Torque RC Radio Control LiPo Battery Charging Guide Part 1

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RC LiPo Battery Charging Guide

Lithium batteries are becoming the preferred power source for most electric modelers today. They offer high discharge rates and a high energy storage/weight ratio. However, using them properly and charging them correctly is no trivial task. There are many things to consider before using lithium cells in your RC vehicle. But none is more important than safety.

Until you are willing to follow all saftey precautions, DO NOT use lithium batteries. If your a type of person that prefers to push the limits of products, or be haphazard about following saftey requirements. Lithium technology is not for you. Read on to find out why.

Lithium cells must be charged very differently than NiCad or NiMH. They require a special charger specifically designed to charge lithium cells. In general any charger that can charge lithium ion can charge lithium polymer, assuming that the cell count is correct. You must NEVER charge lithium cells with a NiCad or NiMH only battery charger. This is dangerous. Charging cells is the most hazardous part of using lithium batteries. EXTREME care must be taken when charging them. It is important to set your charger to the correct voltage or cell count. Failure to do this can cause the battery to catch fire or explode! PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE when charging lithium batteries.

Torque RC .com 2011

Here are a few essential guidelines for charging/using LiPos (Lithium Polymer Batteries).

1. Use only a charger approved for lithium batteries. The charger may be designed for Li-Ion or Li-Poly. Both batteries are charged in exactly the same. Remember a NiCad or NiMH charger cannot be used to charge LiPo packs.
2. Make certain that the correct cell count is set on your charger. Watch the charger very closely for the first few minutes to ensure that the correct cell count continues to be displayed. If you don't know how to do that, get a charger that you do know how or don't charge the batteries.
3. The current should never exceed a 1C charge rate. For example, a 5000mAh 11.1V pack should be charged at 5 Amps or less. Charging at lower rates down to .77C could increase the life of the battery, although there is not conclusive evidence that I am aware of to support this. For example, a .77C charge rate of a 5000mAh pack would be 3.85 Amps.

Most LiPo chargers automatically detect the voltage (or cell count) of the LiPo battery pack. It is always a good idea to double check, or confirm that the charger detects correct the voltage pack.

4. NEVER charge the batteries unattended. This is the number one reason for houses and cars being burned to a crisp by lithium fires.
5. Use a safe surface to charge your batteries on so that if they burst into flame no damage will occur. Specialist fireproof pouches are now available for LiPo packs and are highly recommended.
6. DO NOT puncture the cell, ever. If a cell balloons quickly place it in a fire safe place, especially if you were charging it when it ballooned. After you have let the cell sit in the fire safe place for at least 2 hours. Discharge the cell/pack slowly and dispose of it safely.
7. If you crash with your lithium cells they may be damaged such that they are shorted inside. The cells may look just fine. If you crash in ANY way carefully remove the battery pack from the model and inspect and test it in a safe environment. If in any doubt, dispose of the pack.

8. Charge your batteries in a open ventilated area. If a battery does rupture or explode hazardous fumes and material will spew from the battery.

9. It can happen to you, do not think to yourself that “it won't happen to me” as soon as you do that something will go wrong.