How do LiPo bags work, why are they so dangerous and what are some tips of safe keeping and operation of LiPo batteries?
LiPo bags, also known as LiPo battery safety bags or fireproof bags, are designed to mitigate the risks associated with the use and storage of lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries.
LiPo batteries are known for their high energy density, which makes them popular for use in a wide range of electronic devices, from smartphones and tablets to remote-controlled toys and drones.
However, LiPo batteries can be dangerous if they are not handled or stored properly.
If a LiPo battery is damaged or punctured, it can catch fire or explode, releasing toxic and flammable gases.
LiPo bags are made of fire-resistant materials that can contain and suppress a battery fire, helping to protect people and property from harm.
To safely operate and store LiPo batteries, it is important to follow a few key tips:
1，Always use a LiPo battery charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries.
Do not use a charger intended for other types of batteries, as this can lead to overcharging, overheating, and other dangerous conditions.
2，Store LiPo batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat or moisture.
Do not store them near flammable materials.
3，Always transport LiPo batteries in a fire-resistant LiPo bag or other type of protective container.
4，Do not puncture or damage LiPo batteries, as this can cause them to catch fire or explode.
5，If you suspect that a LiPo battery has been damaged or is malfunctioning, stop using it immediately and contact a professional for assistance.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your LiPo batteries are used and stored safely.
How To Choose The Best Fireproof Document Bag
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that one out of every four people will experience a house fire during their lifetime.
Safeguarding yourself in a fire is easier when compared to protecting your belongings.
Fireproof safes can be pricey. Instead of breaking the bank, you can protect your valuables and essential documents by using a fireproof document bag.
In this blog, we'll go through how to choose the best fireproof document bags to keep your possessions safe in the event of a fire.
Choosing the Best Fireproof Document Bag
The following factors should be considered while selecting a fireproof document bag:
1) Construction
Your first item of evaluation should be the materials that are used to construct the bag.
They should be strong, durable, and able to withstand harsh conditions.
The majority of fireproof document bags are made of silicone-coated fiberglass, and the better ones include two or more layers for greater heat resistance.
2) Size
You also need to pay close attention to the size.
Make sure the bag has enough room to hold all of your documents.
If you want to store large items like a laptop, you will need a large bag.
3) Temperature Resistance
Look for a bag that can withstand extremely hot temperatures.
Good fireproof document bags can withstand temperatures between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
4) Type of Closure
The best document bags for preventing fires have velcro straps or strong zippers.
These closures are particularly reliable since they stop outside elements like fire from penetrating.
5) Water and Heat Resistance
The majority of manufacturers claim that their fireproof bags are also water-resistant or waterproof bags.
This offers two benefits. The bag will safeguard your papers not only from flames but also from water infiltration.
What Should You Store in Your Fireproof Document Bags?
A pile of paperwork or important documents on a table
Consider storing some of the following items in your fireproof bag:
1) Foreign Currencies
If you travel frequently and have multiple currencies, store them in your fireproof document bag.
Given that you probably keep your passport inside of it as well, it's an ideal place for both.
2) College Degrees
If your diploma isn't on display, keep it in a fireproof document bag.
3) Memories
Place a digital copy of your wedding photos and videos, along with recordings of other major life events, in your fireproof document bag.
4) Vehicle and Property Titles
If you run a business with a fleet of vehicles or properties, keep the titles in a fireproof document bag to prevent complications while making insurance claims in the event of a fire.
5) Certificates of Birth, Marriage, Divorce, and Death
The best candidates for your fireproof bag are important documents that are infrequently needed yet difficult to replace such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates.
6) Personal Documents
When determining which personal documents to store in your fireproof bag, sentimental value also plays a role.
A fireproof bag can provide safety for things like childhood diaries, priceless letters from friends and relatives, or a memoir of a long-deceased relative or friend.
Types of Fireproof Bags
There are typically 3 types of fireproof bags:
1) Envelope Style Bags
Your vital documents are ideal for storage in envelope-style bags.
Depending on what you plan to keep and how cheap these bags are, they might be all you need.
2) Hard Case Bags
Hard case bags resemble a hybrid between a safe and a fireproof bag.
They are strong and have a high fire resistance rating, but they are typically significantly heavy than softer alternatives.
3) Soft Case Bags
Can a soft case fireproof bag replace a hard case bag?
No, but they are convenient to carry during an evacuation.
Soft case bags can be used to hold large items like binders, laptops, and other equipment because of their wider width.
Best Fireproof Bags
Nobody wants to imagine their belongings on fire, yet accidents do happen.
Because of this, it's crucial to use a fireproof bag to protect your most priceless possessions and vital documents.
The following are some of the best fireproof document bags available on the market:
1) Diversion Safe Hanger
This fireproof and water-resistant document-safe bag from Travah is perfect to hang in your closet or even bring with you when you travel.
In addition, to being a fireproof document bag, it also doubles up as a diversion safe.
It features a high-quality exterior silicone protective layer in addition to a tested fiberglass layer.
It can withstand temperatures as high as 1200°F (about 648.9°C).
It comes with a safe zippered compartment and is big enough to hold items like cash, legal-size documents, a passport, and other necessities.
2) Document Bag
This is yet another document bag from Travah.
This 15 x 11 x 4-inch fireproof bag is exceptionally roomy and can hold a variety of items, including documents, laptops, passports, folders, jewelry, and cash.
The safe's multi-layered fiberglass construction keeps your possessions safe even in the scorching heat.
It can withstand temperatures up to 1100 °F. It is reliable and water-resistant due to its silicon coating.
To make it simple for you to access your items, there is an end-to-end running zipper.
To further safeguard your possessions, a flap with sealing velcro surrounds the zipper.
3) Fireproof Water Resistant Document Bag
Use this Fireproof Document Bag to protect documents and other items from heat up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The bag is 16 x 12 x 5 inches and has a handle and an adjustable shoulder strap.
The bag is made of two layers of silicone-coated fiberglass and has a Velcro-like closing in addition to a top-notch zipper.
The Fireproof Document Bag can contain a laptop or even a stack of documents along with other valuables.
4) Fireproof Document Bag
The unique design of the fireproof document bag makes it stand out.
Since it is smaller and shaped differently than most fireproof document bags, it is simpler to carry and can fit anywhere.
The fireproof document bag features two layers of silicone-coated fiberglass for additional fireproof protection and can withstand temperatures up to 2000 °F.
Summary
You should invest in a fireproof bag if you want to protect your valuables in the event of a fire.
The above-mentioned fireproof bags are of the finest quality and are designed to offer the best user experience.
LiPo Battery Safety - It's Worth Your Effort
Lithium Polymer batteries have absolutely transformed the RC hobby on every level possible, and without doubt, has made the greatest positive impact when it comes to our RC hobby.
From amazing power to extended run time, LiPo batteries continue to improve with ultra fast charge times, better quality and cycle life, and best of all, reduced pricing.
However, when it comes to LiPo battery safety, it's paramount that you take the extra precaution when using LiPo based batteries, as misuse, abuse and negligence can equate to fire, property damage, injury, or in the most extreme of cases, death.
Simply put, LiPo safety is worth your effort.
When push comes to shove, LiPo battery fires are not the norm, and in 99.9% of all cases, they are due to negligence by the end user.
Modern day LiPo batteries are stable and well built, and when used with modern day LiPo battery chargers that utilize multiple built in safety features, a LiPo failure that results in a fire is pretty darn rare.
However, fires still happen, and we have seen several hobbyists damage their homes, burn down their garages, and even burn down their homes in entirety.
And in every such instance, even if the most rudimentary safety precaution would have been taken。
In short, don't be that guy.
So, below is a breakdown of precautions and info on LiPo battery safety.
And even though it's not nearly as interesting as reading about the latest & greatest RC wonder, we can assure you that the info noted is worth a look - even if you already feel like you're being safe & cautious.
Charging In Your Home or Garage - A Really Bad Idea.
We know it's super convenient when it comes to charging your LiPo batteries, but charging inside your home or garage is a very bad idea, as any home or garage is full of combustible material.
And if a rare LiPo fire occurs, secondary fires are highly likely, which can propagate into a full house fire.
Garages are even worse, as most garages are packed full of combustible materials, along with fire's happy friend, gasoline.
We have seen several customers burn up their garages and homes by choosing to charge in these areas, equating to massive levels of property damage, not to mention the risk they placed with themselves and their family members.
It's a terrible way to learn, and the risks simply do not add up.
If you can avoid charging in your home or garage, do it - it's the ultra easy way to prevent a LiPo fire turning into an all out epic disaster.
Never Leave Your LiPo Charger Alone - Seriously, Never.
This is a big one, and has been one of the main contributors of fires that have taken place in the RC hobby.
And since the vast majority of LiPo fires occur while charging, it's a super terrible idea to ever leave your charger all on its own during the charging cycle.
We have seen hobbyists charge their batteries while away from their home, and hobbyists that charged LiPo batteries while sleeping. To be blunt, this is incredibly stupid - and that's being massively generous.
If you are charging any LiPo based battery, do not leave your charger, or at the ultra bare minimum, be very close to your charger while checking on it often to make sure everything looks okay.
Anytime you leave a LiPo battery on charge by itself is tempting fate, and since fate is known to pull some serious jerk moves, it's best to take the extra precaution necessary and keep close tabs on your charger while your LiPo is being topped off.
Never Charge or Use a Crashed / Damaged LiPo Battery - Ever.
Let's face it.
Some LiPo batteries can be a bit pricey, and losing one to a crash is serious painful.
But, if the battery shows signs of damage (deformed cells, punctures, swelling, heat or voltage issues), trying to use or charge this battery is asking for a less than ideal campfire moment that can destroy your charger or aircraft, or worst of all, start secondary fires that can ruin your day, week or year.
Honestly; try to justify a new RC purchase with your better half after burning down her house.
I'll save you the suspense - it won't go well.
If you damage a battery in a crash and the battery shows some obvious signs of damage, count it as a goner.
It is not worth risking your aircraft, charger, home or safety to hold onto a damaged battery after a crash.
And since the likelihood of the battery going thermonuclear melt down on you, dispose of it safely with a salt water bath to deplete the battery of voltage so it can be safely disposed of.
In short, a damaged battery is just not worth the risk.
Use LiPo Safety Gear - It's Cheap & Easy.
Charging and storing your LiPo batteries is easier than ever with multiple LiPo safety devices available today. When charging, LiPo safe bags are a great way to contain any potential fire that takes place.
These bags are lined with a fire resistant material that will suppress any fire that occurs, thus making sure the only victims equate to the battery and the LiPo bag that just contained the fire.
Want more? You can step it up a notch with a product like the BAT-SAFE, which is a metal container with vent holes that add even greater fire protection if the worst takes place.
This type of product is an excellent device to add some of the best protection you can buy when it comes to using LiPo batteries.
Don't want to spend the cash?
Something as basic as a cinder block makes a great containment device, or a surplus ammo can does the job nicely as well.
In the end, one of these simple means of protection are the cheapest insurance you can buy, making charging that much more safe.
Store LiPo Batteries Safely - Ultra Important.
Not using your LiPo batteries right now?
If they are sitting pretty in your closet as they await your next RC adventure, you are asking for massive trouble - burn your house down, blazing inferno trouble.
If you're not using your LiPo batteries, they need to be stored in a location where they cannot cause trouble if a fire occurred.
Outside is a good place - preferably in a cool, sheltered area that is free of combustible material.
Further, storing your batteries in a LiPo safe container is crucial, as this will add the necessary layer of protection if the worst takes place.
Simply put, call it ultra cheap insurance, as storing your LiPo batteries in any area that offers the chance of secondary fires is begging for a really bad day - especially if you're not using some type of LiPo safe containment device.
And even if you take the extra step of a LiPo safe bag or some type of BAT-SAFE device, this is not license to store the batteries in your garage, closet or office.
These devices will help suppress a fire if one were to occur, but you certainly don't want something like this as your only line of defense.
Charge & Use With Care - Lot's Of It.
When charging your LiPo batteries, it's paramount that a dedicated LiPo battery charger is used, and even more important, it's crucial that the correct settings are inputted based upon the batteries that are being charged.
Things such as cell count, mAh, amperage rate and more are massively important when inputting the correct data for charging your batteries.
And even though your LiPo charger has multiple safety systems built in to protect against errors, don't depend upon these systems to save your bacon.
It's always best to make sure that all the settings are properly set corresponding to the battery you want to charge, and since most chargers allow the end user to set the proper amperage to charge, make 100% sure you are setting the proper amperage for the battery at hand.
And if you don't know the exact specifics that need to be inputted, don't guess - always ask!
On the flip side, be sure to care for your batteries properly by not over discharging them, damaging them, storing them at full charge, etc.
Follow all the proper guidelines of LiPo care to make sure your batteries have a safe & happy life, which will add even greater levels of safety & protection when it comes to the possibilities of fire.
Also, be careful when it comes to parallel & serial charging, as these methods increase the risk greatly when it comes to overcharging LiPo batteries, which can result in battery failure & fire.
Many people use parallel & serial charging to charge multiple batteries at once, but we honestly don't recommend it.
Solder LiPo Batteries - Carefully.
When soldering LiPo batteries, you are dealing with bare leads that can potentially short out, if not careful.
A direct short with a LiPo battery is bad in many ways, as it usually wounds the pack, compromising its useful life for the future.
Further, this damage has the potential of the battery catching fire, and even though this is rare, it has happened before.
So, when soldering your LiPo battery, always keep the bare power lead that's not being soldered covered and protected, and be mindful of any bare wires during the soldering process.
And if the worst takes place and your battery shorts out, as much as we hate to say it, we would suggest the battery be counted as done for.
It's just not worth the risk.
Storing & Charging Your LiPo Battery In Your Aircraft - No Go.
If you're not using your aircraft, storing your battery within is just a bad idea, as it is not being protected by any fire resistant material.
Even further, if the battery failed and a fire occurred, your model is toast - a real kick in the teeth considering many RC aircraft are far and above a pretty penny's value.
Same goes for charging your battery inside your model - you're just begging for it at this point, because more often than not, most LiPo fires occur during the charging phase, and your RC aircraft will take the full brunt of the abuse if your LiPo fails in epic style.
Storing Your Batteries In Your Car - Bad Idea.
Flame paint job on your car? Cool. Flames consuming your car? Not cool at all.
Obviously you see where this is going, but we have seen this happen before, and it's just a bad idea.
Considering there is plenty of combustible material inside your car, your once cool ride can be transformed to a heap of smoking rubble in short order if a LiPo fire were to occur.
And if your car is parked in your garage? Ouch. You get the picture.
As with the above lines of warnings, storing LiPo batteries (even for a short while) in your car is a super terrible idea - especially since most cars have several gallons of gasoline in close proximity to add some serious flamage to the mix.
And when transporting LiPo batteries, do so with a LiPo carry bag or battery safe setup.
This will save you from a real headache and a not so fun insurance claim with your true to life "hot wheels."
LiPo Safety - Final Thoughts.
If you've read this entire blog and are now petrified of the lurking potential of your LiPo batteries, don't be.
LiPo fires do happen, but they are quite rare.
And if you follow the basic guidelines above, you will save yourself from heaps of frustration and stress, making your LiPo experience what it should be - convenient, safe & fun.
As with anything in life, a bit of safety & common sense goes a long ways, so don't fear your LiPo batteries, and don't spend your every waking moment concerned that a LiPo fire is just a moment away.
Safety & precaution pay massive dividends, and since LiPo fires are rare, the only LiPo fire you may ever witness is after you lawn dart your beloved model into the ground at epic speed.
After that, a fire may be in order to finish the poor thing off. Then again, you may want to extinguish the flames - just sounds safer.
Interested In Some LiPo Safe Products?
Check out some of the great products below to help keep your belongings safe when it comes to the possibility of LiPo related fires.
Honestly - it's the cheapest, easiest form of LiPo protection and is totally worth your investment.
LiPo Safe Bag
An excellent way to protect yourself, a LiPo Safe Bag can be used while batteries are charging, preventing a LiPo fire from propagating and causing secondary fires.
LiPo Safe Bags can also be used to store LiPo batteries, but must be careful when doing so, as even a bag such as this can only contain so much thermal energy if multiple LiPo batteries are stored within.
If using as a LiPo storage device, be sure to store in a locale that is free from any combustible materials if a fire were to occur.
BAT-SAFE LiPo Battery Charging Box
Specifically designed to contain the thermal energy of a LiPo fire, the BAT-SAFE is a metal box with vent holes and fire resistant material within that allows the user to safely charge and store LiPo batteries.
Utilizing double steel insulated walls with a fiberglass and steel wool filter, this BAT-SAFE box stops the flames and filters the intense levels of smoke when a LiPo fire occurs, offering the maximum levels of safety if a LiPo fire were to occur.
Of course, we do not recommend having combustible materials close by with this device, nor do we recommend using this device as storage within a home or garage.
This is simply a recommendation for maximum safety & caution.
BAT-SAFE X-Large LiPo Battery Charging Box
Building on the same technology and design as the smaller BAT-SAFE above, the BAT-SAFE X-Large version is just that - a much larger container designed to store many LiPo batteries in a safe & sound fashion.
This product offers excellent protection from the thermal energy of multiple batteries in one locale, along with the intense levels of smoke that also occurs when a LiPo fire takes place.
Although this system is designed to completely absorb the energy of a LiPo fire, we still don't recommend storing LiPo batteries in your home or garage when using this device as a simple matter of abundant precaution.
