A guide to the safe use and storage of lithium batteries
General safety requirements:
- Avoid shorting: Make sure that the positive and negative terminals of the battery never touch. A short circuit can cause battery damage, fire or explosion.
- Storage: Always store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never store batteries below 0°C or above 45°C.
- Storage safety: Batteries should be stored in a special Li-po protective bag or fireproof metal/ceramic container, avoiding contact with combustible materials.
- Partial charging: If the batteries are not used for a long time (3-6 months), keep them partially charged (about 50% capacity).
- Mechanical damage: Do not use or charge a battery that has suffered mechanical damage, such as being hit or crushed.
- Visual inspection of the battery: Before each charge and use, check that the battery is visually in good condition and not damaged.
Charging batteries:
- Correct charger: Use only a charger suitable for the battery. Only a balanced Li-po battery charger should be used to charge the Li-po battery. Only use a Li-ion battery charger to charge the Li-ion battery. Using the wrong charger can cause battery damage or fire.
- Using the universal charger: If you are using a universal charger, make sure it is set to charge batteries according to the type of battery being charged (Li-po, Li-ion, etc.). Using the wrong program can damage the batteries.
- Loading surface: Always charge batteries on a fireproof surface such as cement, steel, ceramic or stone. Never charge batteries on wood or other flammable surfaces.
- Supervision: Never leave a charging battery unattended. Regularly check the temperature and expansion of the battery during charging.
- Expansion: If you notice battery swelling, stop charging immediately and place the battery in a non-flammable container for 30 minutes to observe.
- Overloading: Never charge the battery above the recommended voltage (4.2V per cell) or discharge it below the critical minimum (3.3V per cell).
- Charging after use: Do not charge the battery immediately after use; allow the battery to cool for at least 30 minutes before charging.
- Loading into storage mode: If the battery is not used for a long time, charge it to storage mode (about 3.8-3.9V per cell).
- Safe environment: During charging and discharging, the battery must be located in an isolated safety area, away from buildings, vehicles and flammable materials. Always use a fireproof surface or container.
Battery handling and storage:
- Avoid contact metals: Do not store batteries in pockets, bags or drawers with metal objects to avoid short circuiting.
- Fire hazard: Keep batteries away from flammable materials and liquids.
- Protection: Never leave batteries in a car or other enclosed space where temperatures can rise to dangerous levels.
- Temperature: Do not store batteries near open flames or other heat sources. Also, do not leave them in the sun or in hot places (such as a car).
- Removing the battery: Do not disassemble factory assembled Li-po or Li-ion battery packs or modify their cables and connectors.
- Keep away from children: Always store batteries in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- Employment: It is recommended that a new Li-po battery is initially only partially charged and discharged (about 50% capacity) during the first 10 cycles to ensure long battery life.
- Safe environment for storage: Store batteries in a fireproof container.
- Repeated check: Check the condition of stored batteries at least once a week. Do not leave batteries unattended for long periods of time.
- Long-term storage: If the batteries are stored for a longer period of time (over a week), they should be partially charged (3.8-3.9V per cell).
Emergency and disposal:
- Fire Extinguishing: If the battery catches fire, use dry sand or a special Li-po extinguisher as a fire extinguisher. Do not extinguish a burning Li-po or Li-ion battery with water!
- In case of electrolyte leakage: If the battery leaks electrolyte and it comes in contact with your skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse with cool water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
- Battery disposal: Discharge the battery completely and then dispose of it in a local waste facility in accordance with local hazardous waste disposal requirements.
- Handling a damaged battery: Do not handle a damaged battery with bare hands. If the battery is damaged or leaking, use protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.
- Post-accident inspection: After an accident, immediately remove the battery from the model and observe it for at least 30 minutes in a safe area to avoid the risk of fire.
Always be aware and follow these guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us.