Battery Question

[beagler]

Pardon my ignorance but I have several 18650 3.7V batteries. A few are 3600mAh and others are 2400mAh. What is the difference between the two? The 2400's seem larger? Amount of draw?

 

[wormy]

If Im not mistaken mAh is milliamp hours or how long a battery can store energy. So the 3600 should last longer than the 2400 before recharging. Some of you light geeks can correct me if Im wrong.

 

[john1951]

The 3600's have more current capability before they croak..............the amount they all draw depends upon how much current is demanded of the circuit or light you are using.

In the case of a Lightforce, their standard bulb is 75 Watts. If you run that light full steam on a 12 volt battery, divide 75 by 12 and you'll get a total current draw of 6.25 amps. If your 12 volt battery is a 6.25 amp-hour battery, and all things being perfect, your light will last an hour.

Any device using electricity has a current draw, and this can be measured and calculated, especially where batteries are concerned. This is one of the reasons that I used a smaller wattage bulb in my Lightforce when I had it, to increase run time. The reflector was so well designed that I didn't have to use their higher wattage bulb, thus increasing my run time with the 12 volt battery and dimmer setup.

In the case of your 18650 batteries, you'll get a longer run time from a higher current battery, and that can be calculated as mentioned before.

John

 

[coyote control]

Originally Posted By: beaglerPardon my ignorance but I have several 18650 3.7V batteries. A few are 3600mAh and others are 2400mAh. What is the difference between the two? The 2400's seem larger? Amount of draw?

3600 mAh! What brand are these Beagler? I have several 18650's, but haven't come across a 3600 yet.