Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) batteries are a popular battery choice due to their attractive, unbeatable attributes. These include high energy density, low weight, and higher discharge rates. LiPo batteries have transformed every facet of radio controlled (RC) batteries. While it has many great benefits, you need to be very careful when recharging this battery.

LiPo batteries offer a number of electrical advantages

LiPo batteries come in different sizes and shapes and are now commonly found in RC cars, boats, and airplanes. Compared to other types of batteries, LiPo has a more significant charge and is also lighter. Since its inception and continuous improvement, it has provided a substantial boost to the performance of RC cars, boats, airplanes, helicopters and more. Also, newer types of vehicles like multi-rotors now use LiPo batteries.

Lithium polymer batteries offer many electrical advantages. However, this is not free. This particular battery has a higher risk of damage if not handled properly. For this reason, users should know some precautions to get the most out of LiPo batteries.

Capacity and voltage

When handled properly, LiPo batteries can provide high battery performance compared to other types of batteries. In terms of proper handling and use, there are two main aspects of the battery that one must understand. These are the capacity and voltage of the battery. An example of this is a battery with an abbreviation “4S-2200”, which denotes the capacity and voltage of the LiPo battery.

In this, the “4S” means that you have four cells in a series. Since each cell is 3.7 volts (or 4.2 volts when fully charged), the battery has a total pack voltage of 14.8 volts or 16.8 volts. The second number, on the other hand, refers to the battery’s capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh). A fully charged 2200 mAh battery can provide a 2200 milliamp current for one hour before it is fully discharged.

The capacity value of a LiPo battery is not affected by the number of cells in a series. The capacity value provides you with valuable information so that you can estimate how long the battery can provide useful power. However, in practical situations, this information only provides a rough comparison between different batteries.

Download speed

Another important aspect of a LiPo battery is the discharge rate. This serves as an important factor for a user to better determine the applications for which the battery can be used. The discharge rate is the value that users have to determine the amount of amps that the battery can continuously generate without being damaged.

Many RC applications require high amperage, which makes knowing the discharge rate of a battery a crucial factor in ensuring the overall performance of a vehicle. LiPo batteries run the risk of catching fire when not charged properly. In that sense, fire departments are always ready to give warnings and precautions for a safe load.

Loader and operator

There has been no instance of a LiPo battery bursting into flames while in storage. Fire accidents involving LiPo batteries often occur during battery charging or discharging. Most battery problems occur during charging and the fault usually lies with the charger or the person who operates it. This doesn’t always happen, but these are the common factors in most LiPo battery fires.

There are lessons to be learned from these incidents. First, users should invest in a good quality charger to prevent it from being the cause of a fire. Second, the loader operator must learn how to use it correctly. An excellent LiPo battery charger option is the ones with built-in controls. This type of battery charger allows the user to configure it correctly.

These chargers can generally be used to charge not only LiPo batteries, but other battery chemicals as well. While they come with useful protections, the user of the battery is ultimately responsible for making sure everything is correct and correct. The user should make sure that the set of chargers is suitable for the number of cells in the battery, that the charge rate is within the limit of the battery, etc.

Loading and unloading guidelines

Manufacturers often provide guidelines and warnings when it comes to charging and discharging LiPo batteries. Guidelines for charging and discharging the battery should always be followed along with common sense. To avoid fires and other accidents, one must always be on the side of safety. One of the most important reminders is to visually inspect the battery before charging.

The user or operator should look for any signs of damage, such as damaged connectors, frayed cables, swelling, and other irregularities. If the battery is damaged that cannot be repaired, it must be discarded. If you charge it, the battery could explode and catch fire. Charging the battery with chargers not specifically designed for this type of battery is also not a good idea.

Users should always use only one lithium balance charger. They should also carefully follow the instructions on using the battery and charger. Common sense and safety precautions should always be used when charging LiPo batteries. It is not ideal to leave batteries unattended while charging or discharging as problems can arise during the process.

The user has to be present to disconnect the battery if a problem occurs quickly. The loading and unloading process must be done on a fire resistant surface within an open area. Charging batteries near a flammable material is a big no. If there is not adequate space to charge, a LiPo battery safety charging bag can be used instead. Batteries must be at room temperature before charging / discharging.

These are just some of the guidelines and warnings that any LiPo battery user should be aware of. With common sense and awareness of safety precautions, it will be easier to prevent batteries from catching fire or being damaged. Lithium polymer batteries have great advantages in various applications. These are excellent batteries, but to get the most out of them, proper use of safety is critical.