Dec 07, 2019 Pageview:1392
A 18650 battery refers to the lithium-ionized rechargeable battery. It has the power within the range of 1800mAh and 3500mAh with a voltage of 3.7V. Various types of 18650 cells are available in the market, and it is up to you to decide what works best for you.
These batteries have an average charge time of about four hours, which can vary depending on the voltage and amperage of charge and the type of cell.
What is the best brand of 18650 batteries?
There are quite a few options that you will find when it comes to 18650 battery brands. Each has its pros and cons. The brand which would work best for you depends on the use you have in mind for the battery.
For instance, the Orbtronic 18650 battery is among the best overall options you have. It is a protected cell with an amperage of 3500mAh and a voltage of 3.7V. This high drain battery will not let you down in terms of performance.
If you want optimal quality within an affordable price range, the Panasonic NCR18650b will be an ideal choice. With the voltage of 3.7V and amperage of 3400mAh, this protected cell offers a bit lower amp hours but is quite reasonable in terms of cost.
Those who are looking for the best 18650 battery for travel might find Nitecore NL1834R to be quite an appealing choice. It is available in the pack of two cells with 3.7V and 3400mAh. It is also provided with a built-in micro-USB charger. It is a tad bit costly but is excellent for travel as you will be able to charge it on the go.
All in all, the brands that you would find most appealing when it comes to 18650 batteries include Samsung, Orbtronic, LG, Nitecore, and Panasonic, among others. These brands are the ones you can rely on to not provide you with subpar quality.
There is one thing that you need to keep in mind. If the 18650 battery is to function optimally, you need to get a suitable charger for it as well. Failure to do so will impact on the quality of the battery as well.
Nitecore D4 is one battery charger that you rely on as it can charge anything, including lithium-ion 18650, 26650, 17500, and 16340, among others. Another option that you have is the XTAR VC4 charger. This USB powered charger can be used to charge batteries with any USB power source. It is also provided with an LCD, which would let you know the charging status.
What are the different types of 18650 batteries?
There are different types of 18650 batteries that you need to know about so that you can select the one that is capable of fulfilling your requirements. Let us shed some light on the various options that you have in this regard.
Protected and unprotected 18650 batteries
Protected cells are provided with an electronic circuit which is embedded in the battery casing. This electric circuit provides the cells protection against issues like overcharge or over-discharge, heat, short circuit, and over current. These batteries are safer compared to the unprotected cells as there is less chance of them overheating and causing a fire.
Unprotected 18650 batteries are lower in terms of cost. However, their use can be dangerous, which is why they are not often recommended. It is advisable to restrict the use of these batteries only in those situations wherein charging and drawing are controlled and monitored externally. It is also crucial that any damaged 18650 battery is disposed of properly in a recycling center. Most protected cells are provided with a button top to increase safety.
Flat top and button top 18650 batteries
There are two variations in the sizes of 18650 batteries, including a button top and a flat top. This is closely related to positive contact. There is a slight protrusion in button top batteries. On the other hand, the flat top cells are flush without any protrusion.
This slight variation in size can make a world of difference in deciding whether the battery fits perfect or it does not. If you are unsure of which battery would work for your device, take a look at the battery that came with the device. You can also consult the manual for the purpose. If this does not answer your query, you can contact the manufacturer for assistance. In specific devices like flashlights where spring-loaded batteries are used, this will not make much of a difference.
How do you avoid buying fake 18650 batteries?
Buying fake 18650 batteries is something that needs to be avoided at all costs. For one thing, you would end up wasting your money. Furthermore, fake batteries can be quite dangerous, as well. For instance, if you purchase a battery for some high-powered device, having the misconception that it has a safe CDR, there is a chance that you can injure yourself. Your device can also be damaged owing to this if the battery has a completely different rating that what was claimed.
The problem is that battery scammers are quite good at fooling people. The fake batteries are hard to detect, and you might not be able to differentiate between an original and a fake 18650 battery unless you know what to look for. The scammers make sure that the phony battery looks real in every aspect, including the wrapping, branding, and online listings. The only way via which you can distinguish between a real and fake battery is by its weight.
Reputable brands usually ensure that the weight of their original batteries is known publically. You should be able to find them somewhere. It is advisable that you cross-reference the battery you purchase online with the specifications outlined by the manufacturer. Focus on the specifications and not on things like spelling mistakes.
If you want to check out a particular cell, search the internet for its name along with datasheet. You will then be able to find out the weight of the battery along with its capacity and maximum CDR. This will ensure that you do not end buying a fake battery.
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