In recent years the 14500 lithium-ion battery has proudly found its place among its lithium cousins.
As pictured here, (for comparison) a 14500 lithium cell is identical in shape and size to a standard AA battery.
But that is where the similarities end.
- All standard “alkaline” batteries are 1.5 volts. Most lithium batteries (incl. the 14500 lithium battery) are 3.7 volts. That’s a BIG difference!
- Standard 1.5 volt batteries are disposable. A 3.7 volt 14500 lithium cell is rechargeable.
- Depending on the device, a 14500 battery will not last nearly as long as an alkaline cell will, but then batteries that can recharge, save money in the long run.
14500 lithium ion batteries have become quite popular for use in electronic cigarettes as well as LED flashlights. What is absolutely essential, is that the device that is intended to be powered by a 14500 cell, be able to accept a 3.7 volt battery!! Again, the list of devices that are able to utilize a battery of this voltage and power are VERY limited.
Most LED flashlights that are made for standard AA alkaline batteries, will not perform well on a 14500 lithium battery. If you were to try them in it — it might impress you by being amazingly bright for a few moments. But the extra voltage would permanently damage the flashlight, by either killing the electronic driver, and/or burning out the LED (bulb). In order for a flashlight to run on one of these cells, it would need to be accepting of up to 4 volts (or higher). For a flashlight that can accept both standard and 14500 lithium’s, you may actually be impressed (long-term) on its performance. This is because the higher voltage of the lithium cell might actually give the light a boost in lumens! However, it’s best to check the accompanying literature for the light, since the manufacturer might void the warranty if such a cell is used. Or, they may advise caution when using one, by only recommending that high settings be used for short intervals. A 14500 lithium battery can cause the internal temperature of an LED flashlight to increase substantially. So in this regard, caution is advised.
The total power capacity in 14500 lithium’s is typically around 750 mAh. When using lithium-ion batteries, it’s very important to know how to handle them, and to be aware of the possible dangers… such as added heat, as described in the previous paragraph.
14500 lithium batteries can do great things… just make sure YOUR device can handle the power!
For purchasing options of 14500 batteries;
CLICK HERE and/or HERE
