Lithium Ion Battery Safety

WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

The safety warnings and instructions stated below apply to all unprotected lithium-ion batteries. All users of lithium-ion batteries MUST read the warning and safety instructions before using lithium-ion batteries.

WARNING

  • Misusing or mishandling a lithium-ion battery may cause fire or explosion, which can result in personal INJURY or DEATH and property damage. You MUST read the safety warnings and resources before purchasing, using, and/or handling batteries. Even if properly handled, lithium-ion batteries may still catch fire or explode. The buyer acknowledges these risks and absolves Higher Wire Inc. of any responsibility for any damage these cells may cause.
  • Unless otherwise stated, batteries sold by Higher Wire are unprotected and not recommended by us or their original manufacturers for use unless equipped with a protection circuit board (PCB), battery management system (BMS), and/or similar device.
  • SHORT CIRCUIT is the situation that occurs when battery positive (+) and negative (-) are directly connected. The current will become extremely high due to a lack of resistance in the circuit that would limit current flow. A short circuit usually leads to dangerously high temperatures which may lead to a fire generating personal injury, property damage, or death. On a cylindrical lithium-ion battery, the positive pole is located at the top cap and the negative (ground) is located on the full body. The protective PVC shrink wrap and top cap insulator should always be in PERFECT condition. DO NOT use the battery if these parts are damaged in any way or if the cell body is rusted, dented, deformed, leaking, or damaged in any way.
  • Keep lithium-ion batteries AWAY from metal objects. DO NOT store lithium-ion batteries close to or on your person, in a pocket, purse, backpack, etc. without any protective box or plastic container. ALWAYS store lithium-ion batteries in the box or inside the plastic bin in which the batteries are to be delivered or when not in use.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

  • Lithium batteries must be properly disposed of – NOT in a fire or in the trash. Laws vary at the city, state and national level, and it is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure they are recycling lithium batteries properly. Many local governments and retail stores offer free recycling, and we offer a recycling locator at higherwire.com/pages/recycle.
  • Unless otherwise stated, batteries sold by Higher Wire are used and have no warranty, either from Higher Wire or the original manufacturer. Although we visually inspect and analyze/grade all batteries prior to sale, it is the buyer’s responsibility to inspect all batteries for physical damage, corrosion, and voltage upon receipt. Contact sales@higherwire.com immediately if there are any issues with an order, and do not use any battery that is damaged or below 3.0 volts per cell upon receipt.
  • Unless otherwise stated, batteries sold by Higher Wire are charged to 40% SOC (~3.4v per cell for lithium ion, ~3.2v per cell for LiFePO4) per IATA and DOT regulations. Charge battery fully to 4.2v for lithium ion or 3.6v for LiFePO4 before first use.
  • Use a high-quality or smart charger specifically designed to charge lithium-ion batteries.
  • Never attempt to mix and match brands, including models as well as old and new, used, and unused lithium-ion batteries. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure a battery is compatible with the intended application. Contact sales@higherwire.com with any questions, including technical.
  • Immediately STOP charging, storing, or using lithium-ion batteries if they emit an unusual smell, feel hot, change color, or shape, or appear damaged.
  • If exposed to battery electrolyte, flush with water, immediately and/or immediately contact a physician or emergency services.
  • If purchasing this battery for resale purposes, you MUST forward ALL warnings to ALL potential customers for their reference and safety!
  • Several manufacturers’ specification datasheets have extra warnings. Therefore, check the datasheet page in the item description to read the additional specifications and warnings. View our datasheet page or contact us if you need a data sheet.
  • The positive (+) and negative (-) terminals MUST NOT be reversed when charging or using the battery.
  • Do not charge or discharge lithium-ion batteries at a rate beyond the maximum charging or discharging current of the manufacturer’s specific current ratings.
  • If eye exposure arises, flush with water for 15 minutes, and immediately seek emergency attention.
  • ALWAYS charge lithium-ion batteries in or on a fire-proof surface and do not leave batteries charging without due attention.
  • We are not responsible for any damage if there is any modification of the batteries/chargers in any shape or form (including but not limited to pack making).
  • Only assemble a battery pack if you are competent in doing so.
  • DO NOT modify, disassemble, puncture, cut, crush, or incinerate.
  • DO NOT solder directly onto the battery, spot weld only.
  • DO NOT use force to install or install in reverse/backward.
  • It is your responsibility to determine that your charger or device is functioning properly.
  • DO NOT store or carry bare lithium-ion batteries in your pocket, bag, or anywhere together with other conducting materials or objects such as necklaces, hairpins, etc.
  • DO NOT leave a battery inside a hot environment (such as inside a vehicle) or in direct sunlight.
  • DO NOT place the battery in high-pressure containers, microwave ovens, or induction cookware.
  • Misuse of lithium-ion rechargeable battery cells can pose a serious risk of personal injury or property damage.
  • Keep the lithium-ion batteries out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Avoid charging or storing lithium-ion batteries at high temperatures greater than 120°F (50°C). High temperatures might ignite the battery and cause a fire.
  • Avoid charging lithium batteries below freezing (32°F or 0°C), as this will permanently reduce the battery capacity due to lithium plating.
  • DO NOT charge batteries overnight or without supervision.

BEST PRACTICES

  • DO purchase a programmable charger. We highly recommend the Grin Satiator for battery packs.
  • DO operate the battery only between 10% and 90% state of charge (SOC).
  • DO NOT run the battery until it cuts off. That will significantly reduce the operating life of the battery.
  • DO NOT fully charge the battery except on rare occasions when maximum range is absolutely required. While you will lose a small amount of capacity, it will greatly improve safety and battery life.
  • DO NOT leave a battery fully charged or fully depleted for longer than a few days.
  • DO NOT charge below freezing or above 120°F (50°C).
  • DO NOT discharge below 14°F (-10°C) or above 120°F (50°C).
  • DO NOT assume that the battery management system is a fail-safe! Batteries may catch fire or explode even with a high-quality BMS.
  • IMMEDIATELY unplug a battery once it is charged.
  • DO NOT charge the battery near flammable materials. Keep batteries at least 3 feet from nonflammable materials and 6 feet from flammable materials.

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