SteriPEN batteries

Interesting. I've used 3.0 v RCR123 batteries in mine, and had some issues in the past. I wonder if it's that they don't power up the unit well enough to guarantee that it generates enough light, or doesn't have enough juice to work when the batteries are too cold, or what.

It's also interesting that the batteries that originally shipped with mine are 3.0 v, too, but non-rechargeable.

The Steripen pulls about 1 amp when switched on. That is a heavy load for any CR123, but especially for the cheaper ones and those with lower voltages. Well-known problem.

The Steripen shuts down if the battery voltage drops too far – which the 3.0 V ones (and the cheap ones) will probably do.

Cheers

I have AW's 3.7V RCR123As, which come off the charger at about 4.2V, but don't stay at that voltage for long. After enough load, they typically drop down to 3.8 or 3.7 volts.

I also have Tenergy's 3.0V RCR123As, which come off the charger at about 3.7V, and also drop down under load, but to 3.3 or 3.2V.

I wouldn't use 4.2V RCR123A cells (8.4V total, or 2.4V extra) in my SteriPen (that's 30% extra voltage). I have used the 3.0V RCR123As and got 25 liters from the set over 20 days at room temperature.

> I wouldn't use 4.2V RCR123A cells (8.4V total, or 2.4V extra) in my SteriPen
> (that's 30% extra voltage)
Check that with Steripen. I suspect (but do not know) that the electronics could handle that OK.

Cheers

I wouldn't use 4.2V RCR123A cells (8.4V total, or 2.4V extra) in my SteriPen (that's 30% extra voltage).

Feel free to check with SteriPEN, but I would expect that what they told me covers this case. As I read their message to me, the ones you are avoiding are the very ones they want you to use.

If you do check with SteriPEN, please post in this thread letting us know what they said.

–MV

I use rechargeables for everything Except my Steripen and Fenix flashlights. I get the streamlight brand of C123 batteries on Amazon. well priced and last very long.