Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
An interesting concept that has been around for a while. It's an emergency light that is stored dry to prolong the life of the electricity generating components. When filled with salty water (or urine) the conductive liquid acts as an electrolyte and the cell electrodes can generate power for the light.
The unit holds about 300ml of water and uses 10g of salt, but you can adjust as required. The conductivity of the solution will have an effect on the intensity and run time of the light.
If required, the unit can be emptied, rinsed and dried to put back into storage in a dry state in readiness for future use. The lifespan will be determined by the gradual degradation of what I think is a zinc electrode. The strange rubbery carbon membrane should not degrade in normal use.
If you want to get one of these then here's a link to the item on AliExpress (not a sponsor).
This is an affiliate link, but that will not affect the price you pay.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3OsDCub
These things have a valid application in the event of a major apocalyptic incident. They would provide comforting light for a good length of time, especially if only used when needed.
Let me know if you'd like me to get another and actually urinate in it to see what amount of power we get.
I'll have to set that vintage leclanche cell up in a video too.
If you enjoy my videos, supporting the channel on Patreon helps keep it independent of YouTube's quirks, avoids intrusive mid-video adverts, gives early access, bonus footage and regular quiet Patreon live streams.
patreon.com/bigclive
Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive
#ElectronicsCreators
An interesting concept that has been around for a while. It's an emergency light that is stored dry to prolong the life of the electricity generating components. When filled with salty water (or urine) the conductive liquid acts as an electrolyte and the cell electrodes can generate power for the light.
The unit holds about 300ml of water and uses 10g of salt, but you can adjust as required. The conductivity of the solution will have an effect on the intensity and run time of the light.
If required, the unit can be emptied, rinsed and dried to put back into storage in a dry state in readiness for future use. The lifespan will be determined by the gradual degradation of what I think is a zinc electrode. The strange rubbery carbon membrane should not degrade in normal use.
If you want to get one of these then here's a link to the item on AliExpress (not a sponsor).
This is an affiliate link, but that will not affect the price you pay.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3OsDCub
These things have a valid application in the event of a major apocalyptic incident. They would provide comforting light for a good length of time, especially if only used when needed.
Let me know if you'd like me to get another and actually urinate in it to see what amount of power we get.
I'll have to set that vintage leclanche cell up in a video too.
If you enjoy my videos, supporting the channel on Patreon helps keep it independent of YouTube's quirks, avoids intrusive mid-video adverts, gives early access, bonus footage and regular quiet Patreon live streams.
patreon.com/bigclive
Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive
#ElectronicsCreators
