Author Topic: Danger of flash lights (Read 1876 times)

SHOOTALL · « **on:** January 18, 2012, 01:05:11 AM »

I had a what seems odd experince with a flash light. I was using a 2 cell (CR 123A 3V ) light. It went dead so I clicked the on/off button and set it aside and picked up another one. The Bats were made in China by Tenergy . Marked Propel Lithium. The flashlight was marked Cyclops. I have used this light for several years with good results. The light is alum in construction .
What happened is after setting it aside about an hour later I heard what sounded like a 22 short going off . A few mins. later another pop then a smell ( that pop must have been the one to blow out the switch. The light burned the surface it was sitting on and was to hot to hold.
This flash light had not been near water so it was not wet . I really don't know what caused the bats to explode but thought it would be wise to post as many use these type lights and and bats lights.
Any ideas ?

Rol Page · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2012, 02:58:09 PM »

Today I had a 4 hour road trip so decided it was time to recharge my Streamlight Stinger LED flashlight in my truck with the DC charger. The light was working normally before the charge. Upon reaching my destination I noticed the light had come on while in the charger. Tried unsuccessfully to turn it off with the switch, ended up removing the battery pack to turn it off. A little later I reinstalled the battery and the light functioned normally. Turned if off and placed it standing lens down on the kitchen table.. A few minutes later I saw that the light had mysteriously turned on, and again I could not activate the switch to turn it off. Needless to say, I will be goggling Streamlight to see what can be done.

Silvertp · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2012, 05:19:29 PM »

Ok...thats a couple of scary / bizzar flash light stories. Hope you guys are able to get to the bottom of this.

The batteries melting down could have caused a serious problem. Glad neither of you were hurt.

Silvertp

bilmac · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2012, 06:01:36 PM »

Chinese quality control.

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2012, 06:09:24 PM »

Not just junk but the fact that lithium batteries are kinda dangerous. They aren't just regular batteries and shouldn't be treated as such.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2012, 06:24:10 AM »

I Think the quality of the 123's vary also.

teamnelson · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2012, 03:13:42 AM »

Glad no one was hurt!

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2012, 03:18:11 AM »

Me too ! thing is had the light been set aside and no one was around it may have started a fire.
A guy I shot IDPA once put a light away with it on . Put it back in the packaging and went to shower . When he got out he smelled smoke , the light had heated the packaging to the point it was brown and smoking.

Victor3 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2012, 08:12:25 PM »

Take a peek here for more info on what you're dealing with...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?107-Smoke-and-Fire-Hot-Cells-and-Close-Calls-The-dangerous-side-of-batteries

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2012, 03:55:28 AM »

Thanks lots of info,

powderman · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2012, 04:48:46 PM »

I haven't had a meltdown but I've had several bttys leak in the past 2 or 3 years and all times they were duracells, AAs, AAAs, and Ds. Never had that happen with Energizers. POWDERMAN.

Victor3 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2012, 10:44:47 PM »

A high percentage of alkaline batts leak within 3 years. Almost all will leak within 5 years after they're completely discharged.

This is one point (of several) where lithium batts shine for survival purposes; it's not common to get a leaker even after 10+ years and they'll generally retain ~70% of their power if stored that long.

I've gone to lithium 123s, AAs and AAAs (purchased online in bulk) for many disposable batt applications. All things considered, alkaline batts have largely become "false economy" to me.

don heath · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2012, 07:48:47 PM »

About three or 4 years ago the airlines started clamping down on carrying lithium batteries...I used to stock up on Surefire 123 batteries at the show and lug them home (they are almost impossible to get here and about $15 each when you can)...then Both Delta and SAA confiscated some of my batteries. Delta wanted them in the hand luggage only (and were good enough to give them to me after opening my case) but SAA confiscated most when I changed planes in Johanesberg as they said only a max of 4 could be carried in hand luggage...

Did some checking, and there have been some real nasty fires with cheap brand 123 Batteries. Have never head of Surefire or Duracell brand going up but have seen a Streamlight catch fire in camp (don't knows who's batteries- client couldn't remember but they were not one of the above two brands. and there was just enough left to see that they were not red or copper tops.)

When I am in the states next week I want a solar recharger and a selection of 123, AA and AAA batteries for it.

Victor3 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 24, 2012, 08:46:25 PM »

Best deal I've come across on 123s is Battery Station's house brand. Made in the US and last as long Surefire in my un-scientific tests. $1.30 each when you buy 50...

http://www.batterystation.com/cr123a.htm

I've tried cheaper imported 123s but none have lasted as long as these. I use them exclusively now.

Mxpe78a · « **Reply #14 on:** January 25, 2012, 01:27:11 PM »

Think small chevy volt, government motors wants us all to buy one.

powderman · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2012, 03:57:56 PM »

I'll show my ignorace I reckon but I have no idea what a 123 is. POWDERMAN.

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2012, 07:04:28 PM »

I bought a new 2-D cell MAG Light flash light, at the cabin I poped in two new duracell alkalines, came back 3 months latter (March it was -33F) and had found the batteries had froze and had leaked inside that new Aluminum Flashlight corroding it horribly.

never store alkalines in the flashlight for extended period of extreme cold.

odd story just 3 days ago at work a old water tester was pulled from it case to see if it could be used (circa 1987 from the insp tag) the undated metal cased 9volt Duracell was as good as the day it was installed!

Victor3 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2012, 01:28:02 AM »

Yet another reason to use lithium batts; they don't freeze (not above -75F anyway).

Couger · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2012, 12:17:09 PM »

.

woodchuckssuck · « **Reply #19 on:** April 22, 2012, 07:11:20 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard on January 18, 2012, 06:09:24 PM

Not just junk but the fact that lithium batteries are kinda dangerous. They aren't just regular batteries and shouldn't be treated as such.

THIS!

I made 9v Lithium Batteries for 3 years. Lithium is very unstable, and care must be taken with lithium batteries.

Treat them with care, and they are safe, however

DON'T over-discharge them. If they get to hot, POP and you can have a bit of a fire on your hands. Water + lithium = fire. Careful there, too. Dispose of properly by recycling. WRAP electrical tape around the battery, to keep the terminals from shorting.