Hi, folks:- There seems to be some kind of embargo (by agreement of mfr or by legislation?) on name-brand 18650 cells- for example, you can't buy the genuine Panasonic NCR18650B cells from Digikey or Mouser, even though they sell other Panasonic lithium cells. Instead there are tons of fraudulently-labeled batteries from China with claimed capacities that are several times higher than reality. This kind of cell is used in many laptop battery packs, 'tactical' flashlights, head lamps, and other consumer goods. You can buy battery **holders** from Digikey but not batteries. It would be a very nice size/capacity if legitimate product was available. The fake batteries (air shipped as 'gift')? are surely more dangerous than allowing sales of name-brand products which would be shipped via ground if from a legitimate distributor. What's the story here? Unintended consequences?? Best regards, --Spehro Pefhany

Den mandag den 27. april 2015 kl. 17.51.38 UTC+2 skrev Spehro Pefhany: I'm guessing that it is the new regulations that lithium batteries must be checked then specially packed and market before they can be shipped -Lasse

What is it with 18650 batteries?

Apr 27, 2015 25 Replies

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Clifford Heath 11 years ago

I bought some genuine Panasonic NCR cells from dx.com and they work well.

I believe that the only other maker of NCR chemistry cells is Samsung, have you tried looking for their cells?

Clifford Heath.

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mpm 11 years ago

[snip]

I recall seeing 18650 in the larger e-cigarette holders. That probably helps explain why there are so many fakes out there.

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John Doe 11 years ago

Apparently you missed (and yet somehow snipped) the part in the original post about seriously hazardous batteries being sold unrestricted on eBay and Amazon.

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John Doe 11 years ago

I bought some alleged Panasonic unprotected 18650 on eBay. I did some research/homework and it looked okay. I am using them in a Fenix HL-55 headlamp. Also bought a dirt cheap but apparently decent quality single cell bare-bones charger that charges slowly from my micro USB plug. Using my BK multimeter, they both charge to about (4.17) V. I'm not sure if the capacity is the full 3400 mA hour, but they seem to perform well.

Besides research, one way you might find out whether the Amazon or eBay seller is a legitimate source is to buy one and remove the rapper. I would have if the product performed suspiciously. Apparently some of the illegitimate stuff is pretty nasty looking inside, under the rapper.

> > You can buy battery **holders** from Digikey but not batteries. It > would be a very nice size/capacity if legitimate product was > available. > > The fake batteries (air shipped as 'gift')? are surely more dangerous > than allowing sales of name-brand products which would be shipped via > ground if from a legitimate distributor. > > What's the story here? Unintended consequences?? > > Best regards, --Spehro Pefhany >

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Martin Riddle 11 years ago

I found the NCR18650A, real panasonic Japan. A bit pricy, but email me for info on where I got them. (not ebay or such)

These are 3100mAh not the B 3200mAh

Cheers

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amdx 11 years ago

Spehro, You might check into the DIY electric car forum.

There is a section on "Batteries and Charging" When I was following it regularly, they had group buys. These guys don't want poor batteries for their cars, so they're up on what's what. Someone there might be able to hook you up.

Mikek

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