You can buy the protection PCBs alone, such as http://dx.com/p/charge-discharge-protective-circuit-board-for-rechargeable-li-ion-batteries-17-4mm-1-9mm-26112
When factory-installed, this PCB is located at the negative end of the battery. For example, these batteries http://dx.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-lithium-battery-2400mah-2-pack-gray-5776 have the PCB, you can see that the negative end is a bit narrower than the rest of battery. When you look at the negative end, you see either bare metal surface (aluminium/case material), or a copper, slightly textured surface. Aluminium means no protection, copper means that the battery is protected.
So next time you don't have to cut the battery open, you can determine that just by looking at the negative end ;) Log In to reply
I have some of these, but you can test if there is an internal circuit, just discharge them and then around 3v the voltage will drop to zero as the circuit kicks in.
Scary bickies though, hope it didn't damage much. Log In to reply
When factory-installed, this PCB is located at the negative end of the battery. For example, these batteries http://dx.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-lithium-battery-2400mah-2-pack-gray-5776 have the PCB, you can see that the negative end is a bit narrower than the rest of battery. When you look at the negative end, you see either bare metal surface (aluminium/case material), or a copper, slightly textured surface. Aluminium means no protection, copper means that the battery is protected.
So next time you don't have to cut the battery open, you can determine that just by looking at the negative end ;)
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Scary bickies though, hope it didn't damage much.
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