What is the difference between 18650 batteries in terms of labeling and chemistry?

Posted on Sep 2nd, 2019

by Olya

Categories:

• Dependencies

Polarity of 18650 battery Li-ion batteries 18650, 14500, etc. They look very similar to a AA battery.

For a lithium-ion battery, everything is the same, only the protrusion (positive contact) is slightly wider in diameter than in a battery. There are also small holes around the positive contact of the battery. The negative pole is as flat as in a battery.

In general, if you see holes around the pole, it is 100% positive, plus, (+).

In this case, we consider a lithium-ion battery without protection. The protected battery bank looks exactly the same, only it will be longer in length by the thickness of the protection board.

In addition, like most batteries, lithium ions have indications on the case where there is a plus and a minus.

A multimeter or tester (digital voltmeter) will also help determine the polarity. When measuring voltage, bringing the red probe to the positive contact and the black probe to the negative, the voltage in the bank will appear on the screen. If the red probe is brought to the negative contact, “-” (minus) will appear on the screen in front of the voltage value.

Lithium-ion batteries of size 18650 have almost overtaken conventional AA batteries in popularity. They power a variety of devices, from electronic cigarettes to electric vehicles. They are more dangerous: if the lithium power supply is not installed correctly in the device, it can explode. Therefore, you need to know where the plus and minus of 18650 are, and in what ways you can find the poles.

Methods for determining polarity

Since externally 18650 batteries are very similar to AA cells and the like, you can determine the polarity of the power source in the same way as in the case of a AA battery. There are two main ways to find plus and minus: by external inspection of the element or using any instrument that can measure the voltage at the poles.

By the appearance of the battery

The easiest way to determine the polarity of 18650 is to study the markings on the body of the product. On the sticker you can see all the necessary information, including:

• battery size;
• name of the manufacturing company;
• capacity in mAh;
• Rated voltage.

On high-quality elements, the polarity must be indicated - “plus” at one end and “minus” at the other. If there is no suspicion of erroneous labeling, you can safely rely on these icons. However, unscrupulous companies may not place polarity marks on their products. It is also possible to allow defective products to be sold - batteries on the housings of which the sticker is affixed on the wrong side, which is why the pole signs are reversed.

If you purchased a power source from an unknown manufacturer, you should additionally inspect its contact pads directly. Ideally, you should always do this to ensure maximum operating safety for 18650 batteries.

Like salt or alkaline batteries, the contacts of lithium-ion batteries differ in shape: the negative terminal is flat, while the “plus” terminal is convex. Additionally, lithium batteries typically have multiple holes on the positive terminal. They are needed to release the gas generated when the power source heats up. Thanks to this design, polarity can be determined not only by inspection, but also by touch.

Sometimes you can find similar batteries that differ from standard ones in linear dimensions. This is due to the fact that some power supplies are equipped with a protective microcircuit that controls the process of charging and discharging the element. It is usually mounted on the positive contact pad. The shape of the pole does not change; it also has a slight bulge.

Using a measuring tool

When using high-quality batteries from trusted manufacturers, there is rarely any doubt about the correctness of the labeling. However, you can be absolutely sure of the safety of using a galvanic cell only after checking it with a measuring instrument.

Purchasing Tips

When purchasing any product, there is often a desire to save money. But not in this case. The lower price level for high-current elements starts from 3..3.5 USD. Anything cheaper is most likely a fake and does not meet the declared characteristics.

Another point is that high-current batteries are noticeably heavier in weight than AA batteries, and you can identify a fake by a simple comparison. This is noticeable if you hold one and the other product in your hand alternately. Unfortunately, this method is not suitable for purchasing online.

Where can I buy

You can buy it in electrical stores and online. The most popular way is purchasing on AliExpress. But there is a very high risk of running into a fake. You can navigate by the cost and reality of the declared characteristics, as indicated above.

It’s even better to buy from well-known, trusted stores (for example, Nkon). Prices there are obviously higher than on AliExpress, but there is almost no risk of buying a fake.

Which manufacturers should you consider?

The list of manufacturers producing lithium-ion cells is small. It includes:

• LG;
• Samsung;
• Panasonic;
• Sanyo;
• Murata;
• Litokala;
• Sony.

In fact, the list is even shorter. Sony's production facilities were taken over by Murata. If a different manufacturer is indicated on the battery case, then it is a fake. At best, this is a relabeling of products from these manufacturers.

Consequences of improper battery use

To fully understand how important it is to be able to determine where the minus and plus are on an 18650 battery, you need to understand what happens if you reverse the polarity. The main consequence of an error is a short circuit, in which a circuit is formed consisting only of a power source; inside it, an electric current begins to flow, which does not go anywhere. What happens next is:

1. The battery begins to heat up. The heating rate depends on many factors, primarily on the voltage of the element. Because of this, the process becomes more rapid and destructive than in the case of salt batteries.
2. The pressure in the electrolyte increases.
3. The valve on the positive pole releases excess pressure. At the same time, hot electrolyte begins to flow out.
4. In air, the reaction rate increases. The destruction of the product body begins.
5. Lithium may catch fire.

If you incorrectly determine where the plus is on an 18650 battery manufactured in violation of technology, the consequences can be even more serious. The safety valve may not work - in this case, pressure will accumulate inside the housing, causing an explosion. Not very powerful, but the hot acid that splashes out will cause chemical and thermal burns if it gets on the skin, and can also cause a fire. Burns can be very severe if the electrolyte continues to boil in air.

Thus, determining where the plus and minus of the 18650 is is quite simple. It is important to check the polarity before each installation in any device to avoid dangerous consequences.

To minimize the risk of damage to the product, you should use a high-quality and modern charger equipped with a control chip to charge it. It will not only protect the battery from dangerous overvoltage, but will also not supply current to an element with reversed polarity.

In this article we will look at all the questions regarding how to properly charge an electronic cigarette. Without charging, your vape device will work offline for a maximum of a day with regular use. But the batteries in an e-cigarette are somewhat different from the power sources of other devices. What is the difference? Let's figure it out.

Precautions for use

Many batteries can catch fire and even explode under certain conditions. The chemical elements used can cause an increase in temperature and various reactions that lead to an increase in the temperature of the main elements. 18650 ion batteries are more prone to heat than others. Among the features we note the following points:

1. E-cigarette users are often injured due to battery failure. To power such a device, an 18650c4 battery is installed, the characteristics of which are slightly higher than those of conventional versions.
2. Often, lithium-ion power supplies are installed on mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Such devices are characterized by high power consumption, which leads to heating of the battery. Too high a load and mechanical damage to the housing can lead to fire of the battery.

We recommend: Battery structure and principles of battery operation

In most cases, the battery ignites due to poor assembly. In the case of electronic cigarettes, it is much easier to provoke an explosion, which is due to the basic characteristics of the device.

Too low a resistance can cause the load on the battery to increase rapidly. In some cases, the load becomes prohibitive, which leads to fire or explosion of the structure. Recently, manufacturers have begun to use various protection technologies that de-energize the battery when a short circuit occurs.

Charging connector in the central connector 510

This type of charging method is rapidly becoming obsolete, it was extremely common and was used quite successfully. Electronic cigarettes of the eGo format are charged via the 510 connector. Examples of such devices are: Kanger Evod 650 mAh, Joyetech eCom-C Twist.

The only advantage of such a charging system is the absence of additional holes and joints on the power supply housing and its compact size.

• The first disadvantage is the need to disassemble the device every time it is charged.
• Another disadvantage is the mandatory presence of a special charger.
• And the last drawback is the inability to use the device while charging.

A little about battery chemistry

To begin with, let us denote that a battery is a chemical source of current that can be used repeatedly. During a discharge, chemical reactions occur in such a way that electricity is released. The reactions are reversible, and under the influence of current they return to a state close to the original - this is how charging occurs.

When you choose a battery for your vape, you need to look at the labeling. These may be the letters ICR, IMR or others.

The first letter indicates the type of battery, in this case you need to choose those with the first “I” or lithium-ion. The last letter R indicates that the battery can be recharged. The middle letter indicates the material from which the cathode is made - the positively charged end of the battery (the anode is the same for all lithium-ion batteries). Depending on this letter, the battery properties will vary. Let's look at the 3 most common types.

ICR or lithium cobalt battery.

The cathode of this type of battery is made of lithium cobaltite (LiCoO2). The battery has a high specific energy capacity (150-200 Wh/kg). Most often, this type of battery is used in mobile phones, laptops and digital cameras, as well as in other equipment that requires large capacity. However, there are some nuances in matters relating to charge safety. For use in fashion, additional protection is required to limit the maximum current.

IMR or lithium manganese battery.

The cathode of this battery consists of crystalline lithium manganese spinel, whose lower resistance allows for high discharge current as well as fast charging. However, the specific energy content of spinel is lower than that of cobalt. As a result, this 18650 battery can be discharged with a force of 20-30A and can withstand pulses up to 50A with moderate heat generation. In general, batteries of this type are actively used in medical equipment and electric vehicles.

INR or lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide battery.

The cathode of these batteries contains nickel, manganese and cobalt in varying proportions (the search for the ideal ratio is still underway). However, these batteries have many advantages that make them very popular. Nickel and manganese combine in the same way as sodium and chlorine in table salt, when each of the components has disadvantages, but together they form a good compound.

Thus, nickel has high energy intensity, but low stability, which balances the low capacity of manganese spinel, the advantage of which is low resistance.

Cobalt is an expensive material; by reducing its amount in a battery, we reduce its cost.

Popular among vapers are batteries of this type such as Sony VTC 4 and 5, LG HE2 and Samsung 25R. In addition, we can find batteries of this type in various units, for example, in electric bicycles.

Micro-USB connector

Most modern electronic cigarette power sources are charged via the micro-USB connector. The convenience and versatility of this scheme are so great that it is used both on pen-style cigarettes and box mods. A USB charging connector is installed in such devices as: Eleaf iJust 3, Ehpro Evok 80, Kanger Kbox 200W.

• Versatility and accessibility. Almost everyone has a cable with a micro-USB connector.
• There is no need to disassemble the device to charge it.
• On a number of devices with a micro-USB connector, there is a hovering function while charging.

The objective disadvantage of charging via USB is that not all devices powered by more than one 18650 battery cannot be adequately recharged in this way.

vape batteries where is the plus where is the minus

Even in the most extreme situation, there is confidence that you can get through. In sunny weather, during the daytime, the la crosse 1000 solar charger is convenient and most importantly beneficial. Such power supplies are easy to transport due to their light weight and compactness.

We have looked at almost all possible methods of chargers for a mobile phone, starting with charging from the crown, ending with a voltage converter and mechanical generators. In field conditions, when there is no power outlet nearby, you can charge your phone using improvised methods. Everyone, even in emergency situations, has AA batteries.

Charging batteries in a separate device

Most electronic boards installed in e-cigarette mods with a power of 150 watts or more are not able to cope with charging the batteries inside the device, since charging two or three 18650 batteries can overheat and burn the board. Therefore, even if such an electronic mod has a micro-USB connector, its batteries must be charged in an external charger. Some manufacturers specifically include a clause in the instructions that says “The micro-USB connector is intended exclusively for software updates.”

External devices for recharging batteries usually operate “from a wall outlet”, since they require more voltage to charge several 18650 batteries at once. In such charging stations, special electronics are installed that fully control the process and make it as high quality as possible.

Some of the most well-known manufacturers producing reliable and high-quality chargers are NItecore and Efest. The chargers they produce meet all the necessary standards and do their job perfectly. Today the most popular among them is:

The Efest LUC V4 charger is a universal station for powering batteries of different sizes. You can install different types of batteries at the same time. The gadget is equipped with all kinds of protections that prevent unpleasant situations when charging the battery. The charger is compact in size, so it will not take up much space in your bag or on your desktop.

• An external charger, equipped with the necessary electronics, recharges as correctly as possible, increasing the service life of the batteries.
• Externally charged batteries have the same voltage, which ensures better performance.
• If you have more than one set of batteries for your device, you can charge the batteries “in reserve.”

• This charging method requires an outlet, which is not always convenient.
• The devices are relatively large in size and are really inconvenient to carry around.

Duration of use

The dimensions of the battery largely determine the duration of its operation. However, to determine this parameter, the mAh indicator is used. The concept Ah is used to denote the capacity of car batteries.

Milliamps per hour is a concept that is used to determine the amount of current generated during an hour of battery operation under constant load. With a capacity of 3000 mAh, the battery is capable of delivering 1500 milliamps for two hours. The deep discharge limit in this case is 300 milliamps. The loss of the entire capacity causes rapid wear of the structure.

The 1cr18650 or ur18650y battery is in most cases selected based on capacity. The features of this parameter include the following points:

1. A higher capacity significantly extends the life of the device. However, only with the use of modern production technologies can the indicator be increased without increasing the size of the case.
2. As the battery is used, its capacity decreases, but when charged, it increases. With a large number of discharge and charge cycles, the maximum capacity may drop by 50% of that declared by the manufacturer.

We recommend: Popular models and ratings of modern battery brands
Capacity allows us to only partially determine the battery life from a single charge, since this indicator is influenced by the size of the load. A battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh can last one or several hours, it all depends on the load. It is worth considering that prolonged use causes the battery to heat up and accelerate the discharge process.

Mod for one battery: USB or external charging?

Devices powered by a single 18650 battery with a quick-swap battery can confuse a vaping newbie, leaving them with the question, “How exactly should the mod be charged?” In fact, there is no difficulty here. The control electronics of small vape devices with one battery are quite capable of recharging it from almost any USB and there is no need to buy an external charger.

However, if you want to vape non-stop, then to extend the life of the battery, it would certainly be better to purchase another battery and charge it externally. This is due to the fact that using the device while charging (the so-called passthrough function), although extremely convenient, somewhat reduces the life of your battery.

Types of Li-ion batteries

Adding certain chemicals to batteries may change battery performance. The most common types of batteries are:

1. Iron phosphate (LFP).
2. Cobalt (ICR).
3. Polymer (LiPo).
4. Manganese (IMR).

Lithium-polymer battery options can have a variety of shapes, since a solid electrolyte is used in their manufacture. Other versions of Li-ion have a cylindrical shape, which is associated with the use of a liquid chemical.

We recommend: How to choose the right battery for a motorcycle

What if I don't have a charger?

It also happens that your device suddenly runs out of charge, but you don’t have a charger with you. In this case, there are several options:

– Carry a microUSB cable with you if your vape device has a corresponding connector. The modern world is filled with various gadgets with a USB socket, and if you have a cable with you, you can connect to any device that has a voltage release function. Remember that the charging current should not exceed 1 Ampere! – If you use a mechanical mod, then in such a situation there is only one way out - to carry an additional battery with you, preferably several at once, since mechanical mods consume a large amount of energy.

We strongly DO NOT recommend that you use “makeshift” methods of charging the battery (various terminals, wires connected to other power sources). Without special knowledge, you risk damaging your battery or, worse, causing great harm to your health. It is always better to use safe ways to replenish battery energy - special chargers.

How and with what to charge 18650 batteries

How to charge

Currently, the vast majority of chargers can be called universal, however, when charging a 18650 battery, the following important recommendations must be followed:

• At the first stage, it is important to give no more than 0.05 V. When the process is completed, increase this parameter to exactly 4.2 V. It is advisable to use those charges that can automatically control the progress of battery charging. They turn off themselves immediately after reaching the required power. Budget and homemade charging devices are not equipped with special controllers, so the person himself must monitor the progress of the entire charging procedure.
• The charge current should be 0.5-1 A. With a larger value, the charge will be collected much faster. But you cannot immediately give a current of 1 A. The indicator must necessarily increase very gradually.

• Faster charging methods can only be used in various special cases. This process should not take more than three hours. Overcharging regularly leads to breakdown of battery cells, causing severe overheating.

How to charge

Different models of chargers have different technical parameters, a different set of options, etc. Currently, you can charge 18650 batteries using the following chargers:

• Simple . These chargers provide 1A current. They only have one hole for 18650 batteries.
• Improved . Such a device already has two places for batteries. The highest voltage level is 4.2 V. These chargers are more expensive. Among its additional functions we can note the charge indication. In addition, the device itself limits the charging time, thus preventing possible overcharging.
• Homemade . If it is generally impossible to buy a ready-made charger in a store, then you can always make it right at home. All components in this case are connected according to special diagrams.
• Universal . These chargers are used to charge both 18650 and 26650 models. These products are used to restore the normal functioning of nickel and lithium cells. The most expensive memory devices are equipped with a special security mechanism. It eliminates the need for frequent voltage and total current measurements.

Summary:

Charging via the 510 connector is an outdated scheme that will inevitably leave the vaping world in the very near future. The most universal way is to charge the batteries inside the mod via a USB connector. This system is used on almost all “pen-style” electronics and box mods with one 18650 battery. External charging provides longer service life, faster charging speed, and safety. It is better to charge batteries of all mods with a power of 150-200 Watts in special chargers.

Always refer to the manufacturer's official instructions before charging your e-cigarette. This is the key to your safety and long service life of the vape device.

«>

Olya

Living deliciously is a whole science!

Tips for the winter

* In cold weather, before turning the ignition key, turn on the high beams for 10-15 seconds. This will help warm up the electrolyte and make it easier to start the engine.

* In extreme cold, some motorists remove the battery at night and take it home so that it does not run out. A dubious option: after all, this resets the readings of electronic devices, and most importantly, the anti-theft system is inactive.

* If in cold weather you only drive short distances, without allowing the engine and battery to warm up properly, then you risk completely draining the battery.

* If the engine does not start immediately in the cold, do not try to turn the starter over and over again - this will quickly and completely drain the battery. Take at least a minute's pause between starts.