Solarforce L2r rubber button blew out

[mn_doggie]

I just had the rubber button blow out the end cap of my approx 6 week old Solarforce L2 r (2xAA model) with a 3 mode LED. I purchased it from sbflashlights so I believe it is a real unit rather than a knock off.

I was using 2 La Crosse Tech 2000 NiMH cells (they came with my BC-900 charger) The torch had been on the high setting for about 15 minutes, I was intentionally running the cells down from about a half charge starting point so they could be recharged.

The rubber end only blew out. There was a loud pop. I had last opened the flashlight about 1/2 hr earlier so there shouldn't have been a lot of gas.

After the pop, the batteries were not even warm. The head unit was not warm.

I recharged the batteries, one took 1000 mah, the other 1500 mah.

Is this a venting issue? If so, how do I prevent it?

Vern

 

[Jimdo]

Yikes! This is the first time that I have heard of this happening.
I have sold many of the L2R's and have not heard of this occurring....
I am sure that Jake will take care of things, he always does.
- Jim Douglas II
Solarforce-USA

 

[carrot]

This is because of positive pressure inside the light due to gases escaping from your NiMH. It is not unusual for cells of any brand to outgas. I do not believe that there is a known reason for outgassing.

 

[hogger]

There seems to be an unusually elevated "gas" problem @ CPF latley

 

[carrot]

OK CPF flashlights, I am now restricting you to a bean-free diet.