Battery Care

Battery Safety

Unless the manufacturer clearly states otherwise, you should avoid mixing batteries of different brands, capacities, types, or ages, except in an emergency for temporary use. Using mismatched batteries can cause uneven discharge, resulting in risks such as over-discharge, leakage, and even damage to the device. Please refer to this post for details: Can Lithium-Ion Battery be Mixed in One Device?

1. If the battery heats up significantly, stop using the device to prevent further temperature increase.  

2. Wrap the battery with a thick, dry cloth and remove it from the device quickly to avoid damaging the device.  

3. Wait for the battery to cool completely before disposing of it.  

The operating temperature of XTAR batteries typically does not exceed 60℃.

Battery electrolyte is strongly alkaline. If leakage occurs, you should stop using it immediately. Please wear gloves to avoid direct contact, and dispose of the leaking battery properly according to local regulations.

No, you shouldn’t. A swollen or deformed battery poses serious safety risks and could even explode. Stop using it immediately and dispose of it properly according to local regulations.

It is not recommended to do so, as it may cause battery leakage, short circuit, rupture and other safety hazards.

The chemicals inside batteries can damage the digestive system and even be life-threatening. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital or call emergency services immediately. Don’t try to induce vomiting, as it can increase the risk of choking.

This can cause the battery to rust and damage its valves, so it’s not safe to continue using it. In addition, make sure to rewash your clothes to remove any chemical residues.

It is not recommended to continue using it. This situation will exposes the battery’s internal chemicals to air, speeding up chemical reactions and potentially causing  rust or corrosion. It can affect the battery performance and safety.

It is not recommended to use the battery in extreme temperatures (above 45℃ or below -20℃). High temperatures increase the risk of explosion, while low temperatures affect battery performance and lifespan.

Battery Charging

Please use the original and compatible charger for your battery. Using an inappropriate charger may cause problems such as overcharging, short circuits, or reduced battery performance.

It’s not recommended to leave the battery in the charger for extended periods. Even with multiple safety features, leaving the battery in the charger while plugged in can still pose risks. Additionally, the battery may over-discharge when not plugged in.

It’s normal for the battery to get hot during charging. The amount of heat depends on several factors, including the charging method (fast or standard) and the battery’s condition.

XTAR batteries may reach up to around 45℃(a little hot to the touch) during charging, but there is no need to worry too much. XTAR chargers are equipped with multiple safety features to effectively prevent overheating and other potential risks.

Different types of batteries require different charging currents. Fast chargers usually deliver a higher current, but if it exceeds the battery’s maximum limit, it may cause the battery to overheat or even explode. To ensure safety, it’s best to use a charger that auto-matches the optimal charging current. Generally, the charging rate of lithium-ion batteries is 0.5C, while that of the NiMH batteries is 0.2C.

It is not recommended to charge the battery overnight for safety. Although most chargers have various protection mechanisms, accessories like adapters or charging cables may malfunction, posing a risk with extended unattended charging.

Do not charge batteries unless they are clearly labeled as “rechargeable”. Attempting to charge dry batteries can cause leaks and other problems.

Battery Storage & Transportation

1. Batteries should be stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. The ideal temperature range is 10-25℃.

2. It is recommended to use a battery case with individual compartments for each battery. This helps prevent mixing them up and avoids accidental contact with metal objects, which could cause a short circuit.

3. When stacking batteries, ensure the positive and negative terminals don’t touch directly. To prevent short circuits, it’s recommended to tape both ends of the battery.

Batteries stored for extended periods should be charged every 3-6 months to prevent over-discharge and damage. For lithium batteries, it’s best to keep them at around 60% of their nominal capacity, with a storage voltage of 3.8V. For NiMH batteries, fully charge them before storage, with a storage voltage of 1.3V.

When carrying batteries, it’s recommended to tape the terminals or store them in a dedicated battery case or their original packaging. This prevents contact with metal objects. Additionally, avoid excessive pressure or impact on the battery to prevent internal damage, as this may increase the risk of leakage or explosion.

It is safe to carry batteries when flying. Lithium batteries cannot be checked in and should be packed separately in the carry-on luggage. Passengers are usually allowed to carry up to two spare batteries, each with a capacity between 101Wh and 160Wh. For more information, be sure to check and follow your airline’s specific regulations in advance.

No, you shouldn’t carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag, especially with metal items like coins or keys. This could cause short circuits or leaks. Please use a dedicated battery case or protective pouch to carry them.

It’s best to avoid leaving any type of battery in the car for extended periods, especially in hot weather. The high temperatures inside the car can make it difficult for the battery to dissipate heat, increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, high temperatures accelerate battery aging, and poor-quality batteries might swell or even explode.

Battery Malfunction

If you notice a significant decrease in usage time after your battery is fully charged, it may be time to replace it. Generally, when the battery life is reduced by half, consider getting a new one. However, if the issue is due to poor contact between the battery and the device terminals, the battery may not need to be replaced. If the battery cannot be fully charged, or the charging time is significantly longer than before, it’s a sign that the battery should be replaced.

This may be caused by the following reasons:

1. The battery may not be fully charged or could have discharged excessively due to long-term storage. Try charging it fully before using it.

2. Check if the contacts on the device or battery are dirty. Wipe them with a clean, dry cloth to ensure good contact.

3. The battery may be fully drained or has been left in the device for an extended period, leading to over-discharge. Try charging the battery 2-3 times. If the problem persists, the battery performance may have declined, and it is time to replace it with a new one.

This may be caused by the following reasons:

1. New batteries naturally lose some charge during shipping and storage, so the device may show a low battery. Try fully charging the battery before using it to see if this resolves the issue.

2. Improper battery installation or poor contact can prevent the device from recognizing the battery correctly. Check that the battery is installed correctly and ensure the contacts are clean and free of dust.

3. Even a new battery may have manufacturing defects or quality issues. You can try replacing it with another new battery.

4. Make sure the battery matches the requirements of the device. Incompatible batteries may not be recognized by the device.

5. There may be an issue with the device’s internal circuitry or battery management system(BMS), which could prevent it from recognizing the battery. This requires a professional repair service to inspect the device.

Tips & Prolonging Battery Life

· Check the battery periodically: For all types of batteries, inspect their condition periodically. If you notice any leakage, swelling, or deformation, stop using the battery immediately and dispose of it safely.

· Avoid physical damage: Protect the battery from physical damage, such as drops or squeezing, as these may damage its internal structure and pose safety risks.

· Purchase from official channels: Purchasing batteries and chargers from formal channels helps avoid counterfeit and substandard products, which often lack safety guarantees and are risky to use.

· Charging environment: It is best to charge batteries at 20±5℃. Avoid charging in direct sunlight, humid, or dusty conditions. Keep the charger away from flammable materials to prevent potential fire hazards during charging.

· Follow the instructions: Adhere closely to the battery usage and charging guidelines in the manual to ensure optimal performance and safety.

· Safe battery disposal: Dispose of old batteries properly — do not throw them away carelessly, especially not expose them to fire or high temperatures. Follow local regulations and take them to a designated recycling center.

· Keep away from children: Prevent accidental swallowing, which could be life-threatening.

There are mainly the following ways:

1. For lithium-ion batteries, it’s best to use shallow charge-discharge cycles to avoid over-discharge. NiMH batteries have the memory effect, so frequent charging can reduce their capacity. To maintain their performance, they should be fully discharged periodically before charging.

2. Avoid leaving batteries unused for long periods, especially inside devices, as this can lead to over-discharge and shorten their lifespan.

3. Keep batteries away from extreme temperatures, whether during charging or storage. High temperatures can increase internal pressure and cause explosions, while low temperatures can affect battery performance and lifespan.

4. Do not mix different batteries in the device to avoid uneven discharge and reduced battery performance.

5. Periodically clean the battery terminals and charger ports with a dry cloth. This ensures proper charging and discharging and prevents dirt from affecting performance.

6. While fast charging is convenient, frequent use can speed up battery aging. Try to use standard charging methods and smart chargers that can auto-match the optimal charging current.

7. Some devices come with the battery management system(BMS) that intelligently manage the charging and discharging process to extend battery life. It’s also important to ensure the BMS is working properly.

Subscribe

* indicates required