I would like to make use of the 650 lumens using a 14500 battery . I am confused as to what the ’ 14500 ’ designates . Is this a rechargeable only battery ? What is the difference between a 14500 and an AA ? Furthermore , what is the difference between alkaline , lithium and NiMH batteries ? Which category does an AA belong in and which category a 14500 ? Have I overlooked any options for a battery in general and a specific battery for this light ? Protected and unprotected ? Button-top and flat-top ? I am confused !
Please supply a link on Amazon for the best 14500 battery and charger . Thank you very kindly in advance !
AA is usually alkaline 1,5V non rechargeable
AA rechargeable is usually NiMh 1,2V
14500 is the same dimension, but 3,7V Li-ion (you need a dedicated Lithium charger)
Lithium will give the rated 650 Lm and the lighted tailswitch.
14500 designates a Li Ion battery that is 14mm in diameter, and 50 mm long. That is the approximate size of an AA (alkaline or NiMH) battery.
Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable, and have a usable range from ~1.65 - 0.8V. Some uses can discharge the battery even lower.
NiMH AA is a rechargable battery with a usable range from ~1.5 - 1.0 volts, although it will “hold” at 1.2V for a long time.
Li Ion 14500 is also rechargable, but at different voltages and currents than the NiMH. It has a usable range from ~4.2 - 2.8v. Li Ion is energy dense, but also requires care not to damage the cell, overcharge, or overdischarge. If abused it is possible for Li Ion batteries to overheat, catch fire, and or leak toxic fumes.
You very likely won’t find a 14500 battery for sale on Amazon. Amazon has banned the sale of most “loose” Li Ion batteries, although they appear to allow them to be sold in a bundle with a flashlight.
In the US, LiIon Wholesale is a good source. Nkon.nl is well regarded in Europe. If you post the country you’re in, someone may have a recommendation.
I was not aware that the lighted tail switch . Thanks ! I noticed that you wrote ” usually ” regarding the AA ( alkaline ) and AA rechargeable ( NiMH ) . Are there any other options ? Thanks again .
By accidentally overcharging or overdischarging it, or by trying to charge it too quickly.
Not sure about other countries, but in the US, my guess is it has to do with more strict postal regulations that were recently enacted pertaining to shipping of standalone li-ion batteries. This increases shipping costs and/or delivery times, making it difficult for Amazon to offer free shipping and/or guaranteed 1-2 day delivery, like they do on most items.
Same ways as with any lithium-ion battery, of any size.
Lithium-ion battery safety 101
In brief — there are two chemicals inside the cell, separated by some kind of thin membrane ( many variations have been tried)
Any number of mistreatments, or simple aging, can cause breaches in that membrane, followed by rapid chemical reaction producing heat and, if there are flames, toxic gases.
Don’t ever throw a bad li-ion cell into ordinary garbage; make sure you know where your local battery recycler is.
How do I avoid unintentionally abusing it ? ( Serious question ! ) Thank you for the explanation as to why Amazon doesn’t sell them anymore . Very kind of you …
Ask the administrators to merge your two threads with the same questions. Do some reading on the forum about safe use of li-ion cells. If your gift recipients aren’t knowledgeable about li-ion cells, give them Eneloop or Fujitsu NiMH cells.
Aye aye , sir . Good catch ! However , the nature of this question is distinct from the first : I will probably follow your advice regarding not giving them li-on cells . They are mechanics like Gomer Pyle and therefore I will err on the side of caution . I would like to use a 14500 in the light I just ordered for myself though