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LIPO BATTERY SAFETY ALERT
Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium batteries are becoming very popular for powering the control and power systems in our
models. This is true because of their very high energy density (amp-hrs/wt. ratio) compared to
NiCd’s or other batteries. With high energy comes increased risk in their use. The principal risk is
FIRE which can result from improper charging, crash damage, or shorting the batteries. All vendors
of these batteries warn their customers of this danger and recommend extreme caution in their use.
In spite of this, many fires have occurred as a result of the use of Lithium Polymer batteries result-
ing in loss of models, automobiles, and other property. Homes and garages and workshops have also
burned. A lithium battery fire is very hot (several thousand degrees) and is an excellent initiator for
ancillary (resulting) fires. Fire occurs due to contact between Lithium and oxygen in the air. It does
not need any other source of ignition, or fuel to start, and burns almost explosively. These batteries
must be used in a manner that precludes ancillary fire. The following is recommended:
1. Store, and charge, in a fireproof container; never in your model.
2. Charge in a protected area devoid of combustibles. Always stand watch over the charging process.
Never leave the charging process unattended
3. 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 safe-
ty, should be discarded in accordance with the instructions which came with the batteries. Never
attempt to charge a cell with physical damage, regardless of how slight.
4. 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 Lithi-
um cells. Never use chargers designed for Nickel Cadmium batteries.
5. Only 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 bat-
teries show any sign of swelling, discontinue charging and remove them to a safe place outside as
they could erupt into flames.
6. Most important: NEVER PLUG IN A BATTERY AND LEAVE IT TO CHARGE UNATTEND-
ED OVERNIGHT. Serious fires have resulted from this practice.
7. 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.
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