Cree light batteries - fire

[numbnuts]

Just pinched this from CTC web site

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=89640

 

[raleighnut]

Just pinched this from CTC web site

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=89640

 

[Globalti]

I had an HID light set that I bought just as HID was being overtaken my LED - the worst buying decision of my life. The batteries were Li-Ion and one day I dropped the pack. Quite soon after that they started making an alarming and increasingly loud bubbling whistling hissing noise as they discharged, so I threw them away (down at the dump, obviously). Don't mess with them.

 

[FeistySquirrel]

I charge mine in a closed tin.. I never trust cheap stuff... Also, I never charge it when I'm not in the same room as it.

 

[Glow worm]

Thanks for the heads up. Better just charge mine at work from now on then!

 

[numbnuts]

[QUOTE 3235922, member: 259"]The title of this thread is very misleading and it should be changed to something like "risk from fake batteries with 'fire' in the name"[/QUOTE]
Seeing one does not know what inside the Cree battery one has to tar it with the same brush, I have two of them and I think I will be more careful when charging from now on.

 

[Matthames]

The cheap copies are probably less likely to have the protection circuit in place for charging Li Ion batteries. The charge voltage of a Li Ion battery needs to be monitored closely if it goes to high it will cause the battery to produce CO2 and the pressure of the battery to go up. Also it can cause the battery to go into a thermal run away state and catch fire.

If you spent £20 on one from ebay then more than likely you have a fake which could burst into flames at any point.

 

[cyberknight]

Old news, a lot of the cases can be put down to incorrect charging and handling.
http://www.magicshinebikelights.co.uk/care_and_safety.php
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0105/2052/files/batterycare.pdf

 

[gbb]

I assume these are 18650s, nowadays so commonly available..and affordable.
The risks with these , particually when charging are well known, but if you're using pukka cells and good quality chargers, the risks must be minimal.
Some people would shy away from my setup, recovered laptop cells ( the old dead laptop batteries have many 18650s in them)...and a modestly expensive charger that has various protections built in. I even have 14v Li_on packs ive made from 4x 18640s, marvelous setups for endurance...and done very cheaply.
As said, some may question the safety...I do myself occasionally, but a good charger with branded cells (Sony in my case) and good protection have made them good reliable power sources for the last three years, used heavily in winter of course.
Buy cheap...an even worse option IMO, dubious batteries, dubious chargers....from unknown sources, a recipe for the unknown.

 

[outlash]

FWIW I think it's worth pointing out that cree only manufacture the LED's that go into these units, the batteries, case etc etc are nothing to do with them.


Tony.

 

[vernon]

Li-ion cell incendiary problems are not confined to bicycle lights. Li-ion cells and batteries will ignite if mishandled, incorrectly charged or shorted out. They are subjected to stringent packaging rules when sent by post and air transport. The model aircraft community have been posting warnings about the hazards of Li-ion cell for years and, more importantly, posting recommended handling and charging procedures to minimise the risks.

It is disingenuous to point the finger of blame at Cree when the problem lies with the batteries/cells.

IATA regulations: http://www.postoffice.co.uk/sites/default/files/Lithium-Battery-Guidance-171012_0.pdf
Postal regulations: http://www.postoffice.co.uk/prohibited-goods-uk#restricted

Li-ion batteries ground Boing Dreamliners: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_787_Dreamliner_battery_problems

 

[wiggydiggy]

Buy cheap, die.

 

[screenman]

How much are you guys paying for say 2 x 18650 and a charger?

 

[Globalti]

Oh dear, battery technology is still lagging.

 

[Custom24]

I have four of these Cree XML T6 lights (not all on the one bike!)
I've not had any problems, but I'm concerned.
Can I use 4xAA Energizer NiMH to power the light instead?