CHARGING SAFETY

ALWAYS CHECK THE CHARGING MODE

NEVER USE A NIMH CHARGER WITH LIPO BATTERIES. We say this in all caps because Lipo batteries tend to catch on fire if you charge them using a NIMH charger or a NIMH charge mode. You MUST use a Lipo charger (or Lipo charge mode, if you have a multimode charger) when charging Lipo batteries.

PLUG IN SAFELY

If your charger and batteries don’t have the same type of connector, purchase the appropriate adapter or install the correct connector (or have one installed for you). Never rig connections with exposed wires or clips, as these may cause a short circuit that could damage your charger or battery, or even start a fire.

NEVER LEAVE THE CHARGER UNATTENDED

The golden rule of charging safety is this: never leave batteries unattended while charging. Just don’t. While the charger does its thing, you can work on your car, vacuum, visit our Facebook page, watch TV, anything—but don’t leave the room for the duration of charging, and for heck’s sake, don’t leave the house. 99.999% of the time, batteries charge without a hitch. But if you’re in the 0.0001%, being by the charger is what will prevent damage to your RC gear and other property.

The Bat-safe, reviewed in this issue, gives maximum protection for Lipo charging and storage.

For extra safety when charging Lipos, a flameretardant charging bag (such as this one from Dynamite) is a good idea.