How To Keep Your Lithium-Ion Batteries Working Safely

Remember when Samsung launched the Note 7 and not long after your Facebook feed was full of stories of the phones blowing up? You still see signs at airports today warning against taking the now recalled phones onto aircraft.

This month ITV News London reported on its Facebook Page that a the battery in a “workman’s drill” exploded on a crowded train.

Now, we’re not too sure about this story as the post was scant on facts, however it appears that the battery started “overheating and smoking” before exploding, and that, sadly, some people were injured as a result.

So that takes us onto our Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Lithium-Ion Batteries Working Safely.

You might want to start with our guide to lithium-ion batteries, which you can find here, as it’ll give you a better understanding of the technology.

#1 – Keep Your Batteries Cool and Dry

Ok, admittedly that can be tricky during the winter months. Or even the summer months here in the UK…but the reality is, you’re dealing with electronics and electronics don’t like the heat or the damp. Not only will bundling your batteries up in a kit box help keep them organised, it’ll also protect them from undue exposure to the elements.

Equally, don’t leave them lying out on the front seat of your van on a roasting hot day. You’re just asking for trouble. Room temperature is best.

For cold days, read our guide to keeping your batteries operational.

#2 – Don’t Stress Your Batteries

It’s easy to get impressed by a list of amazing cutting capacities, drilling capacities, etc when we buy a new cordless tool. And yes, while brushless motors are helping our cordless tools perform better we need to remember that it’s the battery that provides the power to the motor.

Don’t push your tools too hard. The spec sheet is there to tell you what the manufacturer has safely tested the tool to.

Some tools have smart technology in the trigger, motor, and battery that carefully manages the flow of current and will kill the motor if you get a bit carried away.

But that’s not necessarily present in all cordless tool brands.

It’s easy to push the demand on the battery if you’re not careful. This causes the battery to overheat and can cause degeneration in the cells, damaging the efficiency of the pack.

#3 – Don’t Throw the Plastic Lid Away

Your battery may have come with a plastic lid that covers the terminals. Don’t chuck it away, along with the tool’s instructions. Fit it to the battery when you’re not using it, even if you keep your kit in a box.

The lid is supplied to protect the terminals and helps keep moisture and dirt out, both of which can play havoc with the electronics. (Please Note – not all batteries are supplied with the lid as standard)

#4 – Charge the Batteries Properly

Only use the charger that’s designed for the battery. Don’t mess about with this. Charge the battery when it needs to be charged, then when it’s full, remove it.

The manufacturers provide chargers that will feed the cells in the battery at the correct rate. Cheap knock-off chargers could force the charge in at too high a rate, overheating the cells. Not a good idea.

#5 – Only Use Approved Batteries

This is easy for us to say. We sell batteries, so we want you to buy brand name packs, not cheap knock-offs from elsewhere. But the hard facts are a manufacturer’s branded battery will come with a guarantee. You’ll have peace of mind that it will absolutely work with your cordless tools, and that the battery has been manufactured properly…

It really is a no-brainer.

What’s your tips on keeping your lithium-ion batteries working efficiently and safely? Let us know in the comments, and share this on Twitter and Facebook!