Battery Safety

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries are used in many devices today such as electronic cigarettes, laptops, drones, cars, etc. 18650 batteries in particular are very popular, and surprisingly hardy and safe provided they are used and handled correctly. 

Basic Rules & Information:

If your battery gets unusually hot, let it rest somewhere safe. 18650 cells contain flammable chemicals such as organic solvents. If the battery is misused or mishandled, it may cause explosion, fire, smoke etc, and will be rendered unusable at best, serious injury to the user at worst. Each cell is rigorously tested for safety, including but not limited to one meter drop tests before they reach your door. That said, respect the battery, great care should be taken with handling and usage.  

OHMS LAW: Voltage = current (amps) x resistance (ohms)

AMPS (A): Ampere (A) is a unit of electrical current measurement

MILLIAMP-HOUR (mAh): mAh is the most common battery capacity rating

VOLT (V): The unit of electromotive force (amps x ohms)

WATT (W): The rate of energy consumption (volts x amps)

PARALLEL CONNECTION: Batteries are connected to increase capacity

SERIAL CONNECTION: Batteries are connected to increase voltage

Safety Precautions:

1. MMERSION
   Do not immerse the battery in any liquid
   
   
2. HIGH TEMPERATURE
   Do not use or place the battery near fire or any high temperatures exceeding 70°C / 158°F
   
   
3. INCOMPATIBLE CHARGER
   Do not use unauthorized chargers. Maximum charge should be 4.20V for most 18650 batteries, and certainly for all the batteries sold here at Lightning Vapes.
   
   
4. REVERSE POLARITY
   Make sure the positive (+) and negative (-) poles are oriented correctly when charging, and during use. Do not force the cell into any mount or device.
   
   
5. DIRECT CONNECTION
   Do not connect the battery with AC plug (outlet) or other car adapters.
   
   
6. SHORT CIRCUIT
   Do not connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with conductive material. Keep out of pockets.
   
   
7. IMPACT
   Avoid unnecessary impact to the battery. Keep in a hard case during transport. Never transport the battery by itself such as loose in your pocket, purse, etc.
   
   
8. PENETRATION
   Do not penetrate any part of the battery with sharp objects, or any objects.
   
   
9. SOLDERING
   Do not directly solder onto the battery. Among other things, the insulator could melt, damage the vent, cause a short circuit, etc.
   
   
10. DISASSEMBLY & RECONSTRUCTION
    Do not disassemble the battery. You may damage the protection circuit, or otherwise cause the battery to fail.
    
    
11. DEFORMATION
    Do not use a battery with conspicuous damage or deformation. Your battery should be inspected after each use to ensure that the battery and wrap have sustained no physical damage before installing the battery in a charger or any other device.
    
    
12. INGESTION
    Do not ingest. The battery should be kept away from infants and young children.
    
    
13. STORAGE
    When the battery is not in use, it should be stored in a non-conductive hard case.
     
14. MIXED USE
    Do not use the battery with other batteries, unless they will always be used together. This is called "marrying batteries". Never mix and match unmarried batteries.
    
    
15. RUST , DISCOLORATION
    Stop using the battery immediately if there are signs of abnormal appearance, rust, smell, deformities, or discoloration.
    
    
16. CHARGING TIME
    Stop charging if the battery cannot complete a full charge cycle within the specified time.
    
    
17. LEAKAGE
    Do not handle a leaking battery. Battery liquid can potentially cause chemical burns on skin, eyes, or other parts of the body.
    
    
18. TRANSPORT
    To prevent short-circuit or other damage, be sure to tightly secure the battery in a non-conductive, hard case.
    
    
19. DIRECT SUNLIGHT
    Do not use or leave the battery in excessive heat such as direct sunlight, car, microwave, oven, etc.
    
    
20. STATIC ELECTRICITY
    Do not use the battery where it generates more than 100V of static electricity.
    
    
21. CHARGING TEMPERATURE
    Stop charging the battery if it exceeds 45 ºC / 113 ºF . Normal charging temperature is anywhere from 10 ºC / 50 ºF to 45 ºC / 113 ºF.
    
    
22. MANUAL
    You should read the manuals for both the device using the battery, as well as the charger used to charge the battery.
    
    
23. USE BY CHILDREN
    If battery use by children is permitted, the parents should instruct on proper usage and handling of the battery.
    
    
24. FIRST TIME USE
    If the battery is perfoming unusually in any way such as odor, heat, rust, discoloration, etc, discontinue use of the battery and contact the vendor.
    
    
25. FLAMMABLE MATERIALS
    Do not charge or discharge near flammable materials such as a mattress, clothing, paper, etc.
    
    
26. LEAKAGE ON SKIN
    If leakage onto the skin or clothing occurs, immediately flush with water to help prevent irritation. 
    
    
27. INSULATION
    If wires or other conductive objects protrude from the battery, either discontinue use, or properly seal and insulate them.
    
    
28. RECYCLE
    Recycle battery at local battery drop-off point, or dispose of accordingly to you local city and state regulations.