Exploding flashlight- lithium batteries: watch out!
 

GOOD grief!

I ran across this on an aviation website. It details a small LED flashlight that exploded due to [apparent] lithium battery "runaway".

Lithium batteries are apparently like Nicads- the more current they deliver, the warmer they get. And the warmer they get the more current they want to deliver. It is a vicious circle, and nicad batteries routinely catch on fire. Lithium batteries apparently blow up! Look at the pictures- this is insane!

This flashlight? It uses those little 3 volt lithium cells. It exploded, took out an aluminum sliding patio door, and then flew 90 feet!

I have one of these and removed the batteries as soon as I saw this!

N

link: SureFire Kaboom...WTF over!...(PICS FIXED) - AR15.COM

I am glad he shined a light on the problem!
That was totally illuminating as to the possible issue with older lights, water and lithium.

Wow, I have one of those. Thanks N!

i have three of those!!!

that box of batteries looks freakin ancient. i tend to stock up on them..maybe i will just work them into some sorta rotation.

google 'LiPo fire'

RC guys know about this stuff.

Almost set a soybean field fire a year or two ago myself.

It's best NOT to vigorously agitate batteries when inside a flashlight...

I have a SureFire and I always am aware of the current draw and associated heat....I keep the useage to a minmum but still like the use. I now refrain from putting the light between my teeth....