Lipo Battery Safety - Puffy batteries and other lipo dangers

Lipo battery fires and safety:
Bat-Safe Lipo charging case for $60 - snp.link/ed528888
Pulse Lipo charging case for $60 - snp.link/3bf6adc8
Protek Flame Resistant case for $21 - snp.link/4d505e33
Bat-Safe XL charging case for $120 - snp.link/356568a1
Best battery and charger options for rc cars
Venom duo Charger - snp.link/898b734d
Venom 3S 2200 mah - snp.link/f7f2b25c
Venom 3S 4000 mah - snp.link/bb19ee02
Traxxas EZPeak Plus - snp.link/57716f3a
Traxxas Power Cell 3s 1400 mah - snp.link/9d8bf9a6
Traxxas Power Cell 3s 4000 mah - snp.link/ffce5246
Protek 2200 - snp.link/1041998d
Gen Ace batteries - snp.link/34b9028d
Ecopower 2200 - snp.link/e0d5147c
rc lipo battery charging and use is explained. Balancing, storing, cell and c-rating is explained to prevent battery fires and explosions
Buy your kits and upgrade parts from this Amainhobbies link to support RC Review: snp.link/6640d084
Join the RC Review Facebook Group here: / 302319827122846 for early videos and extra footage.

[@jdsrcs8061]

It's just a little puffy, it's still good!!! Thanks for this service announcement Fran!!! You are like MacGyver, AWESOME.

[@logiqalone8249]

When soldering connectors onto batteries, I cut one wire first and tape the end immediately with electrical tape. I then cut the second wire and that’s the end I start preparing for solder. When the second wire is soldered down and there’s heat shrink on it, I remove the tape from the first wire and start working on that.

[@breakdown7153]

This is my exact process as well. 🤙

[@NullBlox]

I ride a Esk8 and this video has great info. Thanks for making this and keep up the content!

[@gerrysoldguyreview]

You always have great content!! I don't like lipos but thanks to your past videos I now have a bunch!

[@rcOhio]

I think it’s worth noting for the newbies to the hobby.. CUT YOUR BATTERY LEADS ONE AT A TIME! Definitely strip them one at time as well (like he mentioned). Finish one terminal and stick it in the connector before stripping the other wire! Also, Venom has a nice line of chargers. Thanks a lot for yet another very informative video!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Very very good advice. Yes, Venom is nice and affordable too and has a variety of connectors.

[@rcOhio]

RC Review thanks! Not trying to nose in on your videos as you do a great job. Just thought I’d share a little about how I do things. Have a great Sunday

[@Vladle2099]

I used to turn 3s batteries to 2s. I used to deflate puffy batteries and never had one catch on fire. That was around 10 years ago. I now just get rid of them, it’s not worth risking your expensive Rc’s or your home. Cheaper to buy a new battery than replace stuff. Once a lipo puffs, you can see that cell’s performance decrease over every charge.

[@rolandomota6852]

@@RCReviewChannel i am currently experiencing a bad cell in my spektrum smart battery. when i tried charging it a notification popped up that read ( balance wire not detected) so initially charged it for a minute w/out the balance, stopped it, re-connected the balance~ and saw the first cell was lower in voltage _compared to the others; lowering the charge rate seemed to even the voltage pattern in all four cells but when it finished charging the first cell started declining where as the other three cell remained stable.. wondering if i should use it or discharge it safely/set it aside/ get a new one?

[@TheSphongleface]

It's not actually important. Just don't ever cut your battery wires inside of your home. Do it in a safe place.

[@jockwalkercampbell]

Mate - Love you common sense approach to fix and manage everything. Awesome!

[@dominicchesterman2107]

Great clear safety video. Thanks.

[@sprather84]

Awesome vid Fran great advice 👍🏻

[@williamruss8830]

you opened my eyes to safe battery storage and use thank you

[@RobertNES816]

This is why I stick with NIMH batteries. I leave em fully charged and they last me for years and years without issue! I have packs I've charged probably a thousand times or more and they still work fine. I've never seen anyone have an explosion with NIMH. But I have seen a few people make em leak from over charging or charging them while they're fresh off a run and still hot. I wait for my packs to cool before charging, I never run my NIMH packs down fully either, just until there's a significant loss in power. Then I let em cool and charge them up again and put the packs in to use after letting them cool off or put the packs into storage. I've found leaving NIMH packs fully charged all the time really improves their longevity as opposed to leaving them discharged or half charged.

[@MikeJones-iq7gj]

I agree with you on that, I just went to SST in the UK and they tried to convince me to get a lipo (better performance/lighter/etc) but I told them I rent a flat and don't want to burn it down. Also I can get an hour out of my 3000mah battery with my ftx/rgt outback. So will stick with nimh

[@davidmorgan1646]

Love all your videos. Thank you for posting!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on I really appreciate that.

[@ztwntyn8]

I have a puffy battery right now! It’s in a safe place... old crockpot lol. This just came full circle for me. I subscribed after I saw the battery rejuvenation video months ago. it saved my battery 👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

There you go. BBQ Weber grill is good storage too.

[@yaffajaff]

I have all of mine stored in an unused dining room woodburner 😂 what better place!

[@europaeuropa3673]

I discharge them in salt water for a few days(4-5). Then with 0 volts between the leads, I short them. Finally, toss them in the garbage.

[@greg0063]

When you mention cutting the plug and demonstrate with you fingers cutting across both leads at once is a little misleading. It suggests you can actually do that! Thats a big no no as I'm sure you know, its an instant short with possible battery damage/fire/spark hazard. Its worth mentioning at that point when changing connectors do one lead at a time. Cut one, strip one, solder one, shrink one. Then the other, and double check the polarity. I know this is not a how to but imo worth mentioning in the interest of safety.

[@Evan_Moore61]

This is a video every LiPo user needs to see. I’m definitely going to look into getting a fire extinguisher for my workshop when this stuff settles down. Better to be safe than sorry if I have a LiPo fire, or any fire for that matter.

[@ingmarmaul4464]

Evan Moore just to make one thing clear you will not be able to extinguish the burning battery, you can only save other things from burning. Best is to have a metal bucket with a little bit of sand on the floor and or a shovel to bring the burning battery out.

[@johnwindsor9069]

I've had this same issue with several Gens Ace packs throughout the years. They either puff up just sitting on a storage charge, or have an open cell when I get around to using them.

[@secret5.]

I've had that happen with lithium ions as well. It's common when they get old and sit for long times.

[@elliotbaltazar]

I purchased a total of 8 SMC 4s 5400 mAh packs a couple of years ago. They're all hard case packs and definitely packed in there pretty tight. All 8 of these produced far less capacity than what they were rated for. Most frustrating though, was that each one promptly swelled up after a couple of runs. The owner of SMC is awesome, but the packs I bought, not so much.

[@niovlac]

Great review. Good to high light Safety frist.

[@mikehogan27]

Lots of good advice. On changing plugs on batteries. Wouldn't it be better to do one at a time. Cut one, solder it, and shrink wrap it. Then repeat on the other lead.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Exactly! One at a time!!!! So obvious but these wires looks so tame on their own. :)

[@1970scout800]

Hello..thanks for the video

[@jonthomas8487]

Great video. I have the Hota version of the D6 Pro. Such a great charger. It’s crazy the most dangerous thing about the hobby has the most confusing thing to charge them. I’m so thankful the Hota/Hobbymate/ISDT menu chargers are on the market. They are so easy. Only thing I have to change is the amps to charge my batteries. One piece that’s difficult is you can’t charge most lipos in a lipo bag while charging on the D6. Can you recommend one of the wallet style individual battery bags? I’ve seen a few folks using them and thought they’d be a good idea

[@quadzillaaerialimaging]

Thanks Bro.

[@dipseyduse6287]

As always Francis looking out for us

[@kaneninerc3983]

i treat Lipo batts like ticking time bombs! Rather safe, than on fire! I store in metal ammo boxes! Now that i think about it, could you possibly show or have any references to video, showing a battery in a ammo box, and how well it handles an battery explosion?

[@plutvara]

Thank you for good video.Can I ask? I charge new Lipo battery and I was use just for 10min because start rain.Do I need discharge or I can live like is for tomorrow? Thank you

[@JohnLempidakis]

Are these things that you say on your videos only for rc li po batteries or for every lipo battery (in a phone, tablet or laptop for example)? Also is there any danger about a big fire or a puffed battery if the battery is betwen 4 or 5 per cent? (it's about an old tablet battery). Also is there any way to check the battery(if it is ok or puffed for example) without opening the device?

[@CodytheFordGuy]

On those gens ace batteries what should the end voltage be per cell since they are HV? Thanks!

[@gearheadaddict7183]

The main reason lipo batteries puff up is because your vehicle or whatever your running them in requires more C-rating than the batteries can produce which can strain the battery and can discharge them below the minimum cell voltage and the chemical reaction causes them to puff.. ive experienced this alot in RC boats until i uped my C-rating to 90c...this is a great video much respect. And ppl be safe and use common sense

[@RCReviewChannel]

Maybe. In crawlers though we rarely come close to the limits of the battery.

[@gearheadaddict7183]

RC Review i gotcha. Keep the videos coming bro..

[@BlvlWmpower]

One time I connected a 2s 750 mah battery soft pack, with a 9 turn modified motor and it puffed after total of 5 seconds of full throttle in an old tamiya mini cooper. Fun times.

[@kg5nja693]

Can you do a video on the C rate, like 20C mine say 50C. I have Powerhobby 5200mAh 50C. Thank you

[@truckingrcaddict1183]

I have just recently replaced all my old lipo batteries with the spectrum smart batteries. A bit pricey but with the smart technology's features they are some of the safest batteries currently available.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Good call. These smart lipos and Chargers are going to make the hobby more kid friendly

[@maximelianxv]

I haven't used my quadrocopter during a winter time (actually for that time I totally forgot about it). And when summer came, I saw that it is puffed and also like on video it cracked plastic container.

[@bobbybrown5217]

Hi sir, very informative as always, props on your channel... I have a 2s that ia a bit puffy on 1 cell and balanced charging show me 1 cell is 100% and the puffy one is 57% max. Should i use it or try a reparation on it or something? Thanks in advance✌️

[@adamsenig5281]

I’ve got a venom duo balance charger. The small white one. Is it ok to use that charger to charge a spektrum smart battery

[@dmithsmith5880]

Usually only 1 or two cells swells up, you can desolder the bad cell and dispose, then resolder the lead on and basically turn a junk 4s into a perfectly fine 3s for instance 👍

[@Ryan96se]

I'm wondering if this puffy battery had any cells that were low/high from the others? All of my lipo batteries are hard cased because I run high speed trucks. Makes me wonder if internal pressure can be spotted during the charging process. If not, then that is a scary scenario.

[@27pugsly]

Tito what parameters do I have to put on my charger to discharge it ? I have a 4s 5000 50c

[@customdrums]

You just convinced me to get rid of a lipo

[@ShenRC]

I have to say all my Gens ace hard roar packs got puffy as heck and I did not use em much at all they did it just sitting around. I got rid of em all. Batsafe best storage and charging box to buy!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Agree buddy

[@winstv98]

Show people deliberate to explode/fire in under control situation & review what's inside. Education.!

[@Bw40099]

i accidently dropped my lipo and the corner dented and i can see a little bit of metal should i throw it out or keep using it?

[@JerseyStyle7]

I just bought a battery tester, thanks to the rcsaylors, now i make sure the lipos rest at 3.8

[@RCReviewChannel]

Good call

[@monkeytrident]

@RC Review I have a problem I have a 3s 5500 mah lipo which I may have forgot to storage charge, but I am sure I did, now when I went to charge it, I see sell 1 is 0.931v and cell 2 is 4.175v and cell 3 is 4.210v, how can I get cell 1 volts up, I have tried the Nimh recovery but no luck.

[@emmanuelserrato7805]

Love the lost in space thumbnail

[@RCReviewChannel]

You got that reference huh? Awesome!

[@thepaddychannel]

@@RCReviewChannel i got it too, might be showing our age a bit?

[@BuildTimeMC]

My battery got a small bump in the front half of the top of battery is it still good?

[@chrisyoung2242]

Question: I have a Traxxas Lipo a friend gave me and its puffy all around. Im new to the hobby sorta and I have limited experience with these batteries. Should I discharge and take it to be recycled?

[@RobertNES816]

If the battery has an ID connector (look up what a Traxxas ID connector is) Traxxas might do a half payment with you. If you return the battery you'll only pay half the price of a new battery.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

More great information! I need to check all my lipos. Question: What's your take on the new Spectrum smart batteries, chargers and tester? Better tech or gimmick? Thanks for your thoughts

[@keepingitonehundred]

If they came with an xt60 installed I would be all over them. They have a really cool auto discharge storage feature you can setup. If your Smart lipo battery was charged up but you didn't go out to use it as you planned, and won't be using it until 2 weeks later, the Smart Batteries can safely and slowly discharge itself after sitting a few days to storage mode just by programing it to how much time you want before will go automatically into storage mode just buy sitting there connected to nothing. The Smart Esc, Battery Charger, and Battery do a few more convenient features, but the only one I really think is a major win is the ability tp program the Auto-Self discharge feature! A cheaper way to get the Auto-Discharge feature on a Smart Batrery instead of buying a Smart Charger is to spend $40. Of course can also charge the battery with on regular charger, but you can get the $40 Smart Battery Checker/servo tester and it will allow you to setup the auto-discharge Smart Battery feature through it as well instead of having to spend $$$ on a new Smart charger. This is the route I will eventually go when the current batch of Lipos die.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Thanks ....I'm with you, I'll take another look when my current batteries get tired.

[@jamiehill9578]

I have the spectrum smart charger and one battery, expensive items, but rather pay the extra to be safer. Have had luck with them tho

[@alfredyost7972]

I like to use Venom LIPO batteries and Venom chargers too. I just got rid of my first two Venom LIPO batteries recently. I have had these batteries for about 7 years. I did not take care of them at all. I did not follow proper ways to charge, discharge and place into storage mode procedures. I do now, take care of my new Venom LIPO batteries. I do have to say that these LIPO batteries do cost more. However, maybe they are worth the extra cost? I only own 1 or maybe two LIPO batteries from another manufacture. I am already having problems with these batteries. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

[@clementinecrawlers2526]

Thank you for the video, battery safety is key. I am also on Northern CA, what are some good crawl spots?

[@RCReviewChannel]

We live in San Jose California and we have a San Jose crawlers group in Facebook. Join in

[@MickRatanapanyo]

Hi I'm new.. watching for a ton of things, cell fluctuations, resistance, dead cells, etc.. Can you tell me what is the normal temperature LIPO batteries experience during charge before a thermal run-away? Thank you

[@MickRatanapanyo]

I'm currently working with these for the iFlight Nazgul5 6S V2 HD: www.fpvfaster.com.au/products/cnhl-black-series-1500mah-6s-22-2v-100c-lipo-battery-pack-lipo-with-xt60-plug-for-rc-truck

[@OtherSide..]

I actually remember the danger danger Will Robinson I'm 50 pretty cool

[@jimbevers7335]

go to your local mil/surplus and get an 50 cal. ammo can and drill holes in the lid so you don't have a bomb. perfect to store batteries

[@levibeebe9100]

That's why I only run soft packs now. And the C rating I've never figured out what it's = to in amps.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Good call buddy.

[@keneflucas937]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but storing lipos or having them idle for a long time on a full or near full charge will also cause them to swell.

[@braddahdussifyoumuss596]

I was clenching cheeks this whole video, almost looked like you were gonna take a bite of that explosive lipo dog😂 I give you props man I would not be holding that battery in my hand

[@RCReviewChannel]

All of the name of science my friend.

[@UnwrappingByMimiKoteng]

Hi Sir, do you plan to get 1 / 14RC Volvo FH16 Glove Trotter 750 8x4 Wrecker Truck?

[@RCReviewChannel]

No plans. You have a link?

[@soldierprogaming1823]

plz plz say me its just a little puffed ,can i run it on my heli

[@LrgFryDietCoke]

I have a couple of trx lipos that seem To swell ever so slightly after a hard run in my udr . Is this normal or should I toss them? Seems like the swelling is gone when I check them later. Again it’s the tiniest bit… someone help!

[@RCReviewChannel]

That is ok. A little swelling means the vehicle is drawing more current at peak power, more than the battery can deliver. Keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't swell too much. When the battery gets to be almost double its size due to swelling, the lipo case can break and that is the cause of a fire.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I charge my Lipos in a box I made out of CINDER BLOCKS!! When idiots laugh at me, I'm now going to show them THIS Video!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 You're right Francis.... Crawlers don't need hard case Lipos. Most people won't realize the sheer force of that case blowing open. I know you have a healthy respect for these, but you got LUCKY with that one! A guy I run with frequently charges his with a DC charger - UNDER THE HOOD of his Truck!!! 😲😲 Just ONE little mishap - and his $57,000 Raptor will become a molten pile of smoldering ash.... Darwinism at work! 😖 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@planker]

LIKE! I poked a puffy one and it blew up! I'm getting a Lipo bag. Man!!!!!

[@ToeffBrudi]

Im not scared about the Fire from a Lipo it realy good controllable in metalboxes but im scared about the smoke and the toxic gas and how fast its maybe fill the room with the smoke

[@reedkelly6145]

For charging a overly discharged lipo..... A 25C / 11.1v / 5000mah / 2c charge..... If the cells are at about 1 volt each what is recommended settings on the charger? What AMPS should I set the charger to? Should I charge for 10min and then change the amp setting, to more or less? What setting do you put the charger on for this, NIMH / NICD / PB?? In your video about overly discharged lipos this kind of detailed information is not provided. Also how long do you leave the lipo on the different setting, charging? One last thing..... in this video you didn't talk about if it is safe to keep using a "slightly" inflated lipo. Sure if a lipo expands to 2x regular size best not to use..... but what if it just has a small bump???

[@safikarahman6378]

Lipo battery was once short circuited. It produces a kind of smell. Is the battery harmful for health?

[@thomasgross8289]

Be VERY careful with your batteries but you can rig your chargers willy nilly lol! Just giving you a hard time 😁

[@EXTREMERC416]

Unsolder one lead solder it to ur conNector then unsolder the other lead and solder it to the connector. Also heatshink the wore you finished soldering on.

[@charlottejoshlily]

would you, or anyone else, recommend ISDT chargers? I've been using a SC-608 150w for about 3 years now with no issue.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, they seem to be high quality with a good user interface.

[@Shitinthemorning]

The most important thing for us to know is : When can it go on fire or explode ? You say 4,2 + volts could explode, cause fire, does it mean like everything under 4Volts or so NEVER can explode or go in Fire ? I don't want my house in fire!! I have batterie with 1 death cell, can that catch fire or not ? And if you discharge it, you mean to 0.0 Volts ? And is it ok to leave it in your house like that with 0.0 volt cells ? Thats important to know, someone help me PLS Im becomming paranoia. I have bought like a lot of Lipos like 4-6 years ago, but never had the chance to use them really, RC cars but never tested them. What about those batteries staying storage between 3.4 and 3.9Volts all the time in a closet ? Is their a change they can cach ire on their own or maybe even only popping cell can happen ? Pls I need a answer THK you VEry MUCh youtube followers

[@nathandeweese8029]

I keep all my lipos in a metal ammo box, the inside sprayed with plasti dip, for this exact reason.

[@michaelcondrey8681]

Plasti dip y

[@User-four20]

@@michaelcondrey8681 probably to prevent shorting on the metal case

[@TheSphongleface]

We have a car hered that will puff any battery you put into it. Why could it be? They could even be new. The car is a Savage flux on absolute maximum settings. Like standing 7 backflips

[@jungyul2005]

Industries should move to LiFe battery not good as LiPo but much safer.

[@RCReviewChannel]

It'll never happen though since LIPO and LIHV, Lithium Ion have so much more power density. Companies and users will always gravitate towards performance.

[@seavee2000]

NEVER cut both wires,cut one and solder it to new connector(sorry but XT60 far superior to Deans in my book) then cut second wire.Always do this when battery discharged,don't forget to heatshrink tube before soldering......slide it down to base ready to slide back and shrink when soldered. Minimum 100w soldering gun and use lead based solder.

[@JerseyStyle7]

Where is your tester???

[@RCReviewChannel]

The funny thing is this battery is still balanced and has always been balanced.

[@BGnation573]

Yea ahh hell just strap it down really really tight in the most expensive truck you got it looks like it will run better now just remember to leave it at that annoying neighbor’s house when your not using it he said he’ll hold onto it for you lol

[@JerseyStyle7]

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeez😲😲😲😲😲👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Louise!!!

[@JerseyStyle7]

RC Review 😂

[@hubertbalazs]

I'd never try to solder on a new connector. Too risky. Adaptors cost little to nothing and there are compact ones uf one's concerned about a lot of extra wires. Deans to xt60 - maybe $2? Not worth the risk and the work I think.

[@RobertNES816]

Soldering is simple and safe if the person doing the soldering is smart and has common sense.

[@4GregF]

It appears you are lucky to still have a garage.

[@RCReviewChannel]

I'll store all these now in a metal toolbox with an insulated base, separate compartments

[@muhammedriyas545]

My battery complete bulking 😞

[@RDEnduro]

You can't just discharge one of those to 0v? Saying you discharged you mean another storage charge? When mine get puffy I just throw them out. So far no landfill fires that have made the news AFAIK. Safer than handling them or any kind of charging or discharging

[@GastonMaqueda]

That's way I'm using Li-Fe's

[@RobertNES816]

But who makes large capacity Li-Fe packs? Like 5000 mAh around 7 to 11 volts? I've only seen them for remote and receiver batteries.

[@ericwang474]

Yikes! Maybe that's why Traxxas batteries are soft case.

[@sonyyoung1036]

Your video educates what not to do but really does not explain why gas is causing the bulge. I am guessing that it is a chemical reaction occurring but not clear why.

[@BS1071M]

Why have this hobby when looking at the battery is fire hazard?? - I got into this hobby and now need to hire a security guard to watch the batteries….

[@reedkelly6145]

"you cut the WIRES" in this video you said this 3 times and make a hand gesture of cutting both wires at the same time. NEVER do this..... be specific.... cut 1 wire at a time and if needed tape the end and then cut the other wire. Cutting both wires at the same time will short the battery and in the video you show and say....3 times to do this, and then say be safe!!! You should say WIRE (not wires) and specifically say only cut 1 at a time......so words used as well hand gesture are both dangerous.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes agreed. Darn presumptive though, wow.