Lithium-ion Loose Cell Warning

Please adhere to Lithium Ion Precautions 

Rechargeable lithium cells without proper protection that are not installed in a device or as part of an integral battery (“loose cells”) are potentially hazardous to consumers when handled, transported, stored, charged, or used to power devices.  Specifically, these battery cells may have exposed metal positive and negative terminals that can short-circuit when they come into contact with metal objects, such as keys or loose change in a pocket.  Once shorted, loose cells can overheat and experience thermal runaway, igniting the cell’s internal materials and forcibly expelling burning contents, resulting in fires, explosions, serious injuries and even death.

In addition, thermal runaway can occur in loose cells if consumers use them in inappropriate chargers that allow for charging beyond the cell’s specifications.  Unfortunately, a growing number of small consumer products, such as vaping devices, personal fans, headlamps, and some toys, are using loose 18650s as a power source.  CPSC is working with e-commerce sites, including eBay, to remove listings selling these loose cells. 

Do not use loose 18650 lithium ion cells that are separated from battery packs.  They are often misused as a stand-alone consumer battery, but do not have protection circuits.  For additional information on high-energy battery safety, please visit: https://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws--Standards/Voluntary-Standards/Topics/Batteries/

CPSC urges consumers to report problems with lithium-ion batteries to CPSC at: www.SaferProducts.gov.

 18650-Li-Ion-Battery Saftey

Click here: Must Read for Battey Saftey Information 

WARNING:  LI-ION CELLS HAVE INHERENT RISKS IF MISUSED OR MISHANDLED.   CELL CAN EXPLODE CAUSING SEVERE BURN INJURY, FATALITY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.  – READ BELOW THOROUGHLY –

 

READ BROCHURE HERE

CELL = BATTERY

 

  • KEEP OUT OF REACH of minors (at least 18 years of age) and pets.
  • DO NOT PUT IN FIRE, oven, microwave, or expose to anything over 100oC (212oF)
  • DO NOT  CARRY or store OUTSIDE of its protective packaging or a PROTECTIVE CELL CASE.  The protective cell case must PREVENT CELLS FROM TOUCHING ONE ANOTHER.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE  is a protective case to be put in a pocket, bag, purse, or on your body.  A protective case can be carried by hand in a controlled manner and/or stored where it is not subjected to movement or extreme temperatures.
  • DO NOT PUT IN POCKET, bag, purse, or on your body (applicable at all times and in all circumstances).  Pockets contain KEYS, COINS, OBJECTS, and/or DEBRIS that can short-circuit a cell (battery) that can result in an explosion.  The cell is to be stored in its protective packaging or a protective case that prevents cells from touching one another.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE ARE CELLS (batteries) TO BE PUT IN A POCKET, bag, purse, or on your body.  With cell(s) in a protective case, carry by hand or store where cell(s) are not subjected to movement.
  • DO NOT PUT A DEVICE WITH CELL(S) INSTALLED IN IT IN YOUR POCKET or ON YOUR BODY.  As unlikely as it may be, a device can malfunction and/or be affected by debris or object(s) in the pocket that can short-circuit a cell causing it to explode.  Additionally, removable-battery devices enable the cell(s) to move/shift inside a device which can subject cell(s) to condition(s) that put wear and tear on a cell’s protective label/wrap/skin barrier.  This can lead to a short-circuit and potential explosion.  Being in a pocket subjects the device (and cell(s)) to abrupt and jarring movements.  Carrying and using the device with hand(s) is proper.  ** Hohm Tech encourages to use a fire-retardant case/enclosure to carry device(s) with cell(s) installed inside it (applicable to device(s) with external and/or removable cell(s)). 
  • DO NOT USE IN A DEVICE THAT CAN EXCEED MAX CELL WATTAGE (W) or AMPERAGE (A) (listed on each cell and retail packaging).  Otherwise, this can overload a cell, causing it to explode.
  • DO NOT USE A LOWER RESISTANCE (Ω) # (listed on each cell and retail packaging).  Otherwise, this can overload the cell(s), causing it to explode.
  • DO NOT USE CELL WITH ANY DAMAGE TO ITS STRUCTURE OR OUTER PROTECTIVE LABEL (also called “WRAP”, “sleeve”, “skin”). Damage may include: dent(s), tear(s), nick(s), puncture(s), corrosion, or any other undisclosed abnormalities or damages.  Otherwise, a cell can short-circuit and explode.  ALWAYS INSPECT cell VISUALLY and by TOUCH to SEE/FEEL for damage BEFORE EACH USE.  ** SEE THE ILLUSTRATION BELOW AS A GUIDELINE. **
  • DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED WHILE CHARGING, & IMMEDIATELY REMOVE CELL(s) FROM CHARGER ONCE FULLY CHARGED to ensure it is not exposed to any potential charger malfunction such as overcharging which could damage the cell causing it to explode.
  • DO NOT CHARGE HIGHER THAN MAX CHARGE VOLTAGE (V) (typically 4.2V) or DISCHARGE BELOW MAX VOLTAGE CUT-OFF (V) (typically 2.5V).  Overcharging or over-discharging cell(s) can cause irreversible damage and cause it to explode.
  • DO NOT MIX WITH USED or DIFFERENT BATTERY TYPES. Differences in cell capacity can lead to one or more cell(s) being overcharged or over-discharged. 
  • IF USING A MULTI-CELL DEVICE, the device MUST HAVE A NON-CONDUCTIVE BARRIER (typically plastic) OR FITMENT that PREVENTS CELL(S) from TOUCHING THE SIDE(S) OF ONE ANOTHER OR ANY ADJACENT METAL except for the very center of top and bottom of the cell. Otherwise, cell(s) could short-circuit and explode.
  • ALWAYS REPLACE CELL when capacity has decreased or within a maximum of 12 months of use (whichever occurs first) when used in a device that allows cell(s) to be changed/removed.  Cell degradation and wear incurred from repeated installation/removal can negatively impact cell integrity and subject it to conditions that can cause it to be short-circuited and explode.
  • ALWAYS charge, connect, and operate cell(s) within their capabilities as listed on each cell, packaging, and all product detail pages, while adhering to the device’s user manual.
  • COMPLETELY READ and follow the WARNING section listed on each cell, packaging, and here, in its entirety.
  • SEARCH www.YouTube.com for “18650 EXPLOSIONS” to understand the importance of consistently taking safety precautions and using Li-ion cells properly.  Hohm Tech advocates recycling and replacing any damaged Li-ion cell/battery. As a tool to find your LOCAL RECYCLE CENTER.  Or visit Hohm Tech Warranty Center for recycling and replacement.  Your safety is #1.

 

HANDLING OF LI-ION BATTERY CELLS - RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS

The user must have appropriate understanding of lithium ion batteries before purchase.

Use caution when working with and using lithium ion batteries as they are very sensitive to charging characteristics and may explode, burn, or cause a fire if misused or mishandled.

Always charge in or on a fire-proof surface. Never leave batteries charging unattended.

The batteries are sold for the use of system integrations with proper protection circuitry or battery packs with a battery management system or PCB (circuit board/module).

Buyer is responsible for any damage or injury caused by misuse or mishandling lithium ion batteries and chargers.

Charge only with a smart charger designed for this specific type of lithium ion battery.

  • DO NOT USE WITH E-CIGARETTE, VAPORIZER, OR SIMILAR DEVICE
  • MISUSING OR MISHANDLING LITHIUM ION BATTERIES CAN POSE A SERIOUS RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR DEATH
  • BATTERIES MAY EXPLODE, BURN, OR CAUSE A FIRE IF MISUSED OR MISHANDLED
  • ONLY USE WITH PROPER CIRCUITRY IN A PROTECTED BATTERY PACK
  • ONLY USE WITHIN MANUFACTURER LISTED SPECIFICATIONS
  • DO NOT STORE LOOSE BATTERY IN A POCKET, PURSE ETC. - ALWAYS USE A PROTECTIVE CASE OR BOX
  • KEEP AWAY from metal objects to prevent short circuiting
  • DO NOT short circuit
  • DO NOT use if wrapper or insulator is damaged or torn
  • DO NOT use if damaged in any way
  • DO NOT overcharge or over-discharge
  • DO NOT modify, disassemble, puncture, cut, crush, or incinerate
  • DO NOT expose to liquids or high temperatures
  • DO NOT solder, spot weld only
  • User must be familiar with handling lithium ion batteries before purchase
  • Usage of batteries is AT YOUR OWN RISK
  • ALWAYS charge in or on a fire-proof surface and never leave charging batteries unattended
  • RESELLERS MUST FORWARD ALL WARNINGS TO ALL CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR REFERENCE AND SAFETY

 

VAPE / E-CIG BATTERY WARNING

This battery is manufactured and sold for the intended use of system integrations with proper protection circuitry or battery packs with a BMS (battery management system) or PCB (circuit board/module). This battery is neither designed nor intended to be used with an e-cig, vape, or similar device. USAGE OF THIS BATTERY IS AT YOUR OWN RISK!


Local regulations and laws pertaining to the recycling and disposal of lithium ion batteries vary so please consult your local jurisdiction regarding appropriate disposal. Many retail stores offer free recycling of rechargeable batteries.

 

MANUFACTURER AND BATTERY INDUSTRY WARNINGS


Samsung SDI lithium-ion battery: Samsung SDI's "Charging, Use and Handling of Small-Sized Lithium-ion Batteries".

Sony lithium ion batteries - Safety Warning

Panasonic/Sanyo lithium ion batteries - Safety Precautions