Strange behavior with AW 14500 cell

[Captain Spaulding]

I have been using AW cells for a very long time with no problems. But now I have a brand new AW protected 14500 that is acting strange and I am wondering if it is unsafe at this point.

It comes off the charger at 4.18 consistently and is working fine in my new Jet I Prov V3. I have ran it through about 3 cycles fine, but every once in a while the light will stop working and go dark. I have then removed the cell and tested the voltage and will get a reading of 0.00 V. Then I let it sit for a few minutes and test again and it will test around 2.8V . I then let it sit and take another reading and it will sometimes read 0V again... I then put it in the charger for 10 seconds, remove and test 3.5V again

Ive never had a cell act this way and I guess I am just looking for confirmation that I should stop using this cell... I got it from the hound and dont know if they would exchange it or not...

What do you guys think? Im pretty sure the answer is to stop using said cell, but I have never seen this before and am wondering if anyone has an explanation for me..

Anyone?

 

[45/70]

Hi Captain. If it is a protected cell, it sounds like the protection PCB is faulty. This isn't all that uncommon, even with quality cells. Protection PCB's are manufactured by third parties and then added to the cells by the distributors. I would contact Lighthound and see if they won't replace it.

Dave

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Thanks Dave!

I appreciate your help and response. That makes perfect sense. I will follow your advice and contact lighthound.

It sounds like the cell isnt dangerous, but just annoying and inconsistent with a bad PCB...

Thanks again.
lovecpf

EDIT: my mistake, ordered this cell from bugoutgearusa instead, which is good because I am very familiar with the service from there!

 

[jasonck08]

First off, I'm not sure what light you have and I'm not sure of the current draw.

But if the voltage is reading 0.00 that means the PCB has tripped. The IC's usually require you to pop the cell on the charger, before it will release the cell to be charged or discharged anymore.

Secondly, if the reseting cell voltage is 3.5v and the cell is under heavy load in the light (ie 1-2A draw) then it is quite possible that the 3.5v sagged down to 2.75v where the PCB kicks in.

The cell MAY NOT be defective, it may be just doing its job.

How often is "once in a while?" Does it trip after a minute of use? After 30 minutes of use?

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Thanks for the additional response jasonck08.

I am using it in a new Jetbeam Jet I Pro V3

I had just pulled the battery off the charger and put it in the light and it lit for 2 min then died. I pulled the battery and tested voltage at 0.0V. I then let it set one hour and tried again with the same result, 0.0V.

Now when I put the cell in the charger the charger status lights dont change. its not even recognizing the cell now... Cant charge it and it reads 0.0V..

Spoke with flavio and I guess Im just going to send it in for replacement at this point.