Q regarding Fenix L2D Gas Buildup

[katx]

I have a month old Fenix L2D. I just noticed that after using the flashlight in turbo mode for as short as 2 minutes there is so much gas buildup that the rubber covering the switch is bloated and I have to exert a lot more pressure to turn the switch off or on. When I turn the tail cap a couple turns then like puncturing a tire the gas escapes and the bloating goes away.

I am using Energizer Rechargeable 2300 mAh batteries.

Is this a battery problem?

Is the flashlight supposed to release these gases and therefore I have a flashlight problem?

Could I be damaging the light if I continue using my set-up?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[LukeA]

It's a battery problem.

 

[Braddah_Bill]

Its the battery.

All nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries have a seal on the top of each battery to release gas bulid up -- and there are different reasons for the gas to build up. Its the nature of the battery, just as the 1% discharge per day is.

I feel it is wise to research the batteries you plan to put in your light is just as important as the research you did when selecting your light.

This link may help a bit:

http://www.sfenvironment.org/downloads/library/rechargebatteries.pdf

My personal choice of batteries for my AA lights are the Energizer E2 Litiums, while being more expensive to run than NiMH, the long shelf life of the E2s fills my needs better.




Bill

 

[katx]

Its the battery.

All nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries have a seal on the top of each battery to release gas bulid up -- and there are different reasons for the gas to build up. Its the nature of the battery, just as the 1% discharge per day is.

I feel it is wise to research the batteries you plan to put in your light is just as important as the research you did when selecting your light.

This link may help a bit:

http://www.sfenvironment.org/downloads/library/rechargebatteries.pdf

My personal choice of batteries for my AA lights are the Energizer E2 Litiums, while being more expensive to run than NiMH, the long shelf life of the E2s fills my needs better.




Bill

Thanks for the replies.

So that brand of rechargeable are bad (for my Fenix) or only those individual batteries in the light are bad?

I have a few SL 4AA PP. I recall seeing a hole in the body of the flashlight. The user manual indicated those are for releasing built up gases. Does Fenix not have a similar relief valve?

Also, I have a hang up regarding non-rechargeables. I must use rechargeables. Any advise on which rechargeables to use?

Thanks.

 

[Illum]

Does Fenix not have a similar relief valve?

not that i know of....the SLPP4AALux is the only light I have that actually has a "vent valve" built into its design

 

[moon lander]

Does Fenix not have a similar relief valve?

seems like a good idea, since li-ion cells can vent rapidly you wouldnt really want to conceal that within a sealed metal tube. just the other day somone posted about their flashlight exploding during a runtime test when the li-ion cell failed.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

You could always prick the tailcap rubber boot with a fine pin?

 

[DM51]

These cells are obviously not capable of handling turbo mode, ie a high discharge rate. They should be able to do so without venting excessively like this, so you should stop using them in this light.

Some high-performance lights have a gas pressure relief valve, but this is not common and most lights should not need one. If you make a hole yourself to let the gas out, you will just be disguising the problem until it gets really bad. In any case, the light will no longer be water resistant if you do this.

It is worth noting that no pressure relief valve in any light is sufficient to deal with the venting that occurs in a thermal runaway.

 

[bullterrier]

Originally Posted by Illum_the_nation

not that i know of....the SLPP4AALux is the only light I have that actually has a "vent valve" built into its design

underwater kinetics UK300 have it to fore the last 5-10 years

 

[Long John]

not that i know of....the SLPP4AALux is the only light I have that actually has a "vent valve" built into its design

and Nuwai-lights too

Best regards

___
Tom

 

[wintermute]

These cells are obviously not capable of handling turbo mode, ie a high discharge rate. They should be able to do so without venting excessively like this, so you should stop using them in this light.

Try the Sanyo Eneloop or Titanium 2100 LSD (low self discharge) batteries, they can handle the high current draws with no gas release. They also exhibit much less voltage sag under load - requiring less overall current. Plus, they won't go dead if you leave them sitting around.

Sanyo Eneloops are available from BatteryBob.com for $9.75 per 4-pack including shipping if you use the discount code "Sheep"

Titanium 2100 LSD batteries are available from Amondotech for $10 per 4-pack (+ shiping)

I've found both batteries to perform exceptionally well, especially under load. Also, a funny note, the Eneloops are the nicest looking batteries I have ever seen.

 

[katx]

Thank you all. You are all full of...err...knowledge. I am humbled and impressed.

 

[wintermute]

Thank you all. You are all full of...err...knowledge. I am humbled and impressed.

Wow, even when people try to help, you can't resist little subtle attacks, can you.

 

[WildChild]

I never had any gas buildup in mine with Energizer 2500 (China) and Eneloop. I ran it on Turbo for a full batteries discharge a couple of times.

 

[zipplet]

Ditto with me and sanyo eneloops. No gassing problems at all. I highly recommend eneloops to anyone (I have tried plain old NiMH of many brands including energizer in past times).

 

[BlackDecker]

Good information... I ordered a L2D CE last week and will switch to just running Eneloops in it rather than my crappy Energizer 2500's.

 

[f22shift]

duracells bad too. look at battery nipple for vents. dont use those brands

 

[VF1Jskull1]

I have a month old Fenix L2D. I just noticed that after using the flashlight in turbo mode for as short as 2 minutes there is so much gas buildup that the rubber covering the switch is bloated and I have to exert a lot more pressure to turn the switch off or on. When I turn the tail cap a couple turns then like puncturing a tire the gas escapes and the bloating goes away.

I am using Energizer Rechargeable 2300 mAh batteries.

Is this a battery problem?

Is the flashlight supposed to release these gases and therefore I have a flashlight problem?

Could I be damaging the light if I continue using my set-up?

Any advice is appreciated.

I had the same thing happen to me with my late L2P.... i twist tail cap off and relieved the pressure... it literally destroyed the tail cap switch boot so i replaced with spare...

gave the light to my younger brother as a gift... since i have a L2T already (but has since been MIA for about a month or so)...

 

[MattK]

I suspect that what you are seeing is a result of heat stress on the batteries. The Fenix lights run VERY hot in the Turbo mode and heat is the most common cause of cell venting. Be on the lookout for leakage as well...

 

[ltiu]

My personal choice of batteries for my AA lights are the Energizer E2 Litiums, while being more expensive to run than NiMH, the long shelf life of the E2s fills my needs better.

Bill

Amen! L91 is the best!