Lithium Ion Battery Mayhem

The better half and I were awoken at 4AM this Saturday morning to the fire alarm in our condo going off, and both floors of our unit filled with thick white smoke. We jumped out of bed, raced around the apartment to locate the potential source of the smoke, and couldn't find anything. The smoke was so thick on the ground floor that you couldn't see across the room.

We opened all the windows and doors, and it dissipated a little bit. It also became clear that no new smoke was being created. But still, we were freaked, especially since we couldn't find the source of it. So we called the fire department, who raced over, poured through all the appliances, etc... for a few minutes, before asking "Hey, what's that black blob on your kitchen counter?"

Sure enough, my 12000MaH lithium ion battery had decided to self-destruct. It wasn't plugged in to a charger (I'd charged it the previous night, and just set it on the counter). But sweet jiminy crickets what a scare. The damn thing cost $100, too.

I called the manufacturer (an American company), and they immediately called me back, obviously freaked about liability, etc... I was told that of the 40K units they've sold over the past few years, this is the first instance of this occurring. I doubt that, but they at least sounded sincere and extremely (though admittedly probably self-interestedly so) apologetic.

Wow! That's an eye opener.

Will you continue with Lion or go to Lipo or SLA?

unsure. the definition of insanity..., and all that. but also I hated my old lead acid batteries. but also i like my possessions not aflame.

I really think that unless these batteries are in a vented metal enclosure for safety.....(recall the Boeing 787 battery fire?), it's risky due to the power density and if it shorts internally, flames erupt ......It was bad enough to catch fire in your home, but it could have been worse if it caught fire in your kayak.

Since I have a PA-14, for me the additional weight of my 8 Ah SLA, is a good choice for peace of mind

Scary stuff. What brand was it?

And this is why I'm sticking with SLAs.  Too many tales of lithium batteries combusting in the hobby aircraft world (at the charging station, and in use).  I don't want to take any chances with that happening inside a kayak.

I'm glad the only damage was to your battery and coffee table.

Scary stuff. What brand was it?

Yeah, this.

Weego

I am glad you and your family are safe considering what could have happened. Ultimately that's what matters here.

I bet folks remember hearing about the hoverboards exploding around Christmas time last year, these batteries are very similar. The odds are in your favor it won't happen, but if it does it could be catastrophic.

My 9ah SLA can't weigh more than 8lb or so... If that. I at least feel somewhat safe with it and a good inline fuse.

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This was timely. I need to replace my battery and was thinking about going lithium or lipo...

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I recently went back to the SLA but my reason was because my 10000mah Lipos only lasted 4 hours with my FF. This reinforces my decision. Thanks.

craig, what size/ brand? f.f. were/are u using?

Was thinking of upgrading. Think I'll stay SLA. Thanks for the post and glad your okay.

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Hmmm... interesting. Designed and built for powering kayak fish finders:

https://nocqua.com/product/pro-power-kit/

There's the Yakgear "Juice Box" coming out I believe this fall, looks like an awesome little pack at a not totally crazy price.

https://www.rapidmedia.com/kayakangler/categories/gear/7861-5-must-have-new-accessories-from-icast-2016.html