Samsung ICR18650-30B – Lithium-ion battery (3000 mAh, 4.35V)

The Samsung ICR18650-30B is a high-quality lithium-ion cylindrical cell in the 18650 format. It was primarily developed as an industrial cell for laptop batteries and energy storage systems. What makes this cell special is its chemistry, which provides a cut-off voltage of 4.35 volts (instead of the usual 4.20 volts) is permitted. Only when charged to this voltage does it reach its full capacity of 3000 mAhIt is an ‘Energy Cell’ (designed for endurance) and not a ‘Power Cell’ (not suitable for extremely high currents).

Key features at a glance

• High energy density: With a nominal 3000 mAh This cell offers a very long runtime for applications with moderate power consumption, such as standard LED torches (under 1000 lumens), power banks or laptop battery packs.
• High-voltage technology (4.35V): This cell is designed for a higher final charging voltage of 4.35V designed. This allows for a higher energy yield compared to standard cells, but requires a compatible charger to achieve full performance.
• Unprotected industrial cell: This is a Flat-Top Battery without an integrated protection circuit (PCB). This makes the cell shorter (65 mm) and ideal for battery packs, but requires care when handling (no short-circuit protection!).
• Moderate current output: The maximum discharge current is approx. 5.9 amps (2C). This is sufficient for standard applications, but not suitable for e-cigarettes (vaping) or high-performance torches in turbo mode.
• Brand-name quality from Samsung: Samsung SDI cells are characterised by very low batch-to-batch variation, high cycle stability and safety when handled correctly.

Important note regarding charging voltage

The ICR18650-30B is a 4.35 V cell.

• Standard charger (4.2V): You can safely charge the cell in a standard Li-ion charger. However, the charger stops at 4.2 volts. The cell is then only charged to approx. 90% full (approx. 2700 mAh).
• Special charger (4.35V): To utilise the full 3000 mAh, you will need a charger that can be switched to 4.35 V (e.g. certain Xtar models).

Features

FAQs on the Samsung ICR18650-30B

Can I use this battery in my e-cigarette?

No, better not. With a maximum discharge current of just under 6 amps, this battery is too weak for most modern vapourisers. If overloaded, the battery will overheat and, in the worst case, catch fire. Use high-current cells (such as Samsung 25R or 30Q) for this purpose.

Will it fit in my torch?

Mechanically, usually yes (18650 format). Electrically, only if the torch draws less than 6 amps (which is usually the case for torches up to approx. 1000 lumens). As it is a Flat Top Some lamps require a small magnet on the positive terminal or a spring in the lamp head to make contact.

What does ‘ICR’ mean?

This code usually indicates a cathode made of Lithium cobalt oxideThis chemistry offers high capacity but is slightly more thermally sensitive than manganese (IMR) or hybrid (INR) cells. Therefore, ICR cells should never be overloaded.

Is it dangerous to use it without a protection circuit?

If you know what you’re doing, no. However: the battery will switch itself off in the event of a short circuit or deep discharge not by itself.

• Do not leave it loose in your trouser pocket with keys (risk of short circuit!).
• Do not discharge it below 2.75 volts, otherwise it will be damaged.