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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

cr123a rechargeable or not?

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May 29, 2011
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i have this blue cr123a battery and im not sure how to tell if its rechargeable or not.
the label reads, "Lithium Battery +CR123A 3V- 1300mah"
i know absolutely nothing about batteries.
so it would be nice if someone could tell me the basics and if the battery is rechargeable :thanks:
 





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How about a picture?

If it is rechargeable, it's pile lithium chemistry requires a special charger, one that charges the batteries at 3.7 V, NOT Lithium Ion chargers which give 4.2 Volts.

Keep that in mind, there are different lithium batteries out there.
 
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They are most likely rechargeable but in a 3.7 V charger, not 4.2 V one.

Well, one mystery solved.

I believe I saw some 3.7 V chargers on DX.

Have phun :)
 
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Benm

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Its hard to say really, i've seen primary lithiums that look exactly the same. I think its likely to be a low-voltage (3.7 final) rechargable, but i would try charging it somewhere fireproof the first time just to be certain ;)
 
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Well, it has a rather high mAh for a rechargeable, doesn't it?
And since when do we take declared capacity for granted? :D

I have not seen primaries with declared capacities, so that's my first clue.

I'd ask OP where did he get the battery but if he knew he would have told us already.
 
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NOT rechargeable (primary).

Rechargable CR123A = 600 to 700 mAh or so.

NOT rechargable = 1300 to 1500 mAh or so.

I've seen some advertisements (shortly after I first registered on the forum, and started checking out chinese websites); that have these PRIMARY CR123A (NON-rechargeable), encased in some kind of generic blue no-brand coating; WITH the capacity stamped on it (~ 1300 mAh typical).
 
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Check this out (I used it yesterday to determine the difference between an AG5 and a SG5 button battery; conclusion: get SG5, higher capacity + flatter discharge curve).

List of battery sizes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

From the top of the page, do a text search for CR123A, or just click the link in the Contents: -> 6. Camera Batteries -> CR123A

Typical Capacity (mA·h) | 1500 (lithium primary), 700 (Li–ion rechargeable)
 
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Benm

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I have not seen primaries with declared capacities, so that's my first clue.

I have seen primary lithiums with declared capacities, mostly CR2's, but i doubt there is any reason there are no CR123s out there with declared capacity.
 
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joshshermannn1; Yes, a CR123A with ~ 700mAh is most likely rechargeable.

Be a little careful when charging it/them. Never recharge Li-Ions "unattended".

Also (not quite on topic) if you have a choice, for other devices, charge them in the CHARGER - NOT if you have a device that has a convenient charging jack.

I've known a couple of amateur radio operators who pluged the charging adapter into handheld radios, and then went out to a convenience store or whatever... only to come home to find a scorched pile of junk and a lot of smoke. Sometimes Li-Ions "misbehave". Not so much NiMH (Nickel-metal hydride).
 




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