E) Handling Rechargeable Lithium Batteries - VOLTCRAFT T6200 Bedienungsanleitung

e) Handling Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

• Modern batteries with lithium technology do not only have a clearly higher capacity than NiMH or NiCd
rechargeable battery packs but they also have a considerably lower weight. This makes this type of
battery very interesting for application in model construction; so-called LiPo batteries (lithium-polymer)
are often used here.
LiPo batteries (and the LiFe and LiIon batteries that can be charged with the device) do require special
care however during charging/discharging as well as when being operated and handled.
• The exterior cover of a LiPo battery, consisting solely of a very thick film, is extremely sensitive. Never
destroy or damage the battery, never let the battery fall and do not pierce the battery with any objects!
Avoid any mechanical strain on the battery; never pull the connection cables of the battery! There is a
risk of fire and explosion!
These guidelines must also be observed when the battery is inserted into the model (or removed from
the model).
• Ensure that the battery does not overheat during usage, recharging, discharging, transport or storage.
Do not place the battery next to sources of heat (e.g. speed controller, motor), keep the battery away
from direct sunlight. There is a risk of fire and explosion if the battery overheats!
• The battery must never heat up to more than +60 °C (observe any additional information from the
manufacturer!).
• If the battery is damaged (e.g. after the crash of an aircraft or helicopter model) or the exterior cover
is soaked/has expanded, do not use the battery. Do not charge it anymore. There is a risk of fire and
explosion!
Handle the battery with care, use suitable protective gloves.
Never keep a rechargeable battery damaged in this manner in a flat or a vehicle, since the rechargeab-
le battery may self-ignite even after an extended period of time.
Dispose of the rechargeable battery environmentally compatibly.
• Only use a suitable charger to charge lithium batteries. Due to a risk of fire and explosion, conventional
chargers for NiCd, NiMH and lead acid batteries must not be used!
• When charging a lithium battery with more than one cell, always use a so-called „balancer" (one is
already integrated into the supplied charger).
• Charge LiPo batteries with a max. charging current of 1C. This means that the charging current may
not exceed the capacity value imprinted on the battery (e.g. battery capacity 1000 mAh, max. charging
current 1000 mA = 1 A).
With LiFe or LiIon batteries, you must observe the instructions of the battery manufacturer.
• The discharging current must not exceed the value printed on the battery.
For example, if a value of „20C" is printed on the battery, the max. discharging current is 20 times the
battery's capacity (e.g. battery capacity 1000 mAh, max. discharging current 20C = 20 x 1000 mA
= 20 A).
Otherwise, the battery will overheat, causing deformation/bloating of the battery or explosion and fire!
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