Eterna EB1 – 3.6V 1500mAh NiCD Emergency Lighting Stick Battery, Compatible With The Pre-2024 EML3MISO

Equipment that uses this battery:

PRE 2024 EML3MISO, EML3NMISO, EMLED3M, EMLED3NM, SEEMLED3M

Polarity of the EB1:

NiCd batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as electrodes. They are known for being rugged, reliable, and able to perform well in demanding conditions, including very high or low temperatures.

However, their use is declining due to the toxicity of cadmium, a “memory effect” that can reduce capacity if not fully discharged, and lower energy density compared to newer technologies like NiMH and Li-ion.

Advantages

Durability: They are rugged and can tolerate deep discharges, making them suitable for harsh environments and high-drain applications like power tools.

Long life: They can last for a high number of charge/discharge cycles.

Performance: They can be recharged quickly and maintain a steady voltage during discharge until they are nearly depleted.

Temperature tolerance: They perform well in both very low (sub-zero) and very high temperatures.

Low self-discharge: They have a low self-discharge rate, which is beneficial for applications like solar garden lights, meaning they hold their charge longer when not in use.

Disadvantages

Toxicity: They contain cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, which poses environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly.

Memory effect: They can suffer from a memory effect, where the battery’s capacity is reduced if it is repeatedly recharged before being fully discharged.

Low energy density: Compared to newer battery types, they have a relatively low specific energy (energy density).

Environmental restrictions: Due to the cadmium, their use is restricted in many regions and they are being replaced by safer alternatives

Applications

Industrial and safety: They are still used in specific demanding applications like aviation, railway systems, and emergency lighting where their reliability is critical.

Power tools: Historically, they were a popular choice for power tools, but have largely been replaced by NiMH and Li-ion batteries.

Solar applications: They are still used in some solar-powered lights due to their low self-discharge rate and ability to maintain consistent output.

Eterna Lighting is a prominent UK and Irish supplier of trade-focused lighting, heating, and electrical products, operating since 1946. Based in Wellingborough, they specialize in reliable, energy-efficient utility lighting, including LED bulkheads, amenity, emergency, and outdoor products for residential and commercial projects.

Key Aspects of Eterna Lighting:

Product Range: Extensive selection of indoor/outdoor lighting (bulkheads, floodlights, bathroom lights) and electrical accessories.

Specialties: Known for durable, cost-effective utility and emergency lighting designed for trade professionals.

Services: Offers free lighting design services for commercial projects using Relux software.

Sustainability: Focuses on energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Distribution: Operates from a 32,000 sq ft distribution centre in central England.

Key Information:

Location: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, UK.

Company History: Established as Ensel Electric Co Limited in 1946.

Market Focus: Primarily serves electrical wholesalers, contractors, and lighting professionals.