LiPo Safety
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Lipo Safety Tips
- What is a LiPo Battery?
- How do I charge my LiPo?
- Misc Safety Tips
What is a LiPo Battery?
A LiPo battery is made up of cells joined together in series.
- Each cell outputs ~3.7V. (4.2V at full charge, until it drains at 3.3V)
- Cell count is denoted by 'S'. For example, a 3-cell LiPo is called '3S'
- These are not your typical AAA batteries. When they are mishandled or damaged, they can catch fire. Take caution, and read the manual carefully
How do I charge my LiPo?
Take care to charge your LiPo correctly! If charged incorrectly, the battery can swell or catch fire. Follow the manual of the LiPo charger
- Charge your LiPos for free at the ECEn Shop! (CB 416) They can help you charge it properly
- ALWAYS use a LiPo bag when charging!! Never charge unattended!
- Make sure to charge at the correct amperage! Use the Amp/hour capacity of your battery (1A = 1000mA). For example, a 500mAh battery would be charged at 0.5A (500mA)
- Make sure to use the "Balance Charge" setting, not "Charge"
- Select "LiPo", and the correct cell count
Misc Safety Tips
- When storing your LiPo's for extended time (over 3 days), charge the cells to 3.8-3.85V/cell. Use the "storage" function on your LiPo charger
- Never use or charge a LiPo that is swollen, damaged, or punctured. Do not use a LiPo that has been charged higher than 4.2V/cell, or less than 3.0V/cell. Dispose of LiPo's at the ECEn Shop (CB 416)
- Use or make a proper adapter to connect your LiPo to the charger. DO NOT jerry-rig one or use the alligator clips. (see photo for proper adapter examples)
- Don't forget to power your robot off! Don't let it drain under 3.0V
- Don't store LiPo batteries in a bag with other components. A loose wire could get in the LiPo plug and short it!