Where to Charge Li-ion Batteries

[haskins02]

I plan to buy rechargeable RCR-123A batteries (Tenergy 3.0V 900mAh) and the charger that is sold with it for my Fenix PID-CE. But on the All-battery.com website, under the category "Li-ion/Li-PO Batteries", there is a long list of warnings that apply to charging such batteries. One of the warnings is:

"You will only charging the batteries and packs in a fire proofing container. You will not leave the product on the wood materials or carpet environment that would prevent fire spread."

Putting aside the bad English, how important is it to follow this rule? I don't have any "fireproof" containers lying around my house and don't know what they are referring to anyway. I currently charge my NiMH batteries in a charger that lies on my wooden floor by my bed. Would this be a bad place to recharge RCR-123A batteries? If so, where is an acceptable and practical location inside a house? Thanks.

- Greg

 

[Brighteyez]

I don't understand why you have to agree to use and environment that would prevent a fire from spreading.

Additionally, anyone who would agree to a statement that they cannot read or understand (i.e. the pidgeon English,) would have to be dumber that the person that wrote it with the expectation that it would relieve them of liability issues. Bottom line is that it's a mickey-mouse means of thinking that they can avoid lawsuits if their products cause physical or property damage. Guess they didn't want to pay someone who was literate in English, or worse yet, a lawyer.

I do have the charger battery combo that you're thinking about. I violate all those terms for safety and put it on a wooden surface (desk) to charge. I try to avoid fire-proofing containers, as that stuff is actually often flammable when it's wet. You have to wait for it to dry before it is flame resistant.

And to conclude ... just ignore it.

 

[jch79]

This actually does bring up a good point about a fire-proof container... when I leave home for a bit while charging batteries, I put my charger in a big metal pan, however I know it wouldn't be totally fireproof, I wonder how many other people take similar precautions?

john

 

[Brighteyez]

I don't know about other people either.

But I don't.

This actually does bring up a good point about a fire-proof container... when I leave home for a bit while charging batteries, I put my charger in a big metal pan, however I know it wouldn't be totally fireproof, I wonder how many other people take similar precautions?

john

 

[LED BriCK]

I used to set my DSD charger on a ceramic hot plate (I think it's properly called a trivet) while charging, but I've gotten lax in that habit. My Nano charger just plugs into the wall, so there's not much that can be done for that. I never leave them charging while I'm not home, even NiMH.

 

[SilverFox]

In general...

Charging is safer if done on a heat resistant, spill resistant surface, away from combustibles. A local smoke alarm can be added to let you know that something has gone wrong, and it doesn't hurt to know where a fire extinguisher is located.

It is always recommended to be around so you can monitor the charge. I do not recommend charging while you are sleeping (unless you have taken the proper precautions), or when you are away from your house.

Dishes, baking pans, cookie sheets, buckets, bathroom tiles, silicone hot pads, concrete blocks, sinks, ovens, stove tops, and metal shelves are good choices to choose from. Keep in mind that there are additional "issues" involved with sinks, stoves, and ovens...

NiCd and NiMh cells will usually just vent electrolyte and you only have a small spill to contain and clean up. However, if the vent gets plugged, they can blow up and launch across the room. When the hot can lands on the rug, it melts it, but is cooling off fast so there is minimal danger of flame.

Li-Ion cells can vent and also will blow up. Their reaction is more violent and if accompanied with flame, containment becomes important. You can't contain the fumes, but you can try to contain the fireworks. Think of a road flare. A Li-Ion cell won't last as long, but burns hotter.

NewBie used a 6 gallon plastic bucket during his primary CR123 testing and it was set up outside. I noticed that the flame did not last long enough to catch the plastic bucket on fire, so that may be another option.

While charging is relatively safe, every once in a while things go wrong. A minimal amount of preparation goes a long way in preventing property damage.

Tom

 

[haskins02]

Thanks for all of your responses. A bit of contrast between Silverfox and Brighteyez, but I think if I keep the charger on a metal baking pan, it might be a prudent step.

- Greg

 

[Brighteyez]

I'd suggest going with Silverfox's suggestions if you're going to be using some of the more 'experimental' or 'hobby' type components. e.g. unprotected batteries. Tom does a lot of work with batteries and is quite knowledgeable. What I'm sharing is the way that I happen to use chargers with LIon battery based products.

Do bear in mind that most of my usage is with products that have already undergone some testing and are what one might describe as mainstream consumer products. The only product LIon battery product that I use that has not undergone any reasonable level of testing for the consumer market, is probably the Tenergy 3.0V 900 mAh batteries and charger, which does have protection circuitry. Products like cellphones, laptops, mp3 players, and Strion flashlights, all have been tested by their manufacturers, have protection circuitry built either into the device or in their batteries, and probably pose less of a risk to the mainstream consumer (though the recent Sony recall is an indication that there can be a risk.)

Thanks for all of your responses. A bit of contrast between Silverfox and Brighteyez, but I think if I keep the charger on a metal baking pan, it might be a prudent step.

- Greg

 

[jch79]

Tom - AWESOME summary of safety precautions. :thumbsup:

 

[Casual Flashlight User]

I just place my chargers on a sideboard...that said, I do not leave them charging or plugged in when I leave the house or go to sleep.


CFU

 

[Norm]

After my recent experiences I'll be charging my batteries inside an old biscuit tin with a tight fitting lid.
Norm

 

[83Venture]

After seeing the recent info I may put the charger in an AMMO can.

 

[max52]

I agree with the safety reccomendations. I have been using the Tenergy 900Mah cells for over a year and have had no problems. The charger does not even heat up when charging. I try to match cells for multi-cell applications. I find that there is considerable variation between cells. That variation is the one aspect that bothers me about the cells. The Tenergy are supposedly protected unlike the Powerizer line of R123's. For single cell applications I would very little concern using the Tenery cells.

I plan to try using 3 3.6 Powerizer cells with a dummy for my M4. This configuration is suggested on the BatterySpace site. Should I have concerns about this configuration?

 

[haskins02]

After my recent experiences I'll be charging my batteries inside an old biscuit tin with a tight fitting lid.
Norm

Hi Norm,

That is exactly what I decided to do. I have a similar aluminum "cookie tin" with lid that I plan to use with my Tenergy charger and batteries I just ordered.

- Greg

 

[cy]

don't use a universal smart charger with manual settings for li-ion. find a n auto detect model. there's a current thread on cpf still selling this charger.

recent cpf thread on a li-ion cell venting with flame due to operator using wrong setting. He was extremely lucky no one got hurt or house burn down.