7
West Mountain Radio
Operating Manual
•
Charge (discharge), in a protected area devoid of combustibles. Always
stand watch over the charging (discharging), process. Never leave the
charging process unattended.
•
In the event of damage from crashes, etc, carefully remove to a safe place
for at least a half hour to observe. Physically damaged cells could erupt
into flame, and, after sufficient time to ensure safety, should be discarded
in accordance with the instructions which came with the batteries. Never
attempt to charge (discharge) a cell with physical damage, regardless of
how slight.
• Always use chargers designed for the specific purpose, preferably
having a fixed setting for your particular pack. Many fires occur in using
selectable/adjustable chargers improperly set. Never attempt to charge
Lithium cells with a charger which is not specifically designed for charging
Lithium cells. Never use chargers designed for Nickel Cadmium batteries.
•
Use charging systems that monitor and control the charge state of
each cell in the pack. Unbalanced cells can lead to disaster if it permits
overcharge of a single cell in the pack. If the batteries show any sign of
swelling, discontinue charging, and remove them to a safe place outside
as they could erupt into flames.
•
Most important: NEVER PLUG IN A BATTERY AND LEAVE IT TO
CHARGE (DISCHARGE), UNATTENDED OVERNIGHT. Serious fires
have resulted from this practice.
•
Do not attempt to make your own battery packs from individual cells.
These batteries CANNOT be handled and charged casually such as has
been the practice for years with other types of batteries. The consequence
of this practice can be very serious resulting in major property damage
and/ or personal harm.
Again Primary Safety Considerations:
•
Never discharge a battery at a higher discharge rate than it is designed for.
•
Never use a battery that has poorly insulated or frayed wiring or exposed
metal parts.
•
Never connect a battery with reverse polarity.
• Never test a battery near flammable materials.
•
Never allow a battery reach a temperature that causes it to get so hot that
it may be too hot to touch.
•
Recharge your batteries immediately with an appropriate battery charger
after you have completed your test. Some types do not like to sit
discharged for extended periods of time.
•
Never test or charge your batteries while unattended.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
