Avoid Fake 18650 Batteries

How to avoid buying fake 18650 batteries?

To avoid buying fake 18650 batteries, here are some steps you can take:

Purchase from reputable sellers: Buy batteries from well-known and trusted sellers, either in physical stores or reputable online retailers. Avoid purchasing from unknown or suspicious sources.

Check for proper labeling: Genuine 18650 batteries should have clear and accurate labeling, including the brand name, model number, capacity rating, and safety markings. Counterfeit batteries may have misspellings, inconsistent labeling, or poor print quality.

Verify the capacity: Fake batteries often claim to have higher capacities than what is realistically possible. Check the claimed capacity against the average capacity for the particular battery model you are purchasing. If the capacity seems too good to be true, it may be a fake.

Examine the packaging: Pay attention to the packaging of the batteries. Genuine 18650 batteries usually come in properly sealed packaging with holographic labels or other anti-counterfeiting measures. Look for signs of tampering, such as broken seals, inconsistent packaging design, or poor quality printing.

Check for authentication codes: Some battery manufacturers provide authentication codes that can be verified on their websites. When purchasing batteries, check if the manufacturer offers such a feature and verify the authenticity using the provided codes if available.

Compare prices: Be cautious if the price of the batteries is significantly lower than the average market price. Unusually cheap batteries are more likely to be counterfeit. Remember, quality batteries from reputable brands come at a reasonable price.

Be cautious with second-hand or used batteries: It is generally safer to buy new batteries from authorized sellers. Second-hand or used batteries may have reduced capacity, damage, or unknown history, making it more difficult to determine their authenticity

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

Reputation and Reviews: Look for suppliers with a strong reputation in the industry. Check customer reviews and feedback on their products and services. Websites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or industry-specific forums can be valuable sources of information.

Certifications and Standards: Ensure that the supplier complies with relevant quality and safety standards for batteries. Look for certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or other industry-specific certifications.

Return Policy and Warranty: Verify the supplier's return policy and warranty terms. A reliable supplier should have a fair return policy and offer warranties on their products.

Shipping and Delivery: Consider the shipping options and delivery times offered by the supplier, especially if you need the batteries within a specific timeframe.

Price and Payment: While cost is a factor, it shouldn't be the sole determinant. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, as extremely low prices may indicate counterfeit or low-quality products.

Check the Workmanship of the Battery

When checking the workmanship of a battery, you can assess several aspects to determine its quality. Here are some key points to consider:

Physical Inspection: Examine the battery closely for any visible defects or signs of poor workmanship. Look for any irregularities, such as rough edges, uneven or poorly aligned components, or loose connections.

Welding and Connections: Pay attention to the welding and connections within the battery. High-quality batteries typically have well-executed spot welding, ensuring strong and reliable connections between the cell, terminals, and internal components. Loose or poorly welded connections can lead to performance issues or safety hazards.

Labeling and Markings: Check the labeling and markings on the battery. Genuine batteries usually have clear and accurate labels that include relevant information such as the brand, model, capacity, voltage, and safety markings. The labeling should be legible, well-aligned, and resistant to smudging or fading.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

Safety Features: Verify if the battery has appropriate safety features. This can include built-in protection circuits such as overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuit protection. High-quality batteries often have these safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidents or damage.

Weight and Size: Compare the weight and size of the battery to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. While there can be slight variations, significant deviations may indicate inferior quality or counterfeit products.

Performance and Consistency: Assess the battery's performance and consistency over time. Monitor its capacity, runtime, and overall functionality to ensure it meets the manufacturer's specifications. Inconsistent performance or significant drops in capacity could indicate poor workmanship or a counterfeit battery.

Battery Performance Test

Performing a battery performance test can help you assess the capacity, runtime, and overall performance of a battery. Here's a general outline of how you can conduct a battery performance test:

Note: This outline assumes you have access to appropriate equipment, such as a multimeter or battery analyzer, to measure the battery's voltage and capacity.

Charge the Battery: If the battery is not fully charged, charge it according to the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Ensure that you use a suitable and reliable charger specifically designed for the battery type.

Measure Open Circuit Voltage (OCV): Before testing the battery's performance, measure the OCV. Disconnect the battery from any devices or circuits and let it rest for a few hours to stabilize. Then, use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals. Compare the measured voltage to the manufacturer's specifications for a fully charged battery.

Discharge Test: Connect the battery to a suitable load or discharge device that can draw a consistent and known amount of current. For an 18650 battery, a discharge rate of around C/5 (where C is the battery's capacity in ampere-hours) is often used for performance testing. For example, if the battery has a capacity of 2500mAh (2.5Ah), discharge it at a rate of 500mA (0.5A). You can use a battery analyzer or a dedicated discharge unit to automate the process and accurately measure the discharged capacity.

Measure Discharged Capacity: During the discharge test, monitor the battery's voltage and record the time it takes for the voltage to reach the cutoff point specified by the manufacturer (usually around 2.5V per cell for lithium-ion batteries). Multiply the average discharge current by the time taken to reach the cutoff voltage to calculate the discharged capacity in ampere-hours (Ah) or milliampere-hours (mAh).

Compare Discharged Capacity: Compare the measured discharged capacity with the manufacturer's specified capacity for the battery. A genuine battery should have a capacity that is reasonably close to the stated rating. Significant deviations may indicate a counterfeit or low-quality battery.

Assess Runtime and Performance: Based on the measured discharged capacity, you can calculate the expected runtime of the battery for different devices or applications. Compare the observed runtime with your expectations and any performance claims made by the manufacturer.