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After the battery fires in Georgia, I purchased a fire case. I’ll keep the batteries in it while charging. Made a believer out of me. 
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“Of the 40,000 men who served on German submarines, 30,000 never returned.” -
I just bought a metal ammo case for the same purpose, again... after the Georgia fires.
I haven't had any issues with LiPos in probably a decade, ever since I started using a proper intelligent charger. My one and only fire was caused by those cheap Chinese chargers that Caswell used to sell with their batteries. f
That said, $35 is a small investment in case that "once in a blue moon" thing happens.... -
Okay, now I am curious. I wasn't able to attend Subfest, was there a battery fire at the event?Comment
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I'm very curious to hear more about the battery problems at subfest as well?
I've had one Lipo fire my self, it was my own fault. I had the charger set to the wrong cell count. I was in the room and heard it crackle. I unplugged and took it outside and it appeared nothing was going to happen then probably a minute later it was a flame thrower shooting out one end about 4 feet. burned until there was absolutely nothing left but dust.
Ammo boxes and charging bags I'm sure are a big help but not a guarantee of safety. There are tons of test videos on youtube but here is a particularly scientific one:
Jason
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I was one of the guys who had a major-league Lithium-polymer battery fire as a consequence of off-model charging. Casey Thrower had his pack burn, and as I hear it, the charger was set up correctly. We need to hear more from Casey on what went on there.
However...
... Me!
Mr. Expert/Craftsman/Know-it-all. I did what you did, Schmitty: I neglected to re-set my charger from 11-volts to 7-volts. Put my 7-volt pack on charge, and in about a minute had a raging fire!
Ernie, sorry about charring the end of your nice, new model storage-transportation box, pal.
So. Two battery fires as a consequence of charging. One unexplainable, the other due to my negligence.
DavidLast edited by He Who Shall Not Be Named; 10-10-2022, 03:34 PM.Who is John Galt?Comment
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Two. Flames shout out of those batteries like a blue flame contest at a fraternity house party. I have no idea how mine blew. It was set for LiPo 3S and the correct voltage. It’s possible the “smart” charger didn’t shut down as it was supposed to. However, I charged several other batteries without incident. I do think that before the next sub regatta, some rules for charging should be in place. By the way, if you use any containers, be sure to keep the lid cracked, so it doesn’t create a bomb. Those metal ammo cans are air tight.Last edited by Das Boot; 10-10-2022, 02:37 PM.“Of the 40,000 men who served on German submarines, 30,000 never returned.”Comment
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My Take!
#1: A GOOD QUALITY CHARGER. With a BALANCING circuit.
#2: If the LIPO battery shows any signs of ballooning/gassing, do not use it and dispose of the battery properly.
#3: Always use a charging container or charging bag.
#4: Double check the type of battery and the voltage and make sure it corresponds, to your charger, and stay away from quick or fast charging.
#5: Make sure you are using the balancing plug, and double check each cell charge rate and balancing during the charging process. Make sure each cell is charging and balancing equal.
#6: After use and if the battery is not going to be used for any extended amount of time, either charge up to 50% or discharge to 50% and balance the cells for storage. (Suggestion: Apply electrical tape to both the power supply plug and the balance plug ends)
#7: To store batteries make sure they are in an approved container or Lipo bag or both together in a cool area and always AWAY FROM COMBUSTABLE MATERIALS.
You CANNOT be to careful in handling any battery type! My take comes from personal (50 years flying RC) and professional experience (Ret. Fireman)
Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"Last edited by rwtdiver; 10-11-2022, 01:45 PM.Comment
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Exactly why NIMH batteries rule!!!!Comment
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I’m not sticking a bunch of AA batteries in my boat. Let the Germans handle that little bit.“Of the 40,000 men who served on German submarines, 30,000 never returned.”Comment
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Always amuses me how many people who are windy about lipo, yet are happy to carry a high capacity lipo in their jeans inches away from the old crown jewels, all packaged up in a nice shiny case with an Apple symbol etched in.
I favour LiFE PO4 cells in subs, lower power density than Lipo (higher than NiMh though), but twice the cycle life and no incendiary effects.. Look for Lithium Werks brand.Comment
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Interesting. I looked them up on Amazon but only found big batteries for cars and bikes.
These LiPo issues have me scared. I live in a high rise and could not have a fire of any kind, it would be catastrophic. So I'm planning on getting rid of all my LiPos and replace them with NIMH.
That said I never had an issue but the mere fact that folks on here who know their stuff still had two fires in one day is telling a very dark story.Comment
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Been using Lipo for 20+ years now. Never had a fire, but not complacent. Important to look after your packs don't squish them up etc. I always balance charge, and never charge beyond 1c.
Not fond of NiMH, don't like being fast charged as a rule and very high self discharge unless they're eneloop style (low self discharge) or equivalent where you sacrifice a bit of capacity for battery that will hold its charge for months on a shelf.
Eventually we'll have solid state lithium batteries available and that will put to bed any issue with the fluid electrolyte designs. Still a few years away from commercialisation though.Comment
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“Of the 40,000 men who served on German submarines, 30,000 never returned.”Comment
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