🔋Lithium-ion Battery Safety Warnings

At 18650Battery.com, safety is our top priority. Lithium-ion batteries provide high energy storage, but improper handling, use, or storage can lead to serious risks, including fire, explosion, or personal injury. It is essential that you read and follow these safety guidelines to minimize potential hazards.

Understanding the Risks: Short Circuits

A short circuit occurs when the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of a battery come into direct contact, allowing an uncontrolled current to flow. This can result in:

✔ Extreme heat buildup
✔ Risk of fire or explosion
✔ Severe burns, property damage, or even death

📌 Important: The entire outer casing of a cylindrical lithium-ion battery serves as the negative terminal. Proper insulation is crucial to prevent unintended contact that could lead to a short circuit.

What is Thermal Runaway?

Thermal runaway is a dangerous reaction where a lithium-ion battery overheats uncontrollably, potentially leading to fire or explosion.

Causes of Thermal Runaway:

🔥 Overcharging – Charging a battery past its maximum voltage limit generates excessive heat.
⚡ Short Circuits – Internal or external short circuits can rapidly increase temperature and pressure.
🔨 Physical Damage – Punctures, dents, or cracks in the battery casing can lead to dangerous failures.
🌡️ High Temperatures – Storing or operating batteries in extreme heat conditions can destabilize the internal chemistry.

Warning Signs of Thermal Runaway:

🚨 Battery is swelling or deformed
🚨 Unusual odor or chemical smell
🚨 Excessive heat, smoke, or leakage

Preventing Thermal Runaway:

✔ Always use a smart charger designed for lithium-ion batteries.
✔ Do not overcharge or over-discharge beyond manufacturer specifications.
✔ Store batteries in a cool, dry location, away from heat sources.
✔ Inspect batteries regularly for signs of damage before use.

What to Do in Case of Thermal Runaway:

⏹️ Immediately stop using the battery. Place it on a fire-resistant surface such as concrete or sand.
⏹️ Move it away from flammable materials. Do not attempt to handle a swelling or overheating battery.
⏹️ If it catches fire, use a Class D fire extinguisher or sand – NEVER use water or a regular fire extinguisher.

Key Safety Guidelines

General Handling

🔎 Inspect Before Use – Do not use a battery if it is dented, deformed, leaking, or missing insulation.
🛑 Avoid Loose Carrying – Always store batteries in protective cases. Do not carry loose batteries in pockets, bags, or near metal objects like keys or coins.
✅ Check for Damage – Ensure the PVC wrap and top cap insulator are intact before using.

Charging Safety

⚠ Use Only Approved Chargers – Charge with a dedicated lithium-ion smart charger that matches the battery’s specifications.
⚠ Never Overcharge – Do not exceed the battery’s voltage rating.
⚠ Charge in a Safe Area – Always charge on a non-flammable surface, away from combustible materials.
⚠ Monitor During Charging – Never leave batteries unattended while charging.

Storage & Transportation

📦 Keep in a Protective Case – Store batteries in the original packaging or an approved battery case.
🌡️ Maintain Proper Temperature – Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, liquids, or extreme temperatures.
🚸 Keep Away from Children & Pets – Lithium-ion batteries pose a choking hazard and should not be handled by children.

Prohibited Activities

🚫 DO NOT use a damaged battery – If a battery is dented, punctured, or has a torn wrapper, do not use it.
🚫 DO NOT short-circuit the battery – Avoid direct contact between the positive and negative terminals.
🚫 DO NOT expose the battery to water or liquids – This can cause a dangerous reaction.
🚫 DO NOT overcharge, over-discharge, or use an incompatible charger.
🚫 DO NOT disassemble, puncture, crush, or modify the battery.
🚫 DO NOT mix battery brands, capacities, or charge states in the same device.
🚫 DO NOT dispose of batteries in the trash – Recycle them properly.

Emergency Response

If Battery Electrolyte Comes in Contact with Skin or Eyes:

💦 Flush with water immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

If a Battery Fire Occurs:

🔥 Use a Class D fire extinguisher or dry sand to smother the fire.
🔥 DO NOT use water or a standard fire extinguisher, as lithium-ion batteries react violently with water.

Specific Product Warnings

For Battery Packs & System Integrations

⚙ These batteries are intended for protected battery packs with proper safety circuitry (e.g., a Battery Management System (BMS) or Protection Circuit Board (PCB)).

Not for Use in E-Cigarettes or Vaporizers

🚭 18650Battery.com does not sell batteries for use in e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or similar devices. These applications pose a significant risk of fire or explosion and are strictly prohibited.

Legal & Liability Disclaimer

⚖️ User Responsibility – The user assumes all risks associated with handling and using lithium-ion batteries.
⚖️ Proper Use Required – Batteries must only be used in applications approved by the manufacturer.
⚖️ Reseller Obligations – If you resell lithium-ion batteries, you are responsible for forwarding all safety warnings to customers.

🔹 18650Battery.com is not liable for misuse, improper handling, or failure to follow safety guidelines.

Manufacturer Safety Resources

For additional safety information, always refer to the manufacturer’s official safety data sheet (SDS) and handling guidelines provided for your specific battery model. These documents contain critical details on safe charging, storage, and handling requirements.

Below are safety resources from some of the leading manufacturers:

 

📌 Your Responsibility:
By following these guidelines, you can safely use lithium-ion batteries while minimizing risk. If you have any questions, contact our support team for additional assistance.

Stay safe and use your batteries responsibly!