Exploding Chinese batteries
I don't do the c/p thing often, but this seems like a pretty important message to share.
quote:Originally posted elsewhere by armoredman
My loving wife was so happy when she won an Internet raffle back in July of 2006, and got her Surefire Nitrolon flashlight. LApolicegear.com shipped it with 2 free extra batteries, and we figured this was great...and it was, up until yesterday.
As I was pulling into work, my wife called, saying that she had heard a loud bang, and her Bianchi holster fanny pack caught fire on the bed. She put the smolder out, and discovered that her Surefire flashlight had exploded. The rear battery had detonated like a grenade, gutting the flashlight like a hog through the front.
Naturally, this scared about ten years off her life. I advised her to take the flashlight and the spare batteries out into the garage, behind the fire door. The spares had been stored in her small safe - right next to her spare live ammunition.
I contacted Surefire just a few minutes ago, and they stated they would replace it, just like that, and requested I send them the pics I took. They will issue a UPS call tag, and give us a new one. I was impressed with thier stance on thier product. without reservation.
Then I found something ELSE out...
The batteries were NOT from Surefire. LApolicegear.com had replaced the original set, so that all four batteries sent were these Battery Station 123A, marked "made in PRC"! They offered to replace the flashlight, and assured me they no longer use the Chinese made batteries. When I asked them if they would replace her fanny pack,(not a real expensive item!), the customer service person said "We won't do that!" Hmm.
It's a testament to the toughness of the flashlight that it did not burst at all, the steel body held the explosion in quite handily.
Surefire stepped up to the plate without reservation, LApolicegear.com sort of did, with prodding, so I guess I can't argue too hard, but I have to wonder, what would thier answer have been if my house had burned down due to thier cheap chinese made batteries? "Caveat Emptor"? Could be.
So, not to bellyache about how the world owes me squat, just check your CR 123A flashlight batteries, and if they say "made in PRC", DITCH 'EM!
quote:Originally posted elsewhere by armoredman
My loving wife was so happy when she won an Internet raffle back in July of 2006, and got her Surefire Nitrolon flashlight. LApolicegear.com shipped it with 2 free extra batteries, and we figured this was great...and it was, up until yesterday.
As I was pulling into work, my wife called, saying that she had heard a loud bang, and her Bianchi holster fanny pack caught fire on the bed. She put the smolder out, and discovered that her Surefire flashlight had exploded. The rear battery had detonated like a grenade, gutting the flashlight like a hog through the front.
Naturally, this scared about ten years off her life. I advised her to take the flashlight and the spare batteries out into the garage, behind the fire door. The spares had been stored in her small safe - right next to her spare live ammunition.
I contacted Surefire just a few minutes ago, and they stated they would replace it, just like that, and requested I send them the pics I took. They will issue a UPS call tag, and give us a new one. I was impressed with thier stance on thier product. without reservation.
Then I found something ELSE out...
The batteries were NOT from Surefire. LApolicegear.com had replaced the original set, so that all four batteries sent were these Battery Station 123A, marked "made in PRC"! They offered to replace the flashlight, and assured me they no longer use the Chinese made batteries. When I asked them if they would replace her fanny pack,(not a real expensive item!), the customer service person said "We won't do that!" Hmm.
It's a testament to the toughness of the flashlight that it did not burst at all, the steel body held the explosion in quite handily.
Surefire stepped up to the plate without reservation, LApolicegear.com sort of did, with prodding, so I guess I can't argue too hard, but I have to wonder, what would thier answer have been if my house had burned down due to thier cheap chinese made batteries? "Caveat Emptor"? Could be.
So, not to bellyache about how the world owes me squat, just check your CR 123A flashlight batteries, and if they say "made in PRC", DITCH 'EM!
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quote:Originally posted by Flying Clay Disk
It might not have been a 'faulty' battery. Lithium batteries get very hot if left on for an extended period of time. I've heard of this happening with other lithium powered lights as well. If you read the fine print, I believe there is a warning to not leave these type lights on for extended periods.
If the light was accidentally turned on inside her fanny pack from being bumped, it may have been on for a long time and overheated.
If you happen to belong to that forum, maybe you could share that information there.0
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