Just a quick note to affirm the need for caution around Lithium-Ion
battery packs.
Today I was charging a new 12 volt Li-Io battery pack. Fist time being
charged. I was using a specialized automatic Li-Io charger.
Nonetheless, the battery pack exploded with an incredible force, blowing
items off my workbench within 2 feet of the explosion. The burn area on
my workbench exceeds 12 inches. If I hadn't been wearing safety
glasses, I'm sure my eyes would have been badly affected. The sound
level was at least equal to a 44 magnum. My facial hair has been burned
and there are numerous particles embedded in my skin, walls and table.
The furthest piece, embedded in ceiling, is at least 10 feet from the
ignition point. About 2 ounces of C4 would perform about the same.
I consider myself lucky in that I was wearing my welding jacket which
protected my body very well. I was only 18 inches from the pack when it
exploded.
I never realized or expected such a thing to happen from a commercially
produced battery pack. I guess I will weld together a steel blast-proof
box should I have nerve enough to ever use these battery packs again.
73, Doug -- K0DXV
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