[Elecraft] Being cautious around Li-Ion Batteries

[Doug Person via Elecraft]

I said 12 volt, but it was actually 11.1 volt.  I use this type for the 
KX3, Quad-copters and driving computerized telescopes.  I'm not familiar 
with LiFe.  I'll have to look into them.  I had no idea they could be so 
volatile! If I did, I sure has heck wouldn't have been sitting right in 
front of it on the bench.  The XYL has just banned them from the house.  
Worse yet, it ruptured my right ear drum.

73, Doug -- K0DXV

On 12/10/2014 5:40 PM, David Orman wrote:
> I'm glad to hear you are mostly OK. Very sorry to hear this happened. 
> I use LiPo for R/C aircraft/helicopters, and charge them outside on 
> the back patio clear of anything inside those bags for this very 
> reason. I've had a couple grenade (you'd think figuratively, but as 
> you described, literally) after collisions.
>
> For radio use, I switched to LiFe packs which seem to be much less 
> volatile, and the discharge voltage curve is more conducive for radio 
> use. You'll also get more cycles out of them. Not sure if you use your 
> LiPo for radio, but I thought I'd offer that suggestion if you do. 
> They have slightly less capacity, but with my KX3, I get a day of RX 
> from a 4200mAh LiFe battery, and 2 hours of solid 10W output; much 
> more when using something like SSB that isn't pulling the full 2A or 
> so and isn't 100% duty cycle.
>
> Again, glad to hear you're OK.
>
> David - K5DJO
>
> On Wed, Dec 10, 2014 at 5:38 PM, Doug Person via Elecraft 
> <elecraft at mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft at mailman.qth.net>> wrote:
>
>     Just a quick note to affirm the need for caution around
>     Lithium-Ion battery packs.
>
>     Today I was charging a new 12 volt Li-Io battery pack.  Fist time
>     being charged.  I was using a specialized automatic Li-Io charger.
>     Nonetheless, the battery pack exploded with an incredible force,
>     blowing items off my workbench within 2 feet of the explosion. 
>     The burn area on my workbench exceeds 12 inches.  If I hadn't been
>     wearing safety glasses, I'm sure my eyes would have been badly
>     affected.  The sound level was at least equal to a 44 magnum. My
>     facial hair has been burned and there are numerous particles
>     embedded in my skin, walls and table.  The furthest piece,
>     embedded in ceiling, is at least 10 feet from the ignition point. 
>     About 2 ounces of C4 would perform about the same.
>
>     I consider myself lucky in that I was wearing my welding jacket
>     which protected my body very well.  I was only 18 inches from the
>     pack when it exploded.
>
>     I never realized or expected such a thing to happen from a
>     commercially produced battery pack.  I guess I will weld together
>     a steel blast-proof box should I have nerve enough to ever use
>     these battery packs again.
>
>     73, Doug -- K0DXV
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