Can I Replace a 1.2V Battery with an 18350 in My Hair Trimmer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of replacing a 1.2V battery in a hair trimmer with a higher voltage 18350 lithium-ion battery. Participants explore the implications of this modification, including potential power benefits and safety concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that replacing the original battery with an 18350 battery could provide extra power for cutting hair faster.
  • Others caution that using a 3.7V battery in place of a 1.2V battery may burn out the motor, indicating a potential risk.
  • A participant mentions the need for a DC-DC converter to drop the voltage to avoid wasting power.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of a new charger compatible with the higher voltage battery.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of using a protection circuit to prevent issues like over-discharge, which could lead to battery failure or hazards.
  • Another participant suggests finding a new motor rated for 3.7V and modifying the charging circuit to accommodate a lithium-ion battery with a USB port.
  • There is a mention of ensuring the maximum current rating of the battery is sufficient for the application.
  • One participant shares their experience with lithium-ion batteries from e-cigarettes, indicating familiarity with their use and the importance of monitoring battery voltage during charging.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and practicality of using an 18350 battery in the hair trimmer. While some see potential benefits, others highlight significant risks and challenges, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of the battery replacement, and there are various assumptions regarding the compatibility of components and safety measures that remain unaddressed.

evilfreddie
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I have an hair trimmer that the battery has died and i wanted to replace it with an 18350 battery for the extra power i just wanted to ask would i need to put a resistor in series with the motor
Cheers tia
 
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evilfreddie said:
I have an hair trimmer that the battery has died and i wanted to replace it with an 18350 battery for the extra power i just wanted to ask would i need to put a resistor in series with the motor
Cheers tia
Welcome to the PF.

What's an 18350 battery? Why not just replace the original battery with the same type?
 
The 18350 is a lithium ion 3.7 battery that is shorter that the AA size in there and as a hairdresser by trade i wanted the extra power to help cut hair faster
 
evilfreddie said:
The 18350 is a lithium ion 3.7 battery that is shorter that the AA size in there and as a hairdresser by trade i wanted the extra power to help cut hair faster
To replace the 1.2V battery with a 3.7V battery, you would need to include a DC-DC converter to drop the voltage and not waste a lot of power.
 
evilfreddie said:
The 18350 is a lithium ion 3.7 battery that is shorter that the AA size in there and as a hairdresser by trade i wanted the extra power to help cut hair faster

that made me laugh :biggrin:
seriously ... its likely to burn out the motor

if you really want to use that battery then do as Berkeman suggests in the post above mine

also consider, you are going to need a new charger as well as the existing charger isn't going to charge up the higher voltage battery

Dave
 
evilfreddie said:
I have an hair trimmer that the battery has died and i wanted to replace it with an 18350 battery for the extra power i just wanted to ask would i need to put a resistor in series with the motor
Cheers tia
Looks like the answer is basically no, cannot do. [emoji58]

But if it uses a standard AA NiMH cell, you might find that the one currently in it is a cheapie and there are higher capacity 1.2V AA's you could drop in as a replacement to give a longer time between recharging. If you can take out the battery to examine it, does it have a number on the side saying how many mAh it is?
 
Thanks for ur help everyone I've just taken it apart again and I am just going to see if i can find a new motor rated for3.7v and the recharging will be easy just replace the circuit with one for li ion that uses a usb port and a fone charger
 
Also be sure that you use a protection circuit. Lithium ion batteries tend to like to burst into flames or explode when abused. This includes over-discharge if connected directly to the motor.

When shopping for a battery make sure the maximum current is high enough. The lithium-iron-phosphate ones often have high current capability.

BoB
 
UYaa thanks i use li ion batterys already as i make and use e-cigs but the protection circuit is a good idea iftheres room and as id be using it everyday i'll be puting a voltmeter into the charging stand so that when its plugged in i can check the battery
 

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