This kit consists of 4pcs Rechargeable 3.0 volt CR123 Lithium Ion 600mah batteries (RCR123_3.0ic), a charger, 110-240vAC adapter, and 12v car adapter.

There are several versions of rechargeable CR123 on the market today each requiring a unique charger which are not generally interchangeable. Use caution when selecting your batteries and chargers.

This unique battery is a Lithium Ion battery with an internal circuit (IC) which regulates the output voltage level. The reason for this is that a standard non rechargeable CR123 (called a primary battery) is 3.0 volts due to its chemical make up and operates under load at about 2.8 volts. Some electronic devices such as flashlights are optimized for this 2.8 battery voltage and can not operate with a standard 3.7v lithium Ion rechargeable battery which is 4.2 volts when freshly charged and gradually drops to a nominal operating voltage of 3.7 volts.

There are several versions of 3.0v rechargeable CR123 batteries on the market today including this one offered by e-lectronics.net, each one is different with unique specifications and they are not interchangeable. None of these are a direct 1 for 1 replacement for a disposable Primary Lithium CR123 although these do work in most applications when a standard Li-ion 3.7v cell is too high of voltage. As seen in the chart below, this cell is approximately .7mm larger in diameter than a primary CR123 which measures 16mm diameter by 34mm long.

The circuit in these RCR123 3.0IC batteries not only regulate voltage output, it also provides protection against min/max voltage and current specifications. Li-ion protected cells are commonly identified by any of the following: PCB (printed circuit board), PCM (power control module), or IC (internal circuit) which are all terms that indicate the cell has an electronic circuit designed to create an open circuit when design specification values of current or voltage are exceeded. This circuit is located at the negative end of the cell with in a small plastic case and concealed by the PVC shrink wrapping. To test the PCB of this cell, place a 1k ohm resistor across the terminals to activate the circuit while measuring voltage with a voltage meter.

Some flashlight models do not work with this cell due to their high initial start up current which is perceived as a short circuit or overload and trips the protection circuit of this battery. This is sometimes over come by several clicks of the power switch which energizes the bulb just long enough to heat it up which raises the resistance of the filament and lowers the current draw. Lights known to exhibit these characteristics are noted in the chart at the bottom of this page. 

Operating Specifications:

* Length and diameter were determined by a random sampling of cells, this table represents the largest measurements from this sampling.

Click here to download the full specification sheet.

Flashlight users, here is e-lectronics latest report of light compatibility as reported by customers:

Reported compatible:

1. Arc LSHF-P
2. Fenix P1
3. Fenix P3D
4. Inova T1, T2, X03, X5 and T3 w/3.2 watt LED
5. Night Ops Gladius
6. Nuwai TM-301X-5
7. Peak Mckinley
8. Pelican M6 3 Watt
9. Surefire C2 Centurion
10. SureFire C3
11. Surefire KL3 (LED)
12. SureFire 6P (with multi clicks)
13. SureFire L1, L4,L5, L6
14. SureFire x200
15. SureFire E series with MN02 bulb
16. Streamlight TwinTask 2L TT-2L
17. Streamlight TL-2
18. Vital Gear F2

Reported "semi" compatible:

1. Fenix P1D - very close, of four cells, some fit while others did not
2. Streamlight Scorpion -required multi switch tap to ignite, another user reported not firing the bulb at all even with multi tap.
3. SureFire G2 with multi click and then twist of cap
4. Surefire M3 with MN10 lamp/ multiple click required to ignite

Reported non compatible:

1. Fenix P2D - Tight fit and not compatible with all modes
2. Inova T5
3. Newest version Surefire L1 with TIR optic lens- Diameter of cell slightly too wide
4. SureFire L2- Diameter of cell slightly too wide
5. SureFire E2e with MN03 bulb, MN02 has been reported as compatible

If you have data regarding any other light models or applications please forward it to me so I can share it on this list. There is also a thread following this battery at CandlePowerforums.com

General Notes about Lithium Ion:

• Must only be charged with specified Li-ion charger at a rate of one half the cells capacity or less.
• Must not be charged above 4.2v
• Li-ion must be used with a Protection circuit
• When assembling packs or using in any combination, balanced and matched charge state and capacity cells are required to avoid undue stress on weak cells.
• Generally good for 300-500 charge cycles
• Has absolutely no memory effects (not recommended or healthy to fully discharge before recharging)
• Should not be discharged below 3.0 volts
• Internal chemical damage is incurred below 2.5v, a cell discharged to 0v is destroyed and should never be recharged.
• Best stored in cool (~60 deg. F) environment at about 40 percent capacity away from any metallic objects which and cause a short circuit
• Ignoring proper use, charging, or handling of Lithium and Lithium Ion batteries can lead to serious overheating and explosion

CR123 battery Also Known as:
RCR123, RCR123A, CR123A, 5018LC, DL123A, EL123AP, K123LA, EL123A, VL123, LIR123, 16340

 
NOTICE: We are currently out of stock although this page will stay active due to the useful information included. Although their documentation is not the best, you can curently find a  similar Li-ion regulated 3 volt rechargeable CR123 battery solution at All-battery. To view this alternative product in a new window, click this link: All-battery 3.0v Rechargeable CR123