>To reduce the chances of catastrophic failure, manufacturers of products containing Li-ion batteries build in redundant safety features such as vents to release built-up gases, a circuit board to regulate energy flow, and often a backup thermostat or fuse. Either the device or charger should have built-in protection that strictly governs whether a charge is applied to the battery pack when plugged in.
>Disaster strikes when the battery shorts out and one or more of these safety features fails. The battery pack can heat up very quickly in a reaction called thermal runaway, which can lead to fire or explosion.
>To prevent shorting, keep the battery pack away from metal objects in your bag. Install covers on the terminals to protect them when the battery is not in use, or use separate bags or pouches for each spare battery. A product called a LiPo bag can minimize the risk of shorting and reduce the severity of fire in the event of a short.
>Water can create a short in the pack, so never use a battery that has been wet. Due to the increased risk of shorting, it is also recommended to not ship or travel with a battery pack that has been wet.
>Heat and humidity are enemies of Li-ion cells. Stress and permanent damage may result from exposing the batteries to heat for prolonged periods. Based on studies of customer usage trends, people who live in tropical or desert conditions (especially those without air conditioning) and those who travel regularly on liveaboard boats statistically experience a significant reduction in the overall lifetime of Li-ion battery packs.
>Follow your battery manufacturer's recommendations for everything related to the product, including safe operating temperatures during use and long-term storage. Store Li-ion batteries in cool, dry environments at around 50 percent capacity.
>The circuitry that controls this process works well but can be sensitive to fluctuations in power supply such as a sudden power surge, an overloaded power circuit or a boat's generator switching over. Check that you have a universal input charger that accepts variable input voltage, and connect the charger to a surge protector. Don't charge too many devices at the same time on the same circuit. Watch for signs that the circuit is overloaded, including flickering or dimming lights, a buzzing sound or warm wall plates.
>Never expose a battery pack — even a dead one — to a fire. It's not environmentally responsible to throw away your dead batteries with the household garbage. When your batteries die, dispose of them at a battery-recycling facility.
>Jean Rydberg is president and CEO of Ikelite.
- Secure your equipment on a boat, and keep it out of the hot sun. Never leave equipment in the camera rinse tank.
- Always use the charger recommended by the manufacturer.
- Never charge or use a battery pack that has been wet.
- Charge your battery in a room with working fire alarms and fire-extinguishing materials on hand. Know what type of fire-extinguishing method is required for your batteries.
- Charge your battery on a solid, nonflammable surface such as steel shelving.
- Connect your charger to a surge protector.
- Don't sleep with your cellphone on or under your pillow. Never charge any battery on your bed.
- Always be present when charging your device, and disconnect your charger when it's done. Avoid charging overnight; set an alarm to disconnect your chargers if necessary.
- Occasionally feel your battery pack and charger while charging. Discontinue charging if the battery or charger gets abnormally warm.
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