Uneven 123 cell discharge

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Surefire 9P, 3x123 cells.

One of the 123 cells discharged to 1.8V. The other two are at 2.8V.

I wonder if it could still run if they were all at 2.8V.

Why does one cell discharge more than the others?

Question, are these 2.8V cells useful anywhere else?

 

[WildChild]

Surefire 9P, 3x123 cells.

One of the 123 cells discharged to 1.8V. The other two are at 2.8V.

I wonder if it could still run if they were all at 2.8V.

Why does one cell discharge more than the others?

Question, are these 2.8V cells useful anywhere else?

What brand are the cells? Not all batteries are created equals and variations like this occurs. At 2.8V a CR123A is nearly depleted but voltage isn't the best indicator with this type of cell. I've had once a CR123A that gave an open voltage of 2.8V but that would drop under 1V with a slight load on it while the other of the same set would still keep up, but not for long. The best would be to recycle the 1.8V cell and to use the two 2.8V cells in a 1 cell or 2 cells LED light. Many are good battery drainers and may provide up to a few hours of life on cells like this. It means... More CR123A lights purchase for you... You can't escape us!

 

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These are Surefire 123 cells.