of your message.
torpeau
Newly Enlightened
It sure would be nice if there were one site that dealt strictly with this subject of safety with Li-Ions instead of having to do multiple searches.
Last edited:
moldyoldy
Flashlight Enthusiast
Let me join the chorus of votes suggesting that the purchase of the 18650 Li-Ion cell not be made!
I suggest using a single-cell light using a primary CR123 cell, or preferably changing back to something like a Eagletac P10A2 with two AA cells - an impressive amount of light! then use normal LSD AA Ni-MH cells commonly available and very safe!
Why? There are plenty of posts and photos on CPF of what the much smaller xCR123 cell can do when venting, or emptying it's guts in a violent manner into the nearby surroundings. The 18650 cell is huge by comparison! A serious amount of energy is stored in an 18650 cell. Rapid disassociation of contents is to be feared! and even breathing the fumes from a venting is dangerous as well. Pointedly, most users of rechargeable Lithium-something cell state that they do not let it charge w/o being around, or do not charge inside a closed area.
I suggest using a single-cell light using a primary CR123 cell, or preferably changing back to something like a Eagletac P10A2 with two AA cells - an impressive amount of light! then use normal LSD AA Ni-MH cells commonly available and very safe!
Why? There are plenty of posts and photos on CPF of what the much smaller xCR123 cell can do when venting, or emptying it's guts in a violent manner into the nearby surroundings. The 18650 cell is huge by comparison! A serious amount of energy is stored in an 18650 cell. Rapid disassociation of contents is to be feared! and even breathing the fumes from a venting is dangerous as well. Pointedly, most users of rechargeable Lithium-something cell state that they do not let it charge w/o being around, or do not charge inside a closed area.
Do a search for "Roar of the Pelican" -- I think there was a pretty extensive discussion of battery operation in that thread.
rooster.5
Newly Enlightened
After reading all the great info,I am convinced that I don't really need any light that uses these batteries. Did'nt realize the safety issues related to these cells. I'll stick with what I know!! Would also like to say to Lux Luthor that I don't beleive it was MrHappy's intention to be' brutal'. I took it as being truly concerned for one's well being and I appreciate that.Thanks again.
Last edited:
torpeau
Newly Enlightened
The ROTP discussion is mostly about how some primaries (CR123As) erupted.
I see lots of recommendations to be careful with Li-Ion rechargeables, but no place that concisely deals with the issue. It sure would be nice if there were a single place that tells what to do and what not to do with protected and unprotected batteries.
Yeah I suppose you're right. Of course I have a similar question on the board right now, too -- I ordered a Jetbeam Military and now have to find something to power it with.
It's just that lithium rechargeables seem to be ready to punish you for overcharging OR over-discharging. And the "protection" of protected cells are like a reserve parachute -- don't use it unless the main scares you more! IOW, it's a last resort, and when you use it, you're right on the brink of a major problem.
Earl
