Home RC Battery and Charger Safety

RC Battery and Charger Safety

RC Battery Safety

RC batteries can get expensive so it's worth investing some time to learn how best to look after them and charge them properly.

Batteries can be volatile and dangerous, so be sure to READ THE MANUAL so you can get the maximum life from your battery and most importantly, avoid damage or injury.

Here are some battery safety tips:

  • All batteries (including AAs), should be disconnected & removed from your RC models when not in use.
  • Batteries should never be stored while still connected to an RC model or charger.
  • Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries can be volatile. If a LiPo battery is drained completely flat or even bellow 3.2v per cell, it may not take charge again. LiPo batteries should be stored at 3.8v per cell to maximise their life. Many chargers offer a "storage charge" function to achieve this.
  • Any impact sustained to your RC model from a collision can cause damage to a battery and render it unsafe. Careful inspection for damage before and after use is essential.
  • Always charge and store your batteries away from heat, humidity and flammables (such as from away wood, cloth and carpet).
  • It's recommended that you always charge LiPo batteries in a LiPo-safe bag

RC Charger Safety

Different battery types require different chargers or charge settings. Make sure your battery is suited to your charger and you have the right charge setting prior to charging your battery.

Most quality chargers will have the required settings to accommodate your battery type and voltage. Whilst some LiPo batteries can be charged at high rates, the safest rate is 1C - 1 amp for every 1000mah of your battery. For example; a 3000mAh battery should ideally be charged at 3 amps. This will yield approximately a one hour charge time.

Here are some charger safety tips:

  • Designate a safe, clean, non-flammable surface to setup your charging area (such as from away wood, cloth and carpet).
  • Before using or charging a battery inspect the battery for any signs of damage, deformity or swelling. Any evidence of the above mentioned and the battery may not be safe to use and must be disposed of safely.
  • Double check the polarity is correct when connecting your battery (red wire to red, black to black)
  • Do not charge batteries when unattended or leave on charge for extended periods of time.
  • Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your battery and charger before getting started.

Don’t forget, we are here to help so let us know if you have any questions!