[Elecraft] Being cautious around Li-Ion Batteries
Harry Yingst via Elecraft
elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Wed Dec 10 20:16:40 EST 2014
I used to fly Radio Controlled Helicopters and I was always wary of LiPObatteries and they have been know to catch fire and to possibly explode.
Never charge them unattended
Some would put them in a can to help contain them if they do catch fire.
From: Doug Person via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
To: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 6:38 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Being cautious around Li-Ion Batteries
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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