9
West Mountain Radio
Operating Manual
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 NiCads 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, resulting 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 (discharge), in a fireproof container; never in your model.
2. Charge (discharge), in a protected area devoid of combustibles. Always stand watch over the charging
(discharging), 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 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.
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 Lithium cells.
Never use chargers designed for Nickel Cadmium batteries.
5. 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.
6. Most important: NEVER PLUG IN A BATTERY AND LEAVE IT TO CHARGE (DISCHARGE),
UNATTENDED 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.
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.
•
Be aware the heatsink of the CBA is at battery potential (positive terminal of battery).
•
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 batteries immediately with an appropriate battery charger after tests are completed. Some
types do not like to remain discharged for extended periods of time.
•
Never test or charge batteries while unattended.
•
Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
