Safety Instructions for Lithium-ion Batteries

Please read the following safety instructions carefully before using the batteries and follow all precautions related to the use of lithium-ion batteries. Improper use of the batteries can result in serious injury or fire. The customer is obliged to adhere to the manufacturer's specified instructions for use, as well as those described in the safety instructions. If the customer fails to comply with these requirements, they assume all responsibility for any resulting damages or accidents. Weisson Kft. does not assume responsibility for any accidents or damages that occur due to non-compliance with safety regulations or improper use of the batteries.

• IMPORTANT! Improper use of lithium-ion batteries (such as hitting, exposure to radiant heat, disassembly, overcharging, short circuit) can cause explosion or fire!

• NEVER immerse the battery in water, fire, or corrosive liquids, or store it in places exposed to sunlight, high temperatures, or temperatures below freezing! Do not transport the battery where it can shake or be impacted, such as freely in your pocket or wallet! It is best to use a battery holder box where the batteries lie stably and are protected from mechanical damage.

• Do not mix batteries of different brands, types, old and new, or used and unused during use! DO NOT use the lithium-ion battery beyond the specified continuous load limit!

• Do not dispose of damaged, defective, or unused batteries in household waste, but always place them in designated hazardous waste containers!

• Immediately discontinue battery use, or do not use the battery further if you notice unusual odor, feel hot to the touch (>60°C), leaking liquid, change in color or shape, or any other abnormality.

• Please note that according to the recommendations of several manufacturers, it is risky to use lithium-ion batteries for operating e-cigarettes, especially for battery packs removed from e-cigarettes.

Use – Charging, Storage, Tips for Longer Lifespan!

• Store the lithium-ion battery in a dry, cool place, preferably in a battery holder box! Avoid direct sunlight, humid environments, and prolonged temperatures below freezing. According to the manufacturers' recommendation, the most suitable storage can be achieved at a temperature of 15°C with a 60% charge level. Current information suggests about 3% self-discharge per month at room temperature.

• Before using the charger, always ensure that you use the appropriate charger for the battery type and voltage of the battery, different voltage may cause the battery to ignite! Charge only under supervision and away from flammable materials!

• For lithium-ion batteries, the end-of-charge voltage is typically 4.1-4.2 V. During discharge, the voltage of the Li-Ion battery initially drops fairly quickly from the achieved end-of-charge voltage to the nominal voltage (about 3.6-3.7 V), then remains barely changed for a longer period. The cell voltage only starts to drop sharply shortly before full discharge. Avoid over-discharge; keep the 3.7V batteries above 2.8V! Lithium-ion batteries must not be discharged below 2.5V per cell, even during storage.

• Although fast charging charges the battery faster, it does not benefit its lifespan; lower (below 1A) charging current generally increases the number of available charging cycles and battery life.

• Avoid overcharging and avoid charging to 100%! The higher the cell voltage, the faster the battery ages, so do not keep the Li-Ion battery constantly charged to 100%, the state of charge should be rather 55-75%. Even with rare use, it is worth recharging the battery to 55-75% every six months to keep it operational for a long time.

• Avoid discharging to 0%! It extends the lifespan of the lithium-ion battery if you recharge it when it reaches 30% charge level.

• Over-discharge: If the cells are over-discharged, the internal fuse or BMS may disconnect the battery, but usually only temporarily. Some chargers can also recharge a seemingly defective, over-discharged battery, with so-called trickle charging, so if you have such a battery, try it in several chargers to see if any of them revive it. If a cell drops below 1.5V, do not use it further, as there is a high risk of short circuit and fire!

Risks and Hazards of Using Lithium-ion Batteries

Mechanical Injuries

Mechanical injuries can lead to short circuits. Due to the injury, the battery may heat up, the cover may melt, and ignite. NEVER disassemble, pierce, cut, crush, or burn the battery. Do not remove the protective cover, as it may damage the battery and void the warranty. Do not use the battery if the battery or its insulation is damaged in any way!

Chemical Reaction

Li-ion batteries are hermetically sealed, but mechanical damage or other malfunctions may cause them to leak. The leaking liquid usually contains flammable and/or corrosive solutions and lithium salts. The leaked solution can be washed/wiped off the battery with water, but do not immerse the battery in water, especially in a charged state! The leaking liquid can irritate the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Gases leaking from lithium-ion batteries can pose health risks! Therefore, if the battery leaks, follow these safety precautions:

Personal protective equipment in case of leakage accidents:

Wear appropriate protective clothing (gloves, safety glasses, etc.)! If there is a risk of escaping vapors near you, wear a mask and full-body protective clothing! Seal off the area where the accident occurred, let the lithium-ion battery cool down, and ventilate until the gases dissipate. Avoid skin and eye contact, as well as inhalation of vapors! Absorb spilled liquids with an absorbent material, then dispose of it safely.

First Aid:

In case of contact with the electrolyte, gases, or fire byproducts of the lithium-ion battery, the following first aid measures must be followed:

1. Eyes - If it gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep your eyelids open to ensure full rinsing of the eyes!

2. Skin - Remove contaminated clothing and rinse the skin under cold water for at least 15 minutes.

3. Respiration - Provide fresh air supply. If necessary, perform first aid measures.

4. After first aid, always seek medical attention!

Heat Stress, Fire Hazard

Internal short circuits may occur due to high temperatures, posing a risk of fire. Although "protected" batteries are equipped with internal protective circuits with temperature sensors, voltage monitoring, and safety shutdowns that prevent overheating or ignition during overcharging or overloading, not all batteries are protected. Batteries should be kept away from heat, open flames, and corrosive liquids! IMPORTANT! Li-ion batteries, like other batteries, should not be short-circuited.

Measures during firefighting:

When the temperature exceeds 125°C, the battery cells can ignite or explode.

Since the burning time of a battery cell is 35-40 seconds, in most cases, the only option in the event of a fire is to extinguish the already spreading fire and allow the battery to burn out in a controlled manner.

Extinguishing agent: Since lithium-ion batteries generally do not contain metallic lithium, conventional extinguishing agents (such as ABC powder, CO2 extinguisher, or water) can be used. If the batteries do not leak, they can also be extinguished with water, but avoid water extinguishing if they leak. However, the use of extinguishing agents depends on the burning material (e.g., oil, plastic, etc.). If possible, remove the batteries from the fire area. Portable breathing apparatus and full-body protective clothing must be worn during firefighting.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: The cells themselves are not flammable, but the organic materials inside them are. Combustion products include, among others, hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.