SAFETY HAZARD WARNINGS FOR LITHIUM-ION POLYMER BATTERIES
You must read these safety warnings and instructions before using or charging your miniPCR® Power Pack (“Battery”).
Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer batteries are potentially hazardous and can present a serious FIRE HAZARD, SERIOUS INJURY and/or PROPERTY DAMAGE if damaged, defective or improperly used.
By purchasing the battery, you assume all risks associated with the battery. We are not responsible for any damages and consequential damages by using our products. Use at your own risk.
The miniPCR® Power Pack is solely to be used with the miniPCR® mini8 thermal cycler or the mini16 thermal cycler and no other device.
Do not disassemble or modify the battery on any way. Vibration, puncture, contact with metals, or tampering with the battery can cause it to fail.
Do not use a charger other than the charger with which it came.
Never leave the battery unattended while charging. If the battery becomes hot, smokes, swells, or gives off an odor during charging, terminate charging immediately.
In the event the battery leaks and the fluid gets onto your skin or into your eyes do not rub. Rinse well with water and immediately seek medical care. If left untreated, the battery fluid could cause damage to the eye and skin.
Keep away from children.
Review ALL of the additional risks, requirements, recommendations and responsibilities.
A FIRE IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR DURING THE CHARGING PROCESS UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
- THE BATTERY HAS BEEN FULLY DISCHARGED AND IS NOT RECHARGED SHORTLY AFTERWARD. This potential is aggravated if batteries are damaged, contain an undetected factory defect, are used or stored at temperature extremes, or are approaching the end of their useful life. (See useful life) Ideally, batteries should be recharged within 24 hours of a full discharge.
- CHARGING IS ATTEMPTED AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 40°F (4°C). Charging below 40°F (4°C), causes a chemical reaction in the battery cells that can cause permanent damage and the possibility of fire or explosion during charging.
- THE BATTERY HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO LIQUIDS, ESPECIALLY SALTWATER. Exposure to liquids can cause internal corrosion or damage to the cells or to the Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS protects the battery from overcharging, high self- discharge or imbalanced charging of the cells, any of which can present the possibility of fire during recharging.
- OPERATING OR CHARGING A BATTERY THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED FROM DROPPING OR FROM SHIPPING DAMAGE.
- USING A CHARGER OTHER THAN SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR THE PARTICULAR BATTERY. Lithium-Ion polymer battery chargers provide a specific charging voltage and microprocessor current and voltage control. They are fundamentally different than chargers for SLA, NiCd, NiMH, or other rechargeable batteries. Chargers for LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC) batteries (VML) and LiFePO4 batteries (VLX) are not interchangeable, and require different charging voltages.
CHARGING RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations, in addition to those precautions above, should be followed when charging lithium-ion polymer batteries to ensure the avoidance of potentially catastrophic fire or explosion.
- Charging should be performed in a fire-safe area, away from children or pets. For maximum safety, a metal trashcan with lid placed on a non-flammable surface is suggested. Never charge batteries unattended, or where objects such as carpet, furniture, wood or vinyl floors, curtains or other flammable objects are present.
- Charging should be performed at a temperature between 40°F and 110°F (4°C and 43°C). Never charge below 40°F (4°C).
- Do not attempt to charge a battery that is swollen or bulging. Use only supplied charging cables and connections. Make sure connections are in good condition. Do not allow the charging polarity to be reversed or short-circuited. If equipment is connected during charging, equipment should be switched off. As a delayed chemical reaction can occur if a fault is present, observe the battery in a safe place for at least 15 minutes after charging is complete.
- A healthy battery should only get slightly warm during charging. If the battery becomes hot, smokes, swells, or gives off an odor during charging, terminate charging immediately and contact the manufacturer. Note – the charger itself may get quite warm to the touch when charging a deeply discharged battery.
OPERATING AND STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS
- Batteries may be safely discharged at temperatures between 4°F and 140°F (-20°C and 60°C). Note this is the safe battery temperature rather than ambient temperature. Heavy use (frequent flashing) will cause the battery to develop internal heat beyond the ambient temperature. It is recommended that the discharge duty cycle be limited to 50% or less for long-term continuous use (more than 5-10 minutes). Example: If recycle time is, say 4 seconds, allow 8 seconds between shots. If shooting is in ambient temperatures above 105°F (41°C), lower duty cycles are recommended. Typically, in Vagabond units, the inverter will temporarily shut down if overheated from excess duty cycle. Note that battery capacity is lower at cold temperatures.
- Batteries should be stored at temperatures between 40°F and 80°F (4°C and 27°C) for maximum life and safety. Higher storage temperatures increase the self-discharge rate from the nominal 1-2% per month to as high as 35% per month, and can reduce battery life and increase the possibility of catastrophic failure with long term high temperature storage. Never store batteries at temperatures higher than 170°F (76°C) as this can potentially result in self-combustion.
- Batteries may be stored at 100% charge if used frequently. However, for maximum life, batteries infrequently used should be stored at 40% to 70% charge. An easy way to bring a discharged battery into the proper long-term storage charge is to charge for about 60 minutes with the supplied charger. Batteries in long-term storage at room temperature should receive a refresh charge every three months or so. If you are unsure of the state of charge of the battery, turn it on and observe the battery gauge LEDs. Ideal long-term charge is 50%.
SAFE DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM-ION POLYMER BATTERIES
Lithium-ion polymer batteries contain elements that may pose health risks to individuals if they are allowed to leach into the ground water supply. In some countries, it may be illegal to dispose of these batteries in standard household waste. Fortunately, many recycling facilities exist that process lithium-ion polymer batteries, in part due to the value of the materials contained within the individual cells. In the United States and Canada, a large network of over 30,000 battery drop-off locations may be found at www.call2recycle.org.
To render the battery safe, apply tape over any exposed connectors to prevent the accidental shorting of the positive and negative terminals of the battery during transport. Place each battery into its own plastic bag, seal the bag, and deposit the battery into the recycling container. NEVER dispose of the battery in a fire or incinerator, as the battery may catch fire and explode.