LIPO SAFETY
TAKE LITHIUM (LIPO) BATTERY HANDLING AND CARE SERIOUSLY!
OUT OF DARTS DOES NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR BATTERY HANDLING OR MISUSE. READ THIS PAGE CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY!
If you have questions after reading the entire page, please email us directly at orders@outofdarts.com. Your safety is my greatest concern!
LiPo Battery safety:
LiPo (Lithium-Ion Polymer) batteries are very safe for nerf and blaster tag. However, LiPos can be EXTREMELY dangerous if handled incorrectly! If you are new to using LiPo batteries, thoroughly read this page three times. No, we are not joking.
Additionally, you MUST read the owner's manuals for your batteries and charger. This page is not a substitute or replacement for manufacturer instructions or advice!
Fully charge your LiPo before first use:All the batteries sold on the shop are sent at 30% shipping charge for safety reasons and should be fully and properly charged before any use. Using a new LiPo without fully charging immediately voids any warranty and destroys the battery.
Do NOT physically damage packs:
LiPo batteries are hazardous to drop, cut, burn, or otherwise destroy. Handle every battery with care!
Do NOT over-drain or over-use:
If a battery is drained or discharged below 3.0 volts, it may not take a charge again and will be useless. Voltage alarms are the easiest way to protect yourself and your LiPo batteries. These give a very loud buzzing noise when any one cell drops below 3.3 volts, allowing you to stop use before you damage the battery.
Use a LiPo alarm when in use:
A LiPo alarm is necessary when actively using a LiPo Battery. Do NOT leave the alarm plugged into the battery when in storage, as it will slowly drain the battery over time and may kill your pack. Always remove the battery from the blaster when not in use.
Do NOT overdraw a LiPo battery:
LiPo batteries have C-ratings (Current rating). This number is multiplied by the amp hours (size) of the pack. This is independent of cell count (2s, 3s, and 4s).
Example:
1500mAh = 1.5Ah (m = mili- = thousandth)
40c x 1.5Ah = 60A max current
Charge in a proper fireproof container or fire-safe environment:
LiPo batteries should always be charged in a LiPo safety bag or another fireproof container. In addition, charging should never be left unattended, and charging containers should be breathable (i.e., completely airtight containers should never be used).
Do NOT short out the battery:
LiPo batteries can provide extremely high current. Never let the positive and negative leads touch. Doing so risks explosion.
Balance charging:
Batteries should only be charged on a balance charger, which charges each cell to a specific voltage. All chargers we sell are balance chargers.
Disposal:
LiPo batteries must be disposed of with a proper battery disposal facility. Contact your local trash service for information on how and where to dispose of your batteries safely. We usually tape up the terminals of bad batteries and drop them off at Best Buy or Home Depot.
Puffy or damaged battery:
You should never use a puffed-up battery pack. This typically happens from overcharging, physical damage, or pulling too much current from a battery.
Storage temperature:
Store LiPo batteries at room temperature. DO NOT leave batteries in hot cars or near any potential heat source.
Flying on airplanes with a LiPo battery:
Bring LiPo batteries as carry-on only at storage charge in a LiPo bag. (But DO NOT carry on your nerf blaster, or it will be confiscated or refused). Visit www.tsa.gov and www.faa.gov for more information. In addition, we have a blog post all about traveling with LiPo Batteries and nerf blasters.
Alarm use basics:
An alarm should be used anytime a blaster or battery is in use and removed when not in use. LiPo alarms should NOT be left plugged in overnight, or they will drain your battery slowly past the point of taking a charge. When an alarm sounds off continuously, discontinue use of that battery immediately. It's common to hear a short beep when pulling your rev trigger. This is due to a sag in voltage at motor startup. Watch this video for more info.
Cell count:
LiPo batteries in nerf are generally 2s or 3s. "s" refers to the number of cells in series (added together to get a combined voltage). A fully charged LiPo cell is 4.2 volts, so a 2s pack is 8.4v, a 3s pack is 12.6, etc. This rating is the fully charged maximum voltage. Always match your battery to your motors.