Safety Notices
Charging and Discharging Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are safe when used as directed. Battery safety cannot be
assured when a battery pack is built with individual cells of an unknown nature with a serial
and parallel connection. Not all Li-ion cells are suited for multi-cell packs. Only cells that
meet tight voltage and capacity tolerances can be used for serial and parallel connection.
Mismatched packs are subject to overcharge resulting in venting with flame and fire. Check
with the cell manufacturer to see if the cells are suitable for multi-cell packs.
In the past, single Li-ion cells were only available to authorized battery manufacturers.
Today, imports are becoming readily available and often fall into the hands of the
inexperienced. While most brand name cells are equipped with an internal cell disconnect
that permanently opens the current path on high pressure, some brands do not provide
this safeguard. Many brands don’t’ use a separator that shuts down the battery when high
temperatures are reached. The internal safety features are omitted for cost reasons.
Please follow the following guidelines when charging and discharging
lithium-ion cell(s) and packs. Failing to follow these rules could result in
venting with flame, explosion, fire and personal injury.
û Never connect cells in parallel and/or series that are not designed for that purpose. A
cell mismatch may overcharge and vent with flames.
û
Never charge or discharge the battery without connecting a working protection circuit.
Each cell must be monitored individually and the current disconnected if an anomaly
occurs.
û Never leave the battery unattended while under charge or discharge.
ü
Always attach a temperature sensor when charging and discharging the battery. The
temperature sensor must disconnect the current on excess temperature.
ü
Only connect cells that are matched and have the identical state-of-charge.
ü
Pay special attention when using an unknown brand. Not all brands contain intrinsic
safety features that protect the cell when stressed.
ü During experiments, place the test battery into a well-ventilated fireproof container.
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