Question re: AW 14500 voltage reading of zero

[shakeylegs]

I'm using 4 of AW's 14500's in a modamag 4-by serial holder as a power source for a 1D 5 Cree setup. The setup worked for a short period then exhibited some ghostly behavior and stopped functioning. I measured the pack at 15+ volts a few days ago after the light crashed. Thought I was having problems with the switch which was moded for a maxflex. Switch tested fine. Everything wired properly. Then I checked the emitter connections and found two had worked loose. Resoldered them and fired up the light. Nothing. So I checked the battery pack tonight and it was exhausted. One of the 14500's measured 3.26 volts, another 2.6 volts. The other two showed 0 volts. I'm guessing there was a short that caused the rapid drain.

Question. Are those two "0" batteries drained completely or have they simply fallen below the protection circuit voltage minimum? Secondly, why would two batteries drain so completely while the other two maintain energy? Finally, should I retire the two depleted batteries or at least not pair them with the other two? I'm wondering about any safety issues. These are almost new, low use batteries.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Shakeylegs,

I would say that all 4 of your cells are discharged, and 2 of them tripped the low voltage protection circuit.

Put the 2 cells that are showing 0 volts in your charger for a few seconds and then measure their voltages. That should reset the protection circuit, and you will be good to go.

I don't think it is best to run cells all the way down to where the protection circuit kicks in. It is better to recharge often, or to stop before you run the battery pack all the way down.

If your 0 volt cells show over 3 volts after a few seconds on the charger, they should be OK.

Tom

 

[shakeylegs]

Thanks Tom,
I appreciate your help. All four bounced back and are holding a full charge.
Steve

 

[pobox1475]

That is so cool . I've got to get a couple of those for my ConneXion. This modern battery tech amazes me :thumbsup:.