sed6
Enlightened
Hotwire Disaster Kills 12 Eneloops
updated 11:42 p.m. EST, Sat January 26, 2008
Oklahoma City, OK (CPF) – In an attempt to create his first hotwire mod, Sed6 killed 12 brand new Eneloop 1.2v rechargeable batteries late last night, officials say.
Sed6 is a budding flashaholic, someone who collects, modifies or generally just loves flashlights and most anything flashlight related. In the recent months since his addiction set in he has limited himself to drop-ins and other easy mods. It was only after obtaining parts for a more advanced mod that the stage was set for this disaster.
"He's fairly competent, but he took on a project above his understanding." said a fellow CPFer. Sed6 assembled the needed parts for this hotwire mod from various sources; a metal reflector, bi-pin adapter, 3AA-1D adapters from Kaidomain, a 4D Mag host from his local Wal-Mart, and the Eneloops from Circuit City.
The bulb used, part #3482, was rated at 6v and 20W and was also obtained from Kai as part of a series of bulbs tested by Sed6. Two other bulbs, #3486 and #3488 provided satisfactory results but "were no brighter then my 6D ROP," said Sed6. The #3482 bulb was driven by 12 Eneloops in series putting out 16.35v at 4.38amps and all cells were contained in Kai cell holders.
The test started well with a blinding, brilliant white light, onlookers reported. After 2 minutes the head was very hot and the body was quite warm. After 3 ½ minutes the head was too hot to touch and the body was very hot as well. At about 5 minutes witnesses reported hearing a "popping and sizzle" sound coming from within the body of the light. "I don't know why but Sed6 didn't turn the light off right way," one witness said "instead he grabbed his camera and looked like he was going to take pictures."
About 30 seconds later the light was turned off and the batteries in their holders, dumped out. The damage however was already done. Initial inspection showed all the cells had melted wrapping on the outside, some were even bubbling. As well 4-5 of the batteries were actively venting, releasing noxious gases into the room, officials said. Also of note, all 4 battery holders were firmly melted together. Also melted was the bottom of the switch mechanism and the top of the switch where the bulb is held. "It just got too hot," one expert said, "a few more seconds and the explosion would have leveled his house."
Sed6 is now seeking an understanding of what went wrong. "Clearly volts, amps, current and resistance all play a role here, but I'm not sure exactly how," said Sed6. "I know others have done similar mods without the disastrous results." "I guess I just need a little advice from those with more experience."
click here to comment on this article
updated 11:42 p.m. EST, Sat January 26, 2008
Oklahoma City, OK (CPF) – In an attempt to create his first hotwire mod, Sed6 killed 12 brand new Eneloop 1.2v rechargeable batteries late last night, officials say.
Sed6 is a budding flashaholic, someone who collects, modifies or generally just loves flashlights and most anything flashlight related. In the recent months since his addiction set in he has limited himself to drop-ins and other easy mods. It was only after obtaining parts for a more advanced mod that the stage was set for this disaster.
"He's fairly competent, but he took on a project above his understanding." said a fellow CPFer. Sed6 assembled the needed parts for this hotwire mod from various sources; a metal reflector, bi-pin adapter, 3AA-1D adapters from Kaidomain, a 4D Mag host from his local Wal-Mart, and the Eneloops from Circuit City.
The bulb used, part #3482, was rated at 6v and 20W and was also obtained from Kai as part of a series of bulbs tested by Sed6. Two other bulbs, #3486 and #3488 provided satisfactory results but "were no brighter then my 6D ROP," said Sed6. The #3482 bulb was driven by 12 Eneloops in series putting out 16.35v at 4.38amps and all cells were contained in Kai cell holders.
The test started well with a blinding, brilliant white light, onlookers reported. After 2 minutes the head was very hot and the body was quite warm. After 3 ½ minutes the head was too hot to touch and the body was very hot as well. At about 5 minutes witnesses reported hearing a "popping and sizzle" sound coming from within the body of the light. "I don't know why but Sed6 didn't turn the light off right way," one witness said "instead he grabbed his camera and looked like he was going to take pictures."
About 30 seconds later the light was turned off and the batteries in their holders, dumped out. The damage however was already done. Initial inspection showed all the cells had melted wrapping on the outside, some were even bubbling. As well 4-5 of the batteries were actively venting, releasing noxious gases into the room, officials said. Also of note, all 4 battery holders were firmly melted together. Also melted was the bottom of the switch mechanism and the top of the switch where the bulb is held. "It just got too hot," one expert said, "a few more seconds and the explosion would have leveled his house."
Sed6 is now seeking an understanding of what went wrong. "Clearly volts, amps, current and resistance all play a role here, but I'm not sure exactly how," said Sed6. "I know others have done similar mods without the disastrous results." "I guess I just need a little advice from those with more experience."
click here to comment on this article
Last edited:
Poor Eneloops...
