Battery PSA

[TJones]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

One of the benefits of the sealed LiFePo4 batteries is they come with smart circuit boards that shut them down in the case of over discharge (among lots of other things).

Does this make them any less dangerous if the above situation had occurred? What about if the hull of the kayak was flooded with water and shorted the terminals? Would you have multiple problems to contend with such as a battery fire?

[Harry Hill]

Originally Posted by TJones

Does this make them any less dangerous if the above situation had occurred? What about if the hull of the kayak was flooded with water and shorted the terminals? Would you have multiple problems to contend with such as a battery fire?

Yes, with the new technology that probably wouldn't have happened. The battery manufacturers are doing a lot to prevent battery accidents. My shorted batttery was earlier technology so it didn't have the protection but the newer batteries should short out and render themselves safe from fire and explosion. Of course subjecting the battery to an outside heat source or fire will bring other problems. As far as submerging the LiFePo and LiPo batteries are neutralized by submerging in salt water so I don't think you have to worry about that.

[GregAndrew]

Originally Posted by TJones

Does this make them any less dangerous if the above situation had occurred? What about if the hull of the kayak was flooded with water and shorted the terminals? Would you have multiple problems to contend with such as a battery fire?

The circuit board is inside the sealed battery compartment and cuts off the power before the terminals. So flooded kayak would not be an issue either. It is the same principle for both though, a short between the terminals (one with water and the other with metal).