Check your batteries everyone….

I mean it, check you batteries.  I have just had an issue with my default ‘backdoor’ torch, a Nitecore EC4SW. The torch is a nice, well made model with 2150 lumens of output from a pair of rechargable 18650 batteries. It gives a good throw of light for outside the house and in the garden.

nitecore ec4sw

I came to use it and found it dead, no output whatsoever.  No problem I thought, it’s probably been left switched on and the batteries are flat. So I put them on charge in my Nitecore D4 multi-charger which gives a progress readout when charging. During the initial testing phase of the charger when you put batteries in, it showed both batteries having voltage and current draw and within a few seconds, both showed full charge.

Nitecore D4 Charger

So I started looking into a warranty return to China for the torch as it appeared it was clearly faulty.  First though, I tried a fresh pair of batteries just in case. To my confusion they worked! As a double check, I tried the original batteries in an alternative torch, my Fenix TK35.

 

Fenix TK35 Torch

They failed to power the Fenix either. At least one of them had to be dead, regardless of what the charger was telling me.  By a quick process of elimination, I identified the faulty battery.  I have no idea what is wrong with it, the only visible indication of a possible fault being some small ‘ripples’ in the side:

Faulty 18650 Battery

 

A Lesson Learned

The lesson learned for me is ‘Check Your Batteries!’. I need to pay more attention to my battery stock as despite all indications to the contrary, a dead battery will be hiding out amongst them and only come to the surface when I need it.  I will be using one of these torches to regularly cycle my batteries through instead of just recharging the same ones.