SilverFox
Flashaholic
When setting up an area to do your charging in, there are a few things to keep in mind. The idea is to plan for an emergency, and never have one.
It is nice to have a plug in strip that you plug your chargers into. That way you can flip the switch and shut everything down when you are away from your chargers.
Your charging area should be free of clutter and laid out so that you can keep an eye on things. Some people mount a smoke alarm in the area, and it is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher close by.
Another important piece of equipment in the charging area is a timer. If your attention happens to stray during charging, the timer will bring you back to keep an eye on things. The idea is to always attend to the charge. This is most important while charging Li-Ion and Li-Poly cells, but it is also a good idea for the other chemistries as well.
You aren't going to be able to do this during a break in or forming charge, but you should try to attend to your charge the rest of the time.
This thread serves as a reminder that there are times when things go wrong.
It is important to have your chargers on a heat resistant surface, and in the event of venting, a chemical resistant surface as well. I use silicon pot holders and they work very well.
It is also important to keep an area above the charger free from drapes, curtins, and furniture. If your charger goes up in flames, you don't want anything above it igniting.
Ventilation is another thing to think about. The hope is that your cells will never vent, but if they do, it is nice to be able to air out the area.
Some people have problems with their power and plug their chargers into a UPS unit.
Anytime you store energy, there is an element of danger. Battery charging is no different. The best way to avoid problems is to attend to the charge and keep an eye on things. This is where the timer comes in. If you are interested in cell temperatures, you can hook up some way to monitor the temperature of the cells. This can range from a simple contact thermometer, to an IR gun.
When you think the charge should be done, pull the cells from the charger and then figure out why the charger didn't terminate the charge. You can ruin cells by overcharging them, so act first, then figure things out.
The idea of using a timer helps keep you focused even when you get that unexpected phone call, or fall to some other distraction.
Most of the time there should never be a problem, but following these few precautions will greatly help you in the event something does go wrong.
Tom
It is nice to have a plug in strip that you plug your chargers into. That way you can flip the switch and shut everything down when you are away from your chargers.
Your charging area should be free of clutter and laid out so that you can keep an eye on things. Some people mount a smoke alarm in the area, and it is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher close by.
Another important piece of equipment in the charging area is a timer. If your attention happens to stray during charging, the timer will bring you back to keep an eye on things. The idea is to always attend to the charge. This is most important while charging Li-Ion and Li-Poly cells, but it is also a good idea for the other chemistries as well.
You aren't going to be able to do this during a break in or forming charge, but you should try to attend to your charge the rest of the time.
This thread serves as a reminder that there are times when things go wrong.
It is important to have your chargers on a heat resistant surface, and in the event of venting, a chemical resistant surface as well. I use silicon pot holders and they work very well.
It is also important to keep an area above the charger free from drapes, curtins, and furniture. If your charger goes up in flames, you don't want anything above it igniting.
Ventilation is another thing to think about. The hope is that your cells will never vent, but if they do, it is nice to be able to air out the area.
Some people have problems with their power and plug their chargers into a UPS unit.
Anytime you store energy, there is an element of danger. Battery charging is no different. The best way to avoid problems is to attend to the charge and keep an eye on things. This is where the timer comes in. If you are interested in cell temperatures, you can hook up some way to monitor the temperature of the cells. This can range from a simple contact thermometer, to an IR gun.
When you think the charge should be done, pull the cells from the charger and then figure out why the charger didn't terminate the charge. You can ruin cells by overcharging them, so act first, then figure things out.
The idea of using a timer helps keep you focused even when you get that unexpected phone call, or fall to some other distraction.
Most of the time there should never be a problem, but following these few precautions will greatly help you in the event something does go wrong.
Tom
so generally it is not a good idea to Contain these gasses prior to ignition.
