wow

Sorry to hear of your loss. Thank goodness it was only "things" .

I bet there are very few who can honestly say they've NEVER left thier charging batteries unattended. Myself included.

Thanks for all the kind words

I hope this experiance helps us all understand how important it is to treat these batteries. ( dont be stupid) double think everything.
I was charging a 750m amp pack at 1.5 amps on the astro charger . It should have done nothing but charged slowly.
And yep I had a fire extiguisher but by the time I got to the top of the stairs the heat and smoke was so bad that I couldn't even get close enogh to spray it. Also I had another one up in the room but couldn't get there.
The insurance guy said holly crap when he seen everything I had. And luckely you can still see most everything. It doesn't matter about the toys they are easy to replace they sell more , Its the family that is irreplaceable.

So everyone be safe with these batteries. Especially people that have charged them allot and don't think anything will happen.
Be carefull!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Holidays
Mike Shetler

Whoa - a 750 mamp pack at 1.5 amps ? is that right ? if so thats 2C charge and the max lipos are rated for is 1C charge.

Greg

yeah, he's right.

gjestico
Whoa - a 750 mamp pack at 1.5 amps ? is that right ? if so thats 2C chargecand the max lipos are rated for is 1C charge.

Greg

a 1500mah pack should be charged at 1.5 amp and a 750 should be .75..........

I think Mike just got his numbers backwards.

He was charging a 1320 Mah Thunder Power 3cell for the Hornet 2 at .75A.

Even assuming a 2C charge rate I still wouldnt consider this a viable cause for the fire. I have 10 Kokam 340 2s packs that I charge at 2c everytime. Definately cuts down on life expectancy but it shouldnt let the smoke out.

I am curious as to what the cause was as well, my gut reaction is that the astro 109 got the wrong cell count but who really knows, could have just as easily been a problem with the pack, interal short etc.

Important thing is that no people/animals were harmed in the Shetler Barebeque

Tabb

man mike real bad to hear this.
hope your house is repaired soon
and thank god no body got hurt

i beter get some more safety stuff in my house fast

greetz marco peace is a state of mind and a way of life

hey Mike

You probably won't be able to answer this question, but do you have any idea if the battery exploded, or burst into flames, or just got hot?

The reason I'm asking is because my brother-in-law charges his in a big skillet as a precaution against fire hazard. I personally don't run any Lithium batteries (yet). I guess I'm curious what precations can be taken besides standing over the charger with a fire extinguisher.

.

Ethan, Charging in a fire safe is probably best. On the rare occasion that I bring a Lipo into my house I put it on a metal table and put a large ziploc back of sand over it. This is just for charging, my thought was if it catches fire the bag will melt letting the sand at least try to extinguish the fire.

When they stay in the house overnight they go in the small firesafe.

I had a small 850 3s pack go up once and that was enough for me.

Tabb

tabb

sound like a good idea (the sand thing). My brother-in-law charges in his garage. But if the battery actually exploded it might not help.

Tabby Tab

Yep your right it was a 1320 pack on 1.5 amp . That dam hornet, I don't know what happened if the battery exploded got hot? All I know is what a mess and the house is starting to smell more and more smokey.

That sucks. All that caused because of a POS Hornet.

Thanks for sharing your story Mike. You've made an impact in this community by sharing. Thanks for giving us a reality check as well as allowing us to stop and think.

Damn, stupid me, I used to charge my 8000 mah packs in my car while I'm working in the office. No more!

I've got to get one of those battery bunkers when charging lipos.

I'm glad everyone is well. Best wishes to your rebuilding of the 3rd floor.

I live in a room 10 x 10. I have nowhere else to charge my gear. I have often left the nicads alone to charge but I will never leave the LiPos I just bought to chardge un attanded.

I hope insurance covers all your losses.

Laughing at yourself will lengthen your life. Laughing at me will shorten it...