I have a few Streamlight Protac 2AA and 2AAA flashlights. I was wondering if they can use the energizer ultimate lithium AA/AAA batteries. Streamlight advertised that you can use lithium batteries in the 1AA AND 1AAA, but never mentioned it for the 2AA/2AAA.
I’ve talked to a few different customer service reps from Streamlight and get conflicting answers. I’m confused whether I can use them or not and why they might be fine in 1AA/1AAA flashlights, but not in 2AA/2AAA. Any explanation greatly appreciated. Thanks!
One possible / likely explanation (speculation) for this could be:
In general, the output voltage of the lithium primary cells is higher under most circumstances than that of an alkaline cell. If that difference the flashlight sees is ‘x volts’ higher in a 1-cell application, then in a 2-cell application, the total difference will be ‘2x volts’ higher, and that may exceed the allowable specification tolerance they are comfortable with recommending.
Well, pretty much anywhere. I have a few devices where the manufacturer specifically says not to use them. A few radios and some other gadgets. They probably would be fine, but will void the warranty. They do measure over 1.7 volts open circuit when new. Compared to 1.5 or less for standard alkaline cells. Apparently that is too much for some devices. I just suggest doing the homework before just throwing them into something. Especially in multi cell applications.
I have never come across any device they would not work in. Been using them for 20 years.
I have used them in about 50 different devices. There may be some unusually designed devices that they may not work in, however I have never come accross those.
I have encountered several devices where elenloops did not work as the volatge was lower than that device needed to run.
A snip from the manual for a CCrane CC Pocket radio.
Some more:
|CC Skywave 2|2 AA Alkaline batteries|Not compatible with Lithium batteries|
|CCRadio SolarBT|18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery|Can also use 3 AA batteries (not Lithium)|
I am sure you have gotten away with using the cells in everything that you have tried. SO have I. But I have also not used them in devices where they were not recommended. The point is that the blanket statement that they can be used anywhere that Alkaline cells are used is simply incorrect. Well maybe they will fit, but in some (though maybe limited) cases they should not be used.
IOW, check your device before just assuming you can use Lithium primaries in it.
