Unprotected Batteries

[Poeia]

In about a week, I'll have saved enough by not smoking analogs that I can buy a mod so I'm doing my research now. One of the mods I keep coming back to is the Sparkplug. I love the way it looks but, from everything I've read, I can't see buying a mod that uses unprotected batteries. And the Sparkplug uses "special" rechargeable batts that they import and which don't even indicate the voltage or mAh. So I e-mailed McDonald Webb.

What are the specifications of the battery for the Sparkplug. How many volts is it (3.0, 3.6 or 3.7) and what is the mah?

I love the look of the Sparkplug and would really like to buy it but I will not use an unprotected battery. If I can get protected batteries that will work with it, it will be my number one choice. Will any of the batteries on this page work?
Rechargeable CR123A / RCR123A 18650 & 18500 Lithium Ion Li-Ion Battery & Charger Kits Combo
I am especially hopeful about the 4-pack of Tenegy batteries with charger ($28.95) in the top right corner if the Steampunk takes 3.0V batteries or the Ultrafire on the second row ($20.95) if it uses 3.7V as they will hold their charge longer than the LiFePo4 batteries will, but I would be willing to any protected batteries that will work.

I will, however, also have to get past my resentment that, in order to purchase the Sparkplug, I am required to buy batteries I consider unsafe. I will then have to spend time looking for a recycling center in order to dispose of them safely and buy new batteries. Have you considered offering it without the batteries so that people who feel as I do can purchase their own?

Thank you.

Their reply:

Jane,
These should fit "http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.24979". As long as the atteries are 34MM you should be fine. The problem I have had with most of the protected batteries is they are to long (36mm). The batteries are 3.6V, they state 800mAH on the side but my guess is they are more like 600mAH. Both my wife and I have been using them for almost a year now with out ever a problem. The only time we have ever had a problem is when I put them in the charger backwards and they puffed up and melted the charger a little.

I did some test and intentionally shorted the battery out inside the Sparkplug, It gets hot enough you don't want to hold it in your hand but doesn't get hot enough to burn anything, and once it cools you can just open it up and replace with a good battery and you are back in business. You do want to make sure it has fully cooled however. Personally, I just make sure they don't short in my pocket. I wouldn't waste the money on protected batteries but that's me. If you look at all the people who had problems it was always with a unit that was plastic or thin metal that shorted, got hot and the battery gases had enough room to expand when it shorted hence it exploded. You really have to go to a lot of trouble to get that to happen.

But that's only my opinion, at any rate, the above protected batteries should work fine in the Sparkplug, I certainly wouldn't pay over 20.00 for protected batteries,

Jon

Minor quibbles:
1) The link he provided is for an unprotected batt. The protected one in that line is 36mm. But the Tenergy LiFePO will fit. (And the $20 includes the charger.)
2) If some people would prefer using protected batts, why not just make the mod 2 millimeters longer? After all, no one is going to refuse to buy something because it uses a protected battery.
3) He ignored my question about an option of buying the Sparkplug without any battery so people who are planning to replace the unprotected one with a protected one don't have to recycle the former upon receipt..

But the main thing is that I just don't understand enough about batteries to evaluate his claim that the problem occurs when the gasses have room to expand. If that were true, it seems to me that the vent holes so many manufacturers are including on mods are actually a bad thing.

Can someone who understands this explain?

 

[Ken Mcp]

I have a Silver bullet 6 volt mod - Its suppose to use Protected Life04 rcr123's. But i always use non protected battery's no prob here . just FYI .

 

[proudlion]

edited to remove inquiry as obvious answers are available elsewhere

Thanks

 

[keyzygirl]

There are several threads right now about the sparkplug.They have suppliers listed and protected batteries recomended.Just browse through the threads and you should get all the info you need plus a few mini reviews and pics from people who just got them.

 

[proudlion]

edited to remove further inquiry as clear answers are provided elsewhere.

 

[keyzygirl]

I do not have one,Ive been reading the thread in the PIF subforum.

 

[proudlion]

Thanks! I will not continue my public inquiry via ECF so as not to disturb others. Please forgive me for not being smarter.

 

[Grimloki]

Thanks! I will not continue my public inquiry via ECF so as not to disturb others. Please forgive me for not being smarter.

Please continue your public inquiry! You aren't disturbing others you are participating in a community.