Flite Test - Lipo Battery Bunker

[@StereodreieckRC]

I use the balance program everytime.

[@Trainedn00bdotcom]

I love the idea of sticking them into the cinder block holes with the sandbag over it. If one battery goes up in flames the rest won't! I love it, still a great idea with the battery bunker Josh! I also use the ammo boxes for tools, electronics and food! They are watertight and can take a beating. Thanks for the video guys, keep it up!

[@SYNFPVPILOT]

Great tips and love the bunker idea. A friend had a spontaneous lipo fire this weekend on a camping trip that could have cost him his car or worse if he was driving. The lipo was old and sitting idle in a gym bag with others. One cell decided to party. If I didn't see it I wouldn't believe it could happen like that.

[@MrDan1713]

In the case of ammo cans, lining them with cement board will insulate the metal can so it will be less likely to transfer heat to the surrounding area.

[@chuckworley3096]

As usual a great video. I had my lipo battery bunker built into my house. Now that all of the children have graduated collage and left home I took over the family room. The family room has a fire place with tempered glass doors. I just put my battery in a charging bag, place the bag and charger in the fireplace and close the doors. I have a fire extinguisher handy, but I think I’m going to put a bucket of sand close by as well. Thanks

[@ausguitarist]

I only have 2, 4s 2600mh batteries and i bought some 2, $10 metal toolboxes and lined them, twice with scrap concrete sheeting, the 10mm type. store them seperately in the garage

[@mauricioalves8860]

Well, personally, I think that the best lipo bunker is something like an Outdoor Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table and wheels (that costs less than a hundred bucks). And the key word here is outdoor, outside - or at least, a balcony. Another important aspect is that you will have fire and smoke isolation (by just closing the barrel), because you can choose to place the grill with nothing nearby... you can open and close the barrel... and some even have a small chimney that will direct the smoke (that you can add more tubes to make the smoke go much higher). Definitely you guys should try that out and perhaps make a good video about this option, putting some old lipos on fire to see the results.

[@cha3119]

Extra good video. Please keep this topic active, creating occasional safety videos. The risk of having lipos in my home really sunk in a while back and I don't believe enough is done to help the flyer keep this in mind. Especially if you fly nitro, too and all your materials are kept together. A lipo explodes and your nitro goes up as well - keep them separate.The idea of putting the bag of sand above the concrete block pocket is excellent, maybe better than the concrete board on top. Thanks, keep up the great info!

[@zfotoguy71]

Great safety video! Everyone in the hobby should watch this, especially those who are new to lipo batteries. I use 2 large cinder blocks and charge in the cavity like you showed. Love the idea of putting sand on top. Thanks for being awesome!

[@wallabyrob]

Thanks for making this hobby safer for us . I really appreciate the learning curve you guys provide. Cheers. Oh, and if Dan Wilson doesn't condone your language please know that many of us do.

[@StoneBlueAirlines]

Raise your hands up if your wife now hates your hobby even more because you want to build this. ;) Safety first. Thumbs up!

[@garthfpvtv]

***** Tell her that and you might get the ultimatum you don't want.

[@PHeMoX]

If you truly believe in Safety First, you really wouldn't ever need a lipo bunker.

[@garthfpvtv]

lol. watch the news and listen to politicians.

[@ColtonB]

***** My girlfriend heavily supports me! I'm sorry for all those who have un-supportive spouses! I know a guy who just drilled a hole in the top of a safe and drops the battery in while charging. He had extended cables of course. I really need a safe area to charge my batteries!

[@RCBound]

***** My girlfriend heavily supports me! I'm sorry for all those who have un-supportive spouses! I know a guy who just drilled a hole in the top of a safe and drops the battery in while charging. He had extended cables of course. I really need a safe area to charge my batteries! **originally posted from wrong channel**

[@jameslow5738]

The sandbag over the batteries to let the flame melt the bag and release the sand is an amazing idea

[@tomsunax]

Thanks for those tips, probably good for many of us to be reminded to be careful with lipos Balance lead extension cables exist (think HK has them) in case you want to put the charger outside the bunker

[@mbainrot]

it's what i do so I can run balance leads into me fire bags

[@WVRick]

For years I've used a Treadplate Steel 20x10" toolbox on the floor with pavers brick between the box and floor. Away from anything flammable. Ammo cans for storage.. Great video!

[@CraZyCarl6212]

After seeing a lipo fire at my local track recently, I built my own lipo bunker. I used 2" tall 12"x12" patio blocks on the floor. Then put standard cinder blocks laid on their sides on top so the 2 hollowed out spaces of each block are faced up. That gave me 4 separate compartments total. 3 of them are used for battery storage, 1 is used only for charging. I also added an extended balance lead to my charger so the charger can be kept away from the charging battery. I like the idea of the granite board used in the video, Ill buy some of that to make a top. My favorite suggestion though is the bucket of sand, so inexpensive yet effective counter to a lipo fire. Also the smoke alarm, ill be adding that too. Thank you for the ideas.

[@Electronzap]

Learned a lot! I thought up the bag of something above the battery to put out a fire, didn't think of it containing something as simple as sand. Looks really effective.

[@rolandgeorges960]

Better Safe than Sorry. Sometimes we get carried away by minor things and forget the foremost important things. Congratulations guys, very educational.

[@ManuelMcLure]

Please, please, PLEASE stop recommending salt water for discharging LiPos!!!! All that happens in salt water is that electrolysis corrodes the terminals of the battery before the battery gets anywhere near full discharge. The correct way to discharge a LiPo for disposal is to use a resistive load, such as one or two taillight batteries in series.

[@kirkglundal4289]

Yes, Salt water is NOT a solution for lipos. For a little more than the cost of a couple pounds of salt and takes up far less room than a pail of water you can use this: URUAV Lipo Killer. www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3270863-The-Perfect-Lipo-discharge-tool-URUAV-Lipo-Discharger-how-to-Hack-DIY

[@Enzo-kl2vc]

Also, DON'T use an AMMO BOX if it is airtight. LiPos absolutely need holes for gas to vent out, otherwise the pressure will build up inside the ammo box, effectively turning it into a BOMB. Ammo boxes are great IF you drill holes in it for gas release.

[@antoncasciano8747]

@@Enzo-kl2vc just take rubber seal out

[@abdumalikmustapha4689]

**Sees battery explode** **Gets flashbacks of my old rc plane** **Sobs**

[@matusknives]

Awesome video, thank you. I will definitely be building something along these line in the garage to minimize any potential damage.

[@GoldSlidePark]

Very informative video, guys. Thank you and thank camera man.

[@BeginnersTech314]

very important info. I just had a fire from a lipo and lost all my RC stuff and almost everything in the house. you can't put them out. great information.

[@whitehedr]

Great tips on SAFE battery charging techniques. I really like the one you payed forward from Utah Flyers. ROG

[@302elite]

I have heard from a great community of people that say you can not leave your battery fully charged or that can puff it if I sit over time. When a battery puffs up it damages the cells in the battery. One thing to try. Try a puffed 3 cell pack and a regular 3 cell pack put together o the same plane. Well when you bring it back the puffed pack will have a lot less voltage left than the regular pack.

[@Dreiviertel]

I got one of the ordinary plastic euroboxes, inside are freezer bags filled with extinguisher granule. Here in Europe the brand ist called "Extover" or "Fireballs". Basically "foam glass balls" that are melting at high temperatures, drawing energy from the fire and extinguishes it by deoxygenation. Costs around 50€ and I got a storage with a passive fire extinguisher.

[@JoniDLE]

Thanks for sharing the safety precaution.

[@andy-the-gardener]

the sand is the best idea. as long as your in the room (and you should be), you can deal with the situation.

[@jkspinalchoice]

wow!!! This show was probably one of the most important one I have ever watched. I knew these batteries had the possibility of catching fire, but NEVER did I know to that extent. I fly the Phantom 2+ Just went into my Gun Safe, and pulled out one of my ammo boxes, and am using setting up as you showed in show. To test the batteries that I have, is there a particular device to use, or the one you were using does all sizes? Guys, as usual Great job!!!! John Kaddouri

[@drkastenbrot]

A generic lipo checker will do that. The lcd ones.

[@mrlegodude96alt2]

+John Kaddouri Quick note if your using military grade ammo boxes they're air tight so if there is a fire the pressure will build up until it blows the top off, I have small holes to relieve the pressure.

[@optionalcoast7478]

+mrlegodude96alt2 well it would be the opposite since the fire would consume the air in their but still bad

[@mrlegodude96alt2]

Optionalcoast74 I've blown up multiple ammo boxes with old batteries to prove this point lol, either way it's still a fire in a pressurized container.

[@PaulKruskamp]

+mrlegodude96alt2 what could go wrong?

[@OregonDARRYL]

The holes in the concrete blocks look perfect to slide a battery inside to charge... then block the ends. Done. Try it... it will work.

[@RCBuyerreview]

nice bunker)

[@slyztercoreveanged3175]

wow, that set up really is good and cheap. I mean most fireproof bag doesnt have counter measure. They just contain the fire. It is good but still having counter measure is the best. Not only concrete block is good to contain fire. On top of that you have plastic bag sand that will melt and drop the sand if the it catch fire. Seriously this is one of the best set up for satery lipo charging and storing.

[@CJKozzSTC]

All you need to remember: A- store them B-do not overcharge C-keep an eye on them D-don't overrun E- do not go over 3 cells.

[@TheHouseBlog]

I'm really surprised that there are people who don't balance on every charge. Not saying if it's wrong or right, but rare. With the people and fields I fly at that is virtually unheard of aside from the occasionally new guy. We also deal with larger packs like 12s and such so maybe it's just more common with the higher cell count packs.

[@hakont.4960]

If the battery cells are resistance matched it's in most cases not necessary to balance the cells each time. I don't balance the cells each time, but I always connect the balancing plug and check the cell voltages. Usually the cells are balanced to within .01 volts, and stay balanced even if I don't balance them every time. I do balance them occasionally, just to be safe of course, and always store them with optimal cell storing voltage.

[@PHeMoX]

Yes, always do a balance charge. There's no point not to.

[@hakont.4960]

PHeMoX Unbalanced charging takes less time, and isn't a problem with high quality battery packs and if you know what you're doing. I occasionally check the individual cell voltages with a multimeter just to be safe.

[@jimfang2090]

your lipo bunk you tube segment rotated to the top of my you tube page. THANK YOU !!, great info

[@SuperJaveline]

...will it blend?.... ...ah....wrong KZbin channel ;) ...but, seriously, it's good to see a well known player in the rc scene promoting awareness and safety message. Well done guys, really glad I subbed to your channel.

[@garyhale5645]

Line the inside of your large ammo cans with another layer of protection. If kept inside weld a piece of muffler pipe to the can and cut out circle in the can. Drill a hole in the side of the building to the outside and run pipe thru it to the outside. Epoxy a piece of screen to the end of the pipe using rubber bands to old in place till epoxy drys. Keep seal on can if you vent outside so it doesn't leak smoke into the room

[@ToekneeToe]

Get long leads for your charger. That way you won't hurt your charger. Make sure you have proper gauge wires. You can also use pots and pan with heavy lids or put stuff on top of the lids. You can put a ceramic or corning glass plate/bowl inside too. Thanks for get Video!

[@brisolar]

i loved the toolbox idea... muck easyer to store at home

[@n0ukf]

One more idea for the battery bunker, a piece of the cement board between the charger and batteries would help protect it from fire.

[@locouk]

Great tips guys, I didn't know about the sand for a lipo fire.

[@sc10rs]

Better to be safe than sorry, i only use 2s 3s and 4s lipos atm and i always balance charge, i also keep my lipos at storage voltage so they are less likely to puff, i keep mine in a metal toolbox, i like the idea of those cinder blocks, especially for storing lipos and keeping them segregated so if one goes up, they all dont go up. Great vid guys :-)

[@supraman78]

Great PSA for lipos!

[@dacasman]

God forbid, God forbid, God forbid

[@foam27]

+dacasman "heaven forbid" is no good now? lol.

[@CKOD]

I use a ammo can personally. I lined it with 2 layers of 1/2" drywall, which is surprisingly flame resistant. (seriously, try it out, I took a propane torch to the drywall for 1 minute, the paper on the torch side charred, but it treated to not catch fire, and the other side didnt even discolor, despite the torch side being orange hot where the flame was hitting it when I pulled the torch away) Also, I emphasize the point of the fumes being quite nasty. If youre charging in a garage (or any other closed space)and the smoke detector goes off and the garage is full of smoke, the first thing you should do is ventilate. Dont worry about the charger, or anything else, get the fumes out first.

[@D3ltaLabs]

This is a must guys. I had one blow up on me in the kitchen. Lucky for me I have granite benches and a fire alarms and fire extinguisher, mind you I'm still cleaning bi-carb powder around the house. But hay I still got the house. At the very lest get a charge bag.

[@eddielane9569]

Make sure to remove the black rubber seal from the top of the ammo can so it won't catch fire and it could also build up pressure in the can and cause it to explode. If you use a ammo can or other metal container make sure to set it on something that won't catch fire like wood or plastic or line it with sheetrock or cement board.

[@hightech_lowlife]

Great setup! My only tip is a bag of sand on top, in the unfortunate event it will smother fire when the bag rips.

[@heycourage762]

GREAT job on the bunker!! Thanks for sharing your ideas! Cheers!

[@NotEpoch]

awesome episode. thanks a lot. Like other people who are commenting, I always balance charge all my 2s+ lipo's. I only use the charge setting for 1s lipo batteries.

[@AndanteCruises]

Well done guys. Safety is paramount!! Kia ora Jon

[@billliscomb3690]

Awesome. Covered all bases, excellent.

[@777arc2]

If you have $50 to add, I would suggest a "Leeo Smart Alert Smoke Detector Monitor". It works ALONGSIDE smoke detectors, and when it hears the beeping, it calls your phone, and you can have multiple phone numbers it works through until someone sees the notification. That way you don't have to be in the room while batteries are charging.

[@greghilton7797]

Good one guys. Thanks for the tip about using sand.

[@philg6757]

I just use a $5 metal mail box,all the cables run through the mail hole. You can line the inside with cut down Lipo bags or a fire blanket if you want.

[@rccrazy7495]

I use a fireproof document safe from walmart..21.00 dollar's one is for charging ,one for storage. Very safe and it has a handle in case if in a car or a house you can throw it outside quickly without getting burned. RCADDICT. THANKS FOR THE AWESOME VIDEOS. but still keep sand and a fire extinguishers on hand.

[@G56AG]

Love the snoring LiPo at the end! LOL!!!!!!!

[@justlostagain]

Great video guys, good tips! Lipo fires certainly ARE real, had one myself.

[@duncantocher2522]

That is a mighty nice Sukoi you have on the wall.

[@sallmonsal5106]

i ended up doimg the ammo box charging station for 11 bucks but love this idea :)

[@JJspitfiremk9]

I have 3 old bricks in a triangle with a floor tile on top and bottom.

[@keylitho]

I'm surprised you didn't mention thermal sensors.. I have a Triton 2 and it has a thermal sensor that you put on the battery and it shuts off the charger if the battery gets too hot.

[@TROYJDONAHUE]

I saw a test where with these ammo cans the fire did more damage with the seal in the lid, when the seal was removed not as much damage

[@SkyCandyDigitalCinema]

This is awesome with CC turned on haha. "Chewed Asian, I passed up the game"

[@SeanDuffyProductions]

I've always charged my batteries using the balance lead, my charger doesn't have a connecter for the power lead and I wasn't even aware you could do it that way! Is it bad to always balance charge, or is it just slower?

[@DjRio0001]

Not bad at all... Just slower. You're actually likely to have better lifespan in your lipo because of the low C charging. My IMAX can actually do both, so they only discharge by the balance plug but do the bulk of the charging via the XT-60

[@pioneez]

Thank you for the video about battery charging safely

[@DickGibson]

Best video ever!!!!! I just made a charging station out of a very heavy tool box with nothing else in it. Thanks Guyz

[@euvo_sound]

I recently got a Lipo battery from a gadget its still ok and its not even bulged and i also salvaged a BMS from an gadget and it didnt explode.We have lots of LiPos that bulged and i had 2 that is still healthy and up an LED very well

[@3dfoamies]

We just had a fire in our garage from charging without the balance function (first time doing this) and luckily we caught the fire before it spread to the structure. The fire melted our fire extinguisher that was above the charger so we had a hard time putting the fire out. You can see the lipo fire damage on my instagram @jacobboracca I will definably be building one of these. Thanks guys! Jacob Boracca

[@agrsk8r]

My Turnigy Accucell 6 won't even charge without using the balance cable... unless I'm charging single cells, of course. If you care for your batteries and want them to last a long time, it just makes sense to keep them balanced anyway. I've also observed, since I picked up that HK-010 Power Analyzer, that if you drop below 7% or so, that's usually where the cells start to unbalance. So that's one reason it's important to try not to drop below 10%. I didn't know that it was the law to carry lipos in a fire proof bag on a plane. But when I moved from Germany back to the U.S. a couple of months ago, I threw all of my batteries in my charging bags anyway because it just made sense to play it safe. I've been curious as to why they never said anything to me. Now I know.

[@doubledee49441]

Harbor Freight also has the ammo boxes.

[@w_callaghan8300]

and i was here like "i bought .50 cal ammo box. what a clever boy i am!" and saw these guys doing just the same thing. totally recommend it tho. if it's used to store bullets then few puny li-po explosions are just a sunday stroll. i guess. never had a change to test since i never had a li-po explosion because of good maintenance and supervision

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

I have noticed with great interest that there is a Park Zone Sukhoi SU-29MM behind you. Will you guys do a video specifically on that RC aircraft soon? I have heard many great things about it, and since you guys are amazing at reviewing RC planes, I thought it would be likely.

[@mikeberg22se]

Good info. Why not put a block between the charger and battery as well. That way you save the charger if the battery fails.

[@izaragoza]

Excellent ideas. Thanks!

[@drkastenbrot]

Im always balancing anyways and if a discharged battery has more than .5v imbalance, I immediately throw it in the bin. Also, i have a little custom expansion on my charger using a zener diodes. If a cell voltage exceeds 4.23 volts, the charger gets shut down instantly.

[@roady1710]

Two words excellent video

[@Singinius]

Great video, I have been needing some inspiration in this area!

[@nigelholland1811]

Holy cow. I do balance charge always in a bag and store in metal tin. But still scary! Going to buy sand and bucket tomorrow.

[@CrusadeGamingTBO]

Firebricks are an even better alternative. They're cheap and can withstand temps of 1500c, massive overkill but absolutely worth it should something ever happen. Only $30 for bricks and 5 minutes building my bunker.

[@55Rumble]

Another thing you can get hold of will be a LiPo Gas detector.... These detect gas WAY before you get anywhere near a fire.... I think they are expensive but it might save a fire all together.... IF the "magic smoke" dose escape, it is EXTREMELY toxic and will damage you! I think we all know the ultimate price for not looking after a LiPo so I am building a bunker AND looking into a gas alarm....we have them at work so I'll get some info... and re-post...

[@sallerc]

+55Rumble Good idea, did you find that info about the gas detector?

[@55Rumble]

+salle rc No, I'll try to remember tomorrow... as an idea of how bad these things are, I had a batter go in a boat... the gasses stripped the coating of my motor and just about wrecked all my dc gear. I put what was left of the pack into a Lipo bag and put that into me tool kit to go home.... after a short 7 mile drive all of my tools had started to rust....

[@sallerc]

55Rumble Ouch! At least it didn't start a fire in the car... Do you know why the battery went bad?

[@55Rumble]

+salle rc yep, weeds in the lake wrapped round my prop and over amped it..... I wish there was a programmable circuit breaker that would see the overload and trip... that would've saved a nice boat!

[@fetymann]

How about now?

[@MFMouse]

Absolutely wonderful information as always thank you and safe, happy flight

[@nicksullivan2212]

New to the hobby fantastic advice well done lads thank you 😊

[@craigmunday3707]

I wouldn't put the fire extinguisher under the bunker. You need to get to it if there is a fire

[@Boekan_Arsheetec]

Conclusions, alarms for Lipo is snoring before it explodes. Sound sensor appears to be more appropriate than a heat sensor. LOL.

[@keyonvossough7306]

Now I know what to do in case of a fire. Thanks!

[@jps99]

A lot of good advice in this video, thanks!

[@rrittenhouse]

I hope Flite Fest isn't until the 28th ;) I didn't take that Monday off! lol.

[@joblessalex]

So why haven't battery manufacturers just built circuits that let one cell charge 100% then flip over and charge the next? Or a board that charges all cells to a cutoff and then kills the current? Is there something I'm missing or are people just slow?

[@littlestworkshop]

Electronics to do that from the main battery connections would have to have mosfets as large as you find in a speed controller. The cost, size and extra weight make it impractical and would also add extra losses and an additional point of failure. Using the balancing connector is the way to go.

[@joblessalex]

***** Surface mount mosfets exist.... They could also be in the charger instead and just have two sets of cables.

[@littlestworkshop]

joblessalex That is what the balancing lead already does, if you connect with the balancing lead then each cell is charged individually (like discussed in the video) but what you suggest above is more or less building a charger into a battery. Of course SMT mosfets exist but it's still impractical and people would not pay for it.

[@joblessalex]

***** Tiny relays.

[@littlestworkshop]

joblessalex Given these will also have to pass motor currents they will not be very tiny.

[@QuadView]

Great Video with thoughtful ideas.

[@NEVdD]

Check LiPo tresor from Robe, it is a case especially made for LiPos

[@modelrc9500]

With the lipo protective pouch I put it in a army tin that’s lined with cement board xD

[@satibel]

you could make a fully sealed box, and fill it with nitrogen or carbon dioxide or just vacuum it, so that the battery won't catch fire as quickly and will extinguish rapidly after.

[@AvengerIl]

apparently these produce their own oxygen and will burn happily underwater~

[@satibel]

Krzysztof Stankiewicz water contains oxygen, and a battery will be happy to electrolyse it. Though it is possible that the oxygen in the lithium oxide may help burning too.

[@evhexrc1765]

Very helpful! I love the ideas! Keep it up! Would charging lipos in a glass mason jar with a metal lid that has a small hole cut in the top to run the leads to the charger?

[@mbainrot]

no not good idea as the heat will shatter the glass

[@zap3642]

nice video, thanks a lot, gives a lot of ideas how to bild one and is definitely an very important topic to take care if you are in this hobby.

[@GeekMAXX]

I see a Parkzone Sukhoi 29mm 3D plane in the background! I want that plane SO bad so I'd love to see a video from you guys!!!!! hopefully you put the video out before the plane is released for sale!

[@TheModernOffGriders]

thanks guys like always great video and great info on battery charging

[@swetuna6223]

Very good tip thank you

[@kylehammond]

I would also like to point out, because the video didn't cover it, that the gasses released by lipo is extremely toxic. If a lipo bursts while in your model, and there is no risk of the fire spreading to something else, just stay away from it and let it burn out, don't expose yourself to the gasses unnecessarily.

[@DAS-Videos]

I've found that the turnigy batteries tend to bulge after a flight. I do not use turnigy batteries any more. They are low quality batteries based on my experience.

[@surf1punk]

Nice Lumenier battery I saw there!