2/18650-A-AV – 7.4V 2.6Ah Li-ion Emergency Lighting Battery, Easy Installation Via Backing Plate

Other Information for the 2/18650-A-AV

Cross referenced with other manufacturers part numbers:

BBL 2/18650-A-AV
10038637

If a connector is fitted please check that the plug is correct and that the red + lead is in the correct position. If any terminals are fitted then please check that the sizes of these are correct.

Lithium batteries are primary batteries that have metallic lithium as an anode. These types of batteries can also be referred to as lithium-metal batteries. They stand apart from other batteries in their high charge density (long life) and high cost per unit. Depending on the design and chemical compounds used, lithium cells can produce voltages from 1.5 V (comparable to a zinc–carbon or alkaline battery) to about 3.7 V.

With the choice of different batteries in emergency products, we look at some of the main reasons you would choose a lithium battery product over an alternative.

Why choose Li-ion?

Lithium batteries have a high energy density – Products which need to operate longer between charges while still consuming more power, require the higher density lithium batteries. This makes them ideal for emergency products which can go for long periods without needing to be re-charged, thus reducing the amount of maintenance required.

The self-discharge rate of lithium batteries compared with rechargeable batteries – Compared with rechargeable batteries, lithium ion cells have a much lower discharge rate compared with cells such as Ni-Cad and NiMH forms. This means that they hold their charge longer compared to other alternatives on the market.

The load characteristics – Lithium ion batteries provide a reasonably consistent battery output and only falls off as the last charge is used. There is no output tail off at the end of the capacity. This means that a lithium battery output doesn’t gradually reduce over time, compared to other batteries, meaning that it will provide a consistent charge right up until the end.

The battery size and weight –  They can store up to three or four times the electrical energy of conventional batteries meaning you get far more power for the same size of battery making them ideal for smaller emergency fittings or for installation into shallow ceiling voids.

Core Components

A typical cell contains four primary parts:

Anode: Typically made of graphite, which stores lithium ions.

Cathode: Dictates the battery’s capacity and voltage. Common materials include Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) or Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC).

Electrolyte: A liquid or gel that allows ions to move between the electrodes, while an external wire handles electron flow (creating the electric current).

Separator: A porous, physical film that prevents the anode and cathode from touching while allowing tiny lithium ions to pass through.

Best Practices for Longevity

To maximize your battery’s lifespan, keep these tips in mind:

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Heat breaks down battery electrolytes the fastest. Try to keep devices between 0°C and 35°C.Avoid Full Discharges: It is better for a Li-ion cell to charge it more frequently rather than regularly draining it to 0%.

Important Considerations

Chemistry Matters: The safest and most common variant used in the lighting industry is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). It is highly chemically stable and specifically engineered to avoid the thermal runaway risks sometimes associated with other lithium chemistries.

Smart Electronics: Because lithium cells require careful management, high-quality emergency fittings pair them with built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS) to monitor voltage, prevent overcharging, and track temperature.

Upfront Cost: While the lifetime value and reduced maintenance costs pay off in the long run, Li-ion emergency lights do carry a higher initial purchase price than NiCd models.

https://ansell-lighting.com/en/articles/technical/why-choose-lithium-ion-batteries-for-emergency-products