Lithium Polymer Battery SAFETY ALERT
(Please Read before Shopping for our Products Above)
Lithium batteries have provided major advances in electric radio control hobbies, largely due to their very high energy density (amp-hrs/wt. ratio) compared to NiCd’s or other batteries. However, it is critical to understand that with high energy comes increased risk in their use. The principal risk in using a LiPo battery is FIRE which can result from improper charging, crash damage, or shorting the batteries. Lithium fires ignite during contact between Lithium and oxygen in the air. They burn very hot and are capable of starting much larger fires if not properly contained.
The Safety Committee of the Academy of Model Aeronotics recommends the following safety procedures in the use and care of Lithium Polymer Batteries to reduce risk of fire:
- Store and charge in a fireproof container--NEVER in your model.
- Charge in a protected area devoid of combustibles. Always stand watch over the charging 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 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 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.
Lithium Polymer batteries can only be shipped by ground mail.
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