Handling a LiPo Battery Pack
Don’t let children handle LiPo batteries. When transporting your LiPo batteries, use a non-flammable container that does not contain sharp objects that could puncture the battery packaging. Don’t carry LiPo batteries in your pockets or throw them into your tool box. Don’t place batteries — especially damaged ones — on flammable or hot surfaces. Don’t handle damaged batteries with bare hands.
Using a LiPo Battery Pack
Always inspect your LiPo battery after each use — cleaning it if necessary. Inspect your LiPo battery after a crash and let it sit for an hour or so even if it appears to be OK. Do not continue using it if the packaging is torn or punctured or if you notice any ballooning of the battery. Continued use or charging of a damaged LiPo battery could result in an explosion and fire.
Storing LiPo Batteries
Make sure your LiPo battery is in good condition and partially charged before storing. Keep them in non-flammable containers, small cash boxes are inexpensive and are ideal. Keep the away from sharp objects or flammable materials, and at moderate temperatures. Store your LiPo batteries out of the reach of children. Don’t store dead or damaged batteries.
Unlike NiCd batteries, lithium-polymer batteries are environmentally friendly. For safety reasons, it’s best that LiPo cells be fully discharged before disposal (however, if physically damaged it is NOT recommended to discharge LiPo cells before disposal – see below for details). The batteries must also be cool before proceeding with disposal instructions.
To dispose of LiPo cells and packs:
1. If any LiPo cell in the pack has been physically damaged, resulting in a swollen cell or a split or tear in a cell’s foil covering, do NOT discharge the battery. Jump to step 5.
2. Place the LiPo battery in a fireproof container or bucket of sand.
3. Connect the battery to a LiPo discharger. Set the discharge cutoff voltage to the lowest possible value. Set the discharge current to a C/10 value, with “C” being the capacity rating of the pack. For example, the “1C” rating for a 1200mAh battery is 1.2A, and that battery’s C/10 current value is (1.2A / 10) can be used, such as a power resistor or set of light bulbs as long as the discharge current doesn’t exceed the C/10 value and cause an overheating condition. For LiPo packs rated at 7.4V and 11.1V , connect a 150 ohm resistor with a power rating of 2 watts (commonly found at Radio Shack)to the pack’s positive and negative terminals to safely discharge connecting it to an ESC/ motor system and allowing the motor to run indefinitely until no power remains to further cause the system to function.
4. Discharge the battery until its voltage reaches 1.0V per cell or lower. For resistive load type discharges, discharge the battery for up to 24 hours.
5. Submerse the battery into bucket or tub of salt water. This container should have a lid, but it should not need to be air-tight. Prepare a plastic container (do not use metal) of cold water. And mix in 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water. Drop the battery into the salt water. Allow the battery to remain in the tub of salt water for at least 2 weeks.
6. Remove the LiPo battery from the salt water, wrap it in newspaper or paper towels and place it in the normal trash. They are landfill safe.