1. How to charge Lithium batteries?

The charging requirements of Lithium cells are very different to NiCad or NiMH. They require a special charger specifically designed to charge lithium cells. There are many suitable chargers on the market, USE ONE. You must NEVER charge lithium cells with a NiCad or NiMH only battery charger. This is very dangerous. Charging cells is the most hazardous part of using lithium batteries. EXTREME care must be taken when charging them. Always check that your charger is set to the correct cell count and charge rate.

Charge LiPo cells at a maximum of 1C. This means for a cell of 1200mAh capacity cell you charge at a maximum of 1.2 amps. If your charger has fixed charging rates that you select that do not match the 1C rating of your pack ALWAYS select the closest rate below 1C. As an example, for the 1200mAh cell mentioned above if your charger has a 1 amp rate and a 1.3 amps rate you should use the 1 amp rate. Please CHARGE LiPo CELLS RESPONSIBLY.

2. Li-Po Do's and Don't

Do: Do charge batteries in a safe area away from flammable materials and only on a non-flammable surface in a vented area.

Do: Some Lipo chargers on the market may have technical deficiencies that may cause it to charge the battery incorrectly or at an improper rate. It is your sole responsibility to assure that the charger you purchased works properly.

Do: Always monitor the charging process to assure batteries are being charged properly. Failure to do so may result in cell damage or fire.

Don't: Do not discharge batteries below 3 volts per cell. Doing so may result in cell damage and cell venting upon a subsequent charge.

Don't: Do not recharge damaged batteries. Dispose of damaged batteries in the proper manner.

Don't: If you have a crash and the battery is damaged, don't put the battery in your car or house immediately after a crash. It's possible that a chemical reaction can take place in the damaged battery that could cause a fire. Put the battery in a safe place for a least one hour.