Lithium Polymer Charging/Discharging & Safety Information
Lithium Polymer Safety Tips: Lithium Polymer(LiPo) cells are a tremendous advance in battery technology for RC, UAS, UAV, Drones, and Robotics use. However, due to the chemistry of lithium cells, there is a possibility of fire if not properly charged and cared for. This is no different from many things we use in daily life – knives, gasoline, kitchen cleaners, automobiles, for a few examples – which while inherently dangerous, can be used safely by adhering to a few simple rules and precautions.
- Batteries should NEVER be left unattended while charging.
- Be absolutely sure that the Lithium Polymer charger settings are correct for the battery pack being charged – both voltage and current settings.
- Lithium Polymer must be CHARGED and STORED in a fire-safe container like a Lipo Sack.
- Do not charge batteries near flammable items or liquids.
- Keep a dry fire extinguisher nearby or a large bucket of dry sand, which is a cheap and effective extinguisher.
- Never charge inside an automobile even when parked.
- KEEP BATTERIES AWAY from children and pets at ALL times.
Connection: Be sure that the correct polarity is observed when connecting battery packs to charger or ESC.
RED = POSITIVE (+)
BLACK = NEGATIVE (-)
Charging/Discharging: Your new battery pack arrives between 30-60% SOC depending on how it is shipped. Charge your pack fully before first use. Charge your LiPo battery pack at 5C or less on the LiPo setting only. You must use a balance charging system similar to the ISDT, iCharger, or Hitec chargers offered here at MaxAmps. Otherwise, you risk your pack becoming severely out of balance over time, which will significantly decrease the lifespan.
Ex: If charging a 4000mah LiPo pack at 1C, you would be charging it at 4 Amps.
Ex: If balance charging a 4000mah LiPo pack at 5C, you would be charging it at 20 Amps.
Please refer to your owner’s manual regarding the recommended ESC cutoff voltage for your particular application prior to first use to avoid accidentally over-discharging your batteries.
Do NOT charge your LiPo packs on a NIMH/NICD charger. Your charger must be designed for LiPo cells. Do not charge above 4.2V per cell or over discharge under 3V per cell. Never leave LiPo packs unattended during charging or after a crash in your vehicle. Don’t leave the battery pack plugged into a vehicle while not in use. The pack can still discharge to an unsafe level and damage the pack even if all components are turned off.
It is dangerous to draw more power than what the pack is rated for. This will void any warranty on the pack and can also cause your battery pack to ignite into flames. The temperature of the pack should never exceed 140F degrees. If it does, you may need a pack that is rated to handle more power.
Storage Procedure: When not using your LiPo/Li-Ion battery pack, store it at approx. 60% of the pack’s rated capacity in a room temperature environment. Make sure to use or cycle your packs at least once per month since leaving them on the shelf for a prolonged period of time can cause the packs to get severely out of balance, puff/swell or even go dead.
Balancing taps on LiPo/Li-Ion Packs: All MaxAmps LiPo/Li-Ion packs come standard with a JST-XH style balancing tap (white connector), which is compatible with most industry standard balance chargers. Always balance-charge your pack before each use as this “matches” the voltage of each cell to give you the highest performance and longest life.
Handling Cautions:
- Never leave batteries inside a hot car or garage or any other place where temps may exceed 140F / 60C.
- Although environmentally friendly, lithium polymer cells must be FULLY discharged before disposal. Use a resistor setup (light bulbs, for example) to accomplish this, to avoid the possibility of a short-induced fire after disposal.
- Immediately discontinue use of damaged batteries and dispose/recycle accordingly.
- Do not place loose cells in a pocket, bag, or drawer where they could short-circuit against other items, or the battery tabs could be pressed against each other.
- Do not place the loose cells on any conductive surface, such as a metal-topped table.
- We recommend purchasing pre-assembled packs rather than assembling packs from loose cells.
- Take care that the cells are not punctured, especially by metallic objects like hobby knives.
- If the electrolyte in the cells should get on your skin, thoroughly wash with soap and water. If in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Immediately seek medical attention for this, or for burns.
- Although our batteries are now water sealed, we do not recommend submerging our batteries for extended periods of time. The battery packs will be protected during normal rc conditions.
All Lithium Polymer Batteries we carry are only approved for rc use, and may not be used in any other application. Battery discharging, charging, electric motors, spinning propellers, and flying models all have the potential for serious injury to persons and damage to property. In purchasing these products, the user agrees to accept responsibility for all such risks, and not to hold the battery manufacturer, distributors, or retailers - (all including owners and employees) - responsible for any accident, injury to persons, or damage to property.
The use of Lithium Polymer batteries in radio-controlled models is to be considered experimental, and there is no warranty, expressed or implied, by the manufacturer, distributors, or retailers with respect to the replacement of vehicles, chargers, or damage to property or person, nor any other use nor aspect unless otherwise stated.
LiPo Battery Warming Devices/”Bumping” LiPo Packs:
Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to “heat up” your batteries or increase the voltage of a pack above 4.2V per cell using these devices or techniques. Some insidious lithium polymer retailers/distributors have suggested using these devices and techniques to increase the performance of your lithium polymer packs. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND IS LITERALLY PLAYING WITH FIRE!
Devices on the market that heat up lithium polymer batteries can increase the risk of a fire. Lithium polymer cell manufacturers suggest that exceeding 140 degrees is NOT a safe temperature for a lithium polymer cell. At 140 degrees, the pack can become unstable and very dangerous. The small increase in performance is not worth the risk of a fire. PLEASE STAY SMART AND SAFE BY NOT USING THESE PRODUCTS!
Some retailers/distributors of other brands of lithium polymer batteries have suggested that their customers and racers “bump” the voltage of their packs using settings other than the lithium polymer setting on their charger. The manufacturers of lithium polymer cells suggest a voltage range of 3V-4.2V. Increasing voltage above 4.2V per cell is not safe. You should never attempt to charge your packs beyond the voltage set for lithium polymer packs on your lithium polymer charger. Using other battery settings to “bump” the voltage beyond 4.2V per cell can cause fire and injury. The small increase in performance is not worth the risk of fire. PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE METHODS!
18650 Lithium Ion Warning and Safety Tips:
WARNING - The user must have an appropriate understanding of the potential dangers of LITHIUM ION BATTERIES before purchase and usage. No express or implied guarantee of compatibility, suitability, or fitness for any particular purpose or device can be made. This battery is manufactured and sold for the intended use of system integrations with proper protection circuitry or battery packs with a BMS (battery management system) or PCB (circuit board/module). This battery is neither designed nor intended to be used with an unprotected E-CIGARETTE, VAPORIZER, or similar device.
USAGE OF THIS BATTERY IS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
DO NOT USE WITH UNPROTECTED E-CIGARETTE, VAPORIZER, OR SIMILAR DEVICE
DO NOT STORE LOOSE OR IN A POCKET, PURSE, ETC. ALWAYS USE A PROTECTIVE CASE OR BOX FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
BATTERIES MAY EXPLODE, BURN, OR CAUSE A FIRE IF MISUSED OR MISHANDLED
ONLY use with proper protection circuitry
DO NOT short circuit intentionally or unintentionally
KEEP AWAY from metal/conductive objects to prevent short circuiting DO NOT use if battery, wrapper or terminal insulator is damaged or torn DO NOT over-charge or charge above the maximum voltage rating
DO NOT over-discharge or exceed the continuous discharge rating DO NOT modify, disassemble, puncture, cut, crush, or incinerate DO NOT expose to liquids or high temperatures
KEEP AWAY from pets and children
ALWAYS charge in or on a fire-proof surface and never leave batteries charging unattended ONLY use a smart charger designed for this specific type of battery
DO NOT mix and match brands and models, old and new, used and unused batteries
STOP immediately if while charging/storing/using the battery it emits an unusual smell, feels hot, changes color or shape, or appears abnormal in any way
It is your responsibility to determine that your charger or device is functioning properly
If exposed to battery electrolyte, flush with water immediately and/or immediately contact a physician or emergency services
DO NOT throw away in trash; contact your local jurisdiction for proper recycling or disposal
