ELECTRONICS SAFETY PROCEDURE WARNING!
Stay safe and be aware of proper procedures when using Lithium and Nickel-Metal Hydride battery packs! Please handle all Lithium Polymer (LiPo or Li-PO), Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), Lithium iron phosphate (LiFe or LiFePO4), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH or NiMh), and even Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) battery packs with care.
1. About Batteries for RC Use
Lithium batteries have a very high energy density (A-Hrs. to weight ratio) compared to NiMH, NiCd's, or other batteries. That high energy density means that there's is also an increased risk when using them, the biggest risk involving fire. NiMH batteries can deliver extremely high currents if shorted and subsequently can cause fire, explosions, property damage and/or personal injury. Because of this, we at INTEGY INC. recommend extreme caution in their use, and are informing you of the risks that come with using these types of batteries.
As mentioned above, the main risk is FIRE which can result from improper charging, crash damage, or short circuiting the battery pack. We must stress that all lithium batteries be used with extreme caution and attention in order to prevent any dangerous situations. Houses, garages, and shops have also burned as the result of a lithium battery fire!
All batteries regardless of type are not toys, and are not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. Never allow children less than 14 years of age to handle RC battery packs.
2. Storing, Charging, and Using LiPo Batteries
A. ALWAYS store LiPo batteries at no more than 50% charge. Always charge lithium batteries in a fireproof or "LiPo safe" container. You should never store or charge your lithium batteries while they are mounted in your RC model, nor store them for extended periods of time when fully charged to 100%.
B. ALWAYS charge in a protected area that is away from any flammable (combustible) materials. Always monitor the charging process; NEVER leave the charging process unattended at any time.
C. ALWAYS use chargers SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED to charge lithium batteries, at settings that match your battery pack. Many documented lithium fires have occurred due to improperly set chargers that feature user-selectable/adjustable settings. Never attempt to charge lithium cells with a charger which is not specifically designed for charging lithium cells.
D. ALWAYS use a charging system that monitors and controls the charge state of each individual cell in the pack (a.k.a. balanced charging). Charging with a balancer is a safer method, because unbalanced cells can lead to disaster if a single cell in the pack is overcharged. If any battery show any sign of swelling during the charging process, discontinue the charging IMMEDIATELY and move the battery to a safe place outside as they could erupt into flames.
E. NEVER PLUG IN A LITHIUM BATTERY AND LEAVE IT TO CHARGE UNATTENDED! This is a highly dangerous situation, and many serious fires have resulted from this practice!
F. NEVER continue to use, reuse, or attempt to charge a physically-damaged lithium battery. If ever your lithium battery gets damaged while in use (ex: crashes, etc.) you must carefully remove the battery pack and place it in a safe place for at least a half hour to observe. Physically damaged lithium battery cells could spontaneously erupt into a fire!
G. NEVER disassemble or attempt to make your own battery packs from individual lithium cells.
3. Storing, Charging, and Using NiMH Batteries
A. ALWAYS store NiMH batteries in a secure location where children cannot reach them. Store your batteries in a cool, dry place. Do not leave your battery exposed to direct sunlight or temperatures below 32-degrees Fahrenheit (0-degrees Celsius), or above 122-degrees Fahrenheit (50-degrees Celsius).
B.ALWAYS charge in a protected area that is away from any flammable (combustible) materials. Always monitor the charging process; NEVER leave the charging process unattended at any time.
C. ALWAYS use a peak-detection type charging system SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED to charge NiMH batteries, at settings that match your battery pack. Never attempt to charge NiMH battery packs with a charger which is not specifically designed for charging NiMH cells.
D. ALWAYS charge NiMH batteries at or below 2C (or one times the rated capacity of the battery). If the battery is a 3000mAh battery, only charge the battery at current rates up to 6A! If you charge the batteries over 2C, you risk damaging the battery and shortening the life span. If any battery shows any sign of venting during the charging process, discontinue the charging IMMEDIATELY and move the battery to a safe place outside as they could erupt into flames.
E. NEVER charge your NiMH batteries while they are mounted in your RC model, as the batteries can get very hot during charging and may cause damage to nearby equipment.
F. NEVER continue to use, reuse, or attempt to charge a physically-damaged NiMH battery. If ever your NiMH battery gets damaged while in use (ex: crashes, etc.) you must carefully remove the battery pack and place it in a safe place for at least a half hour to observe. Physically damaged NiMH battery cells could spontaneously erupt into a fire!
4. General Charger Safety Procedures
A. NEVER plug in a battery and leave it to charge unattended! Never leave the power supply, charger and battery unattended! This is a highly dangerous situation, and many serious fires have resulted from this practice!
B. ALWAYS charge lithium batteries in a fire-proof container such as a LiPo battery charging bag. Never charge batteries in extremely hot or cold places or place in direct sunlight. Always keep the charger, charging cables, and battery away from any material that could be affected by heat.
C. NEVER attempt to use the charger’s NiCd and NiMH functions for LiPo or Li-Ion batteries. Never attempt to overcharge a battery pack or exceed the rated charge current of a battery pack. Always use rechargeable batteries designed for use with this type of charger only.
D. ALWAYS inspect the battery before charging. Never charge a battery if the cable has been pinched or shorted. Never attempt to charge dead, damaged or wet battery packs. Never attempt to charge a battery pack containing different types of batteries.
E. NEVER connect the charger to an automobile 12V battery while the vehicle is running. Never attach your charger to both an AC and a DC power source at the same time. Never connect the input jack (DC input) to AC power. Never charge near any flammable liquids or combustible items.
F. ALWAYS charge in a well-ventilated area. Make sure any charger fans are not blocked. Always disconnect the battery after charging, and let the charger cool between charges. Always disconnect the battery and end the charging process if the battery becomes hot to the touch or starts to change form (swell) during the charge process.
G. NEVER use cables that are not specifically designed for usage with your charger. Always connect the charge cable to the charger first, and then connect the battery to avoid any possibility of a short circuit. Always connect the positive red leads (+) and negative black leads (–) correctly.
H. ALWAYS monitor the charging area and have a fire extinguisher available at all times. Always keep lithium batteries away from children.
5. Batteries, Chargers, and Related Electronics Disclaimer
Integy assumes no liability for the use or misuse of this product or damages incurred to person or property by the use or misuse of chargers, batteries, electronic speed controllers, or other electronics that are used in conjunction with these products. Due to the nature of the use and misuse of these products, Integy Inc. only warranties that this product meets all factory specs at the time of purchase and is free from any manufacturing defects. No other warranty is implied. Integy, the point of purchase, any dealer or distributor, their employees or owners will assume no responsibility for any damages or injuries to property or person that may occur. By purchasing any of these items, the consumer, buyer, and/or user assumes all liability and takes full responsibility for usage and the results of these items.
Because we cannot control the way lithium batteries will be used, charged, discharged or stored after purchase, Integy offers no warranty on lithium battery packs other than the pack working correctly upon first charge. Lithium battery pack swelling, lithium packs damaged through usage, and/or short-circuited packs will not be covered under warranty. Use lithium battery pack(s) at your own risk.
Some of these products contain a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
