When you buy new cells, it’s advised to always check the voltage with a digital multimeter. 4/ WARNING! (if you buy from a discount merchant)
Then when you’re ready to place it back in service, remove it from its chilling state, allow it to warm to room temperature, charge it up and you’re good to go again! It’s important to remember that you NEVER store a lithium battery below 32☏ (0 Celsius)! And, when entering its storage phase, be sure that the voltage be between 3.6 … and 4.0 volts. It should keep well under these circumstances almost indefinitely. The cell would then be placed in an air tight plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator. This usually equates to roughly 3.8 volts. It is recommended that for months of non-use, the cell be discharged to roughly 50% of its total capacity. This is because when sitting charged for long periods without use, (as in the example of losing one )the cell will deteriorate at a quicker rate than if it’s kept in regular use. If you over-buy rechargeable lithium’s, and leave them sitting idle for several months at a time, then you might consider a long-term storage plan. If on the other hand it had drained to below 2.7 volts…then it’s advisable to toss it. Even if after several months you found it again, the battery would still be safe to charge IF the voltage were above 3 volts. Say for instance you were using a device which contained a rechargeable battery, and suddenly were to lose it. One of the many advantages of lithium batteries is that once fully charged, they keep 80% of their power for up to a year. Don’t run the risk of potentially holding a mini pipe bomb in your hands! 2/ The Lithium-ion Advantage Although horror stories of fire and/or explosions are rare, there’s a greater risk to such dangers when using two unevenly charged batteries in series. Lithium batteries are not bothered by frequent charging, even after light usage.Īnother important precaution when caring for your lithium batteries is to make absolutely certain when using two cells in a device at once, that they be of relatively equal charge when installed. Also, make a habit of removing the cells from the charger as soon as possible, once the charge is complete. It is advised to always monitor your cells during a charging cycle, and not to leave them completely alone when doing so. Should they become hot while charging, they can physically catch fire. Lithium batteries have the potential to become quite dangerous if regularly mishandled. Some cheaper chargers tend to overcharge the cells. When purchasing a battery charger, make sure the unit features a CC/CV (constant current/constant voltage) method of charging.
It’s recommended that this be done before and after you charge your cells.
One thing you SHOULD have though is a digital multimeter, for the purpose of testing the voltage on your lithium batteries. Once you’re into the rhythm of regular recharging, there’s not much to think about. Many users agree that a lithium battery shouldn’t routinely be discharged to the point of automatic termination. It’s a good habit though to periodically check the voltage of the cell. The built-in circuit will cut the power around 3.2 volts. Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium’s still carry their warnings, as do ALL batteries for that matter, but it’s when the hazardous chemicals housed within the cell need to be rejuvenated, that a few precautions should be followed.Īs long as you’re buying protected cells, you shouldn’t have to worry about the battery discharging too much while in use. The focus here is on rechargeable batteries. A typical 18650 battery compared in size to a typical glue stick!
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