Lithium Woes - How to avoid house fires!

[Skoal82]

I imagine the pucker factor was pretty high.

[Mooncarter]

Just an observation. Are those batteries getting enough airflow?

[Goliath]

I know y'all wanted flames and glory, but fortunately, no flames here.

I contacted LithiumBoost and talked to the owner, Sam. When I explained the situation, he said calmly, "No big deal, I sell 10k of these a year, and we get the occasional bad charger". He's actually a nice guy, and extremely knowledgeable. I was totally reassured after speaking with him.

I specifically mentioned the fire in Indian Wells, and he was not surprised. He said this was VERY unlikely with the cells he provided, as they are designed to vent (and swell), to avoid explosion/fire.

So, hours work down the drain, as I have to replace the complete BMS, and rewire/sheath the new one. Sam is going to send me 5 new cells for that whole row.

It could have been A LOT worse, so I'm thankful.

Before installing a lithium system, make sure the cells you use vent, not explode, because this whole story might have been very different.

Thanks for reading!

[Goliath]

Pucker factor was VERY high!

In regards to venting, I do have holes in the side of the box for that reason.
But, I spoke with LithiumBoost's engineer several days ago for that exact reason, and he said venting was not necessary. The batteries are not supposed to get very warm.

He did recommend popping the seat, as the BMS system does generate a lot of heat.

[cgtech]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Lipo aka lithium polymer batteries are not forgiving of charge or discharge outside their narrow safe zone.
Which is why I choose Life batteries for my build.

Yep, lifep04 are very tolerant of abuse, As far as lithium goes. None of the lithiums are as tolerant as lead cells are. Also, we're the Goliaths cells supposed to be "supported", like clamped in from their ends with plates?

[bronsonj]

WOW. Glad you didn't get a fire from that one. I bought all the lithium stuff to do my cart but have been putting it off ever since the Samsung Galaxy phones started exploding/catching fire. I'm going to have to be that much more careful. I doubt I'll charge the cart in the garage for the first 6 months after the conversion!

Glad your cart is OK.

[Goliath]

.
@cgtech - The cells can't be used with the top plastic transportation covers, as the bus bars won't fit. I kept the bottom ones on, for spacing purposes.

@bronsonj - I would hook all your stuff up, and keep an eye on the voltages during the day. If any of the cells get around 3.8 (check with your cell vendor) then stop the charging, and check with the vendor. Also, see what kind of cell they sold you, and Google it to see if issues exist. If it's a Li-ion, it's more prone to issues related to over charging than Li-Po.

[hyper1]

Oh I think I will stay with my 8v wet batteries and qe charger for now.

[Sergio]

Goliath is using the safer LiFePo4 batteries, although the "C" in CALB batteries gives me a "quality control" concern.

It would appear that both the charger and BMS had to fail for that kind of problem to happen.

I am glad everything is OK, but this kind of reality check thread is needed as a lot of people are talking about buying all kinds of Lithium chemistry batteries and putting together systems with flawed safety protection systems.

[CrazyDad]

Since your wife can’t see this thread would you let us know how much you paid for the kit from lithium boost and what AH you got. Thanks!