BATTERY SAFETY
Introduction
Lithium-Polymer (Li-po) batteries are what give our foam dart blasters their incredible performance.
If you use a Li-po battery, you need to be aware of how to handle these batteries safely to avoid any injury. Misuse of a Li-po will create a high probability of property damage, collateral damage, and potentially cause the battery to catch on fire, causing serious injury.
Li-po batteries are relatively safe under normal circumstances. However, they can pose a risk if they are mishandled. We want to keep you safe, so please read this guide before purchasing a battery.
Battery Safety Basics
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Never alter, puncture or impact batteries or related components.
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Keep sharp objects away from batteries. Any hole in a battery pack can cause damage to the cells, leading to a fire or explosion.
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Keep batteries away from water. They are not waterproof and will be damaged or ruined.
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Dropping batteries can cause an internal short, which could cause it to catch fire.
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Always store batteries in fireproof bags, never carry a battery in your pocket.
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Never store batteries inside a vehicle.
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Never directly connect the battery terminals with metal objects. This will short-circuit the battery, resulting in heat and electrical discharge.
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Never store loose batteries together or allow battery terminals to contact one another.
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Never expose batteries to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. Always keep batteries within a range of 40-120° F (4-49° C).
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Heat will shorten the lifespan of your batteries.
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Never charge a battery that is still warm after usage, and never use a battery that is still warm from charging.
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Always verify the voltage of batteries before use.
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Take extra care with battery packs that have been out of service for more than six months.
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Always charge and store batteries in a non-conductive, fireproof container or bag.
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Store standard Li-po batteries at 3.80 volts +/- .05 volts per cell, or follow the manufacturer's suggested storage voltage.
Charging
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Always ensure you are using the correct charger for the specific battery type you are trying to charge. For example, if you are charging a Li-po battery, only use a charger designed for Li-po batteries. If the charger can support different battery types, ensure you select the correct type. Failure to do so may cause a fire, which may result in personal injury and property damage.
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Always charge batteries at a rate of 1c times the capacity unless specified by the manufacturer.
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Always use a compatible balanced mode charger, specifically designed for the chemistry of battery you are using.
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Always charge batteries in an open area away from flammable materials, liquids and surfaces.
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Never charge batteries inside a blaster.
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Never charge the battery inside a vehicle.
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Never charge a battery that shows signs of puffing.
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Never charge a battery pack that has been punctured or damaged.
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Never let the positive and negative battery leads touch each other. This can lead to cell ballooning, cell damage, fire or explosion.
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Always set the charger to the correct cell count and voltage listed on the battery’s labels.
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Always check the voltage of batteries before each charge session in order to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe starting voltage. If the starting voltage is below recommended levels, the battery has been over-discharged or has experienced a failure and should NOT be charged again.
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Never overcharge batteries beyond the capacity listed on the manufacturer’s label.
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If you notice your Li-po battery pack is swelling while charging, stop the charging process immediately, put the battery in a safe container and observe it.
Discharging
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Never allow the temperature of batteries to exceed the temperatures advised by the manufacturer.
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Never discharge batteries to a voltage below which they are rated by the manufacturer when measured under load connected to the blaster or a charger capable of discharge. Batteries discharged to a voltage lower than the lowest approved voltage may be damaged, resulting in a loss of performance and a fire risk when the batteries are charged.
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When storing your batteries, use a voltmeter to ensure they are at the correct storage voltage. If the volts are higher or lower than the voltage rate, connect it to your charger and select “storage mode” and charge or discharge it accordingly.