Is it safe to use 3rd Party Batteries?
by AdministratorJim on Dpreview posted this interesting tidbit on it:
Rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li-ion) is relatively newer battery
chemistry. Li-ion batteries are popular because they contain a higher
energy density that almost any other type of battery chemistry. When
properly designed, manufactured, and used, Li-ion batteries have an
excellent track record. Unfortunately if improperly designed,
manufactured or used, and because of their high energy density and
other features, Li-ion batteries can pose safety issues. Reputable
battery manufacturers: Panasonic, Duracell, Eveready, Sanyo, Rayovac
among others ? all make excellent batteries. The quality manufacturers
of Li-ion batteries take special care in the design and manufacturer of
the batteries, and have them tested by Underwriters Laboratories
against UL 1642 ?Standard for Lithium Batteries.? Problem is that there
is almost no way for the consumer to know the actual name of the
battery manufacturer (Nikon and Canon do not make their own Li-ion
batteries). If you stick with the OEM (original equipment manufacturer)
battery, purchased from Canon, Nikon, etc. or an authorized dealer ?
you can rest assured that you are getting a safe battery.
Why care about this? Well, for one thing, there is something rather
unique about camera batteries ? you typically hold them close to your
eyes during use. Most photographers on FM would rate their eyes as one
of their more valued assets ? one that we all want to protect.
As we know, Li-ion batteries are quite expensive. This has lead to a
counterfeit black market in Li-ion batteries. In 2003 more than 5
million counterfeit Li-ion cell phone batteries were destroyed by law
enforcement authorities. A very interesting story dated September 30,
2005 titled ?Fake Lithium Batteries Cause Nikon D70 Cameras to Explode?
can be found here:
http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Fake-Lithium-Batteries-Cause-Nikon-D70-Cameras-to-Explode-.htm
Another interesting article can be found at:
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5420076.html
So if you want to purchase cheep alkalines, NiHH?s, NiCD?s etc. ? go
ahead, its your money and your decision (remember you get what you pay
for, but safety will not be a major concern). But please think about
this before you purchase rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries from other
than the OEM.
