Lithium batteries are known for their excellent safety, long lifespan, and reliability. You can find them in some modern device that can be plugged into a charger, like mobile phone, laptops and so on. But Lithium battery, they’re also widely used in solar systems, electric vehicles, and backup power solutions.
However, like any lithium battery, proper charging practices are essential to maintain their performance and safety. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you charge your lithium batteries safely and effectively.
Although lithium batteries are more stable than other lithium-ion chemistries, improper charging can still lead to overheating, reduced lifespan, or even damage, finally putting yourself and your family into danger. Following correct charging practices helps you get the most out of your investment while ensuring safety.
Always use a charger designed for lithium batteries. Avoid using chargers for other lithium-ion chemistries, even though some of batteries look similiar to each others, it is still not proper to use as they may not match the voltage and current requirements. If your former one broken and need new one, a lithium charger typically has a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charging profile, you can buy the same to use.
Most LiFePO4 cells charge up to 3.65V per cell. For a 12V lithium battery, the maximum charging voltage is typically 14.4V. Avoid charging beyond the recommended voltage, as this can damage the battery, which causes the internal elements of the battery damaged, resulting in a shorter service life, longer charging times, explosions and so on.
Do not privately change the charger with different specifications to charge the battery, it is recommended to use it after consulting the manufacturer.
At the same time, lithium batteries don’t require float charging and may degrade if kept at high voltage for extended periods.
Temperature: Charge in a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F). Charging below freezing can cause plating on the anode, reducing capacity.
Ventilation: Ensure good airflow around the battery and charger to dissipate heat.
Surface: Place the battery and charger on a non-flammable, stable surface.
Check for unusual heat, smells, or swelling during charging. During use, if you find any abnormalities in the charger, such as overheating, melting of the socket, etc., you need to stop using it and replace it promptly.
Even if your battery is protected by a BMS system, it is still necessary to supervise the charging of the battery in order to ensure safe use, constantly adjusting the charging process by checking the status of voltage, current and temperature until the charge is complete.
According to some of our customer feedbacks, there is a problem with the plugs melting during the battery charging process. Through systematic investigation and consulting with relevant manufacturers, 99% of the causes are from high power batteries not plugged in tightly, which will lead to high power during the charging process of the plug, triggering overheating problems and thus melting.
Therefore, when using high-power electrical appliances, you need to plug the plug tightly, and if you find that the charging overheating problem, you should reduce the current or disconnect the power and wait for the plug to cool down and use it again;
At the same time for the melting of the plug, we suggest that customers use a multimeter to measure the line and the charger is still normal, corresponding to the charger's instructions for the indicators, if normal, change the plug, if not that represents the charger burned out, need to replace the charger.
Lithium batteries are a reliable and safe energy storage option, but proper charging practices are key to maintaining their performance and longevity. Always use the correct charger, follow recommended guidelines, and stay attentive during the charging process.
In the process of use, please feel free to contact us, if you meet any questions. We have professional teams and experts with more than 10 years experiences.
Finally, by prioritizing safety and care, you’ll enjoy the full benefits of your lithium battery for years to come.
Do you have questions or experiences with charging lithium batteries? Share them in the comments below!
