HOW TOCARE FOR YOUR LITHIUM BATTERY
NightSearcher have been designing and manufacturing lighting products for over 35 years. 10 years ago, as a replacement for Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, we started to offer Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and more recently, Lithium Phosphate (LiFePo4) batteries.
Li-ion & LiFePo4 offer many advantages over the traditional SLA batteries:
Energy Efficient
Lithium batteries are more efficient due to their quicker (and cheaper) recharging capabilities.
Lightweight
They have higher energy density compared to Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries Customers can expect superior battery life with these advanced technology batteries
Last Longer
They offer a greater number of charge cycles (a discharge and then a recharge)
Retain Charge
Newer battery technologies maintain energy levels for extended periods, ready for immediate use due to there high energy density, giving long-lasting performance.
Enhanced Protection
All our Li-ion batteries contain a BMS, (Battery Management System), which monitors the battery and protects from overcharging, overheating, over-discharging.
No Maintenance
Choose Reliability and Convenience with Li-ion Batteries' Maintenance-Free Technology.
How Long Will My Lithium Battery Last?
A batteries life is based on the number of discharges and recharges, also known as cycles. The number of cycles can vary based on the temperatures it is used in and how low the battery is prior to recharging. The standard operating temperature range of the light’s battery is: Charging: 0°C to 45°C / Discharging: -20°C to 60°C. On average a Li-ion battery will achieve 300-500 cycles & LiFePo4 3,000+ cycles versus an SLA achieving 300-500 cycles. At the end of life, a lithium battery will continue to work but the performance will decline. You will know when the battery needs replacing when the runtime decreases by 20% or the charging time has increased by 20%. We recommend that all lithium batteries are replaced after 3 years to ensure continued reliability and performance. All of our NightSearcher Li-ion batteries come with a 1 year warranty and LiFePo4 batteries have a 3 year warranty.
Charging
NightSearcher has designed chargers suitable to allow quick charging whilst protecting the battery, therefore only the correct NightSearcher charger should be used with a NightSearcher product.
Charging times vary dependant on the size of the battery and the output of the charger. We can offer more powerful chargers if charge time needs to be improved to meet your requirements. During charging you are loading the battery with charge, if the battery has been damaged then it could lead to a thermal runaway event,causing a fire. Whilst the battery management system in our products will protect from any overcharging, overheating and over-discharging, it will not prevent a battery failure if the battery has been damaged through dropping, hitting,throwing, heating and immersion in any liquid.
Transportation
Lithium batteries fall under the ADR regulations for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods.
NightSearcher products are carefully designed to ensure that the batteries within are securely stored and protected and safe to transport. There is no licence required to transport by road when the battery is under 333kg. However, should you be involved in an accident then we would recommend notifying the emergency responders of the presence of lithium batteries. It would also be prudent to carry a dry powder extinguisher or an AVD Lithium Battery Fire Extinguisher. Never transport by air without checking the current regulations. Our IATA trained logistics staff would be happy to assist should you need advice.
Storage
Lithium batteries should be stored in a dry location as room temperature (between 5 °C and 20 °C)To optimise battery life we recommend keeping the battery at over 30% charge. Lithium batteries will very slowly drop charge when in storage so it is recommended that you check the product every 4 months when not in regular use.
Repair, Replace & Warranty
NightSearcher prides itself on offering a full repair and warranty service from its Head Office in the UK. You can find all the information on our website here: Warranty Information.
We recommend taking advantage of our Health Check Service. Return your kit to us for a full service and we will check up to 8 lights for just £30 to include the fitting of replacement batteries. (excludes replacement battery cost).
Precautions for safe use
Lithium batteries are not toys. They should NOT BE HANDLED BY CHILDREN. Use only as
intended. Risk of electric shock or fire.
- DO NOT heat or set fire to
- DO NOT crush or pierce
- DO NOT Drop, Hit or Throw
- DO NOT short the battery connections
- DO NOT submerge battery in water or immerse in any liquid.
- DO NOT disassemble the battery or attempt a repair
- DO NOT operate battery beyond the temperature limits - Charging: 0°C to 45°C / Discharging: -20°C to 60°C
What to do if you think your battery is damaged?
Damaged batteries can catch fire without warning. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage. If you suspect any damage, you should replace the battery. Signs of damage can look like:
- NOISE - Failing lithium batteries have been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds.
- SMELL - A strong or unusual smell (which could be toxic) from the battery could be a sign that it’s failing.
- PERFORMANCE - Failure to fully charge, or longer charge times, can be a sign that your battery is failing.
- HEAT - It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use, but if it feels extremely hot to the touch, it may be defective and at risk of fire so stop charging it immediately.
- BULGING, LUMPS AND LEAKS - A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. You should stop using it immediately. The same applies if there is any type of lump or leak from the device.
- SMOKE - If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started. Raise the alarm, get out, stay out, CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY. Let them know it is a lithium battery fire.
IF YOU SUSPECT ANY DAMAGE DO NOT USE OR CHARGE. Do not touch any leaking fluids. Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation. Store batteries in a safe place outside. Dispose of in line with your local battery disposal regulations
Disposal
All Nightsearcher batteries carry the “crossed out wheeled bin symbol”. These batteries must not be placed in domestic waste bins.
NightSearcher supports the reuse and recycling of batteries as there are several environmental benefits of doing so, such as: Reduction of raw material and energy usage, prevention of landfill, prevention of hazardous and/or toxic materials contaminating the environment. As a Producer under the UK Battery Regulations, NightSearcher complies with its Producer Obligations by being registered as a Member of the Battery Back Compliance Scheme and has been assigned the following Battery Producer Registration Number – BPRN01345
We offer free take back of industrial batteries from our customers. Batteries can be returned to the following location: NightSearcher – Battery Waste, Unit 4 Applied House, Fitzherbert Spur, Farlington, Portsmouth,Hampshire, PO6 1TT or contact www.battrecycle.org
Should you require us to collect your industrial batteries from your premises there will be a transport charge from your premises and delivery to an Approved Battery Treatment Operator (ABTO) or Approved Battery Exporter (ABE). The charge will only cover the cost of transportation and handling and will not include any cost in relation to the treatment or reprocessing of such industrial batteries as defined by the UK Battery Regulations. Please contact us if you need a quote.