We are all well aware of the dangers of the hot weather and the need to take care of ourselves and our pets by avoiding the intense midday rays. However, we can get a little blasé when it comes to all our electronic gadgetry and the battery packs that power them.

Here in the BOP we have enjoyed a long, hot summer. Just recently, one of our customers brought in the burnt remains of a radio that had burst into flames in the back seat of one of his worker’s utes while it was parked in the sun.

Batteries and electronics do not like heat: high build-up that can occur if a battery is left in direct sunlight, near hot appliances or inside an exposed vehicle for extended periods may cause the battery to rupture or catch fire

Fortunately, for this customer, the damage was limited to a backpack and a small area inside the ute.  This is a timely reminder for all of us to take better care of the batteries we use in the workplace every day.

Here are our top tips to ensure safe and reliable battery performance:

• General Care & Storage
  • Maintain good connectivity by keeping the battery and radio contacts clean and free from dirt, dust, and detritus.
  •  Store at approximately 50% charge in a cool, dry place. If storing for long periods, check from time to time
• Charging
  • Only use chargers from authorised suppliers to ensure compatibility. Non-compatible third-party chargers may affect performance, damage your battery and compromise safety
  • New batteries should be given a full charge before first use
  • Keep radios switched off while charging
  • Avoid completely draining your battery regularly
  • DO NOT attempt to charge a damaged battery. Replace and dispose of safely (see below)
• Temperature
  • Batteries perform best at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F). Extreme temperatures can reduce battery life so avoid exposing your radio to excessive heat or cold. Most Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries have safety circuitry built-in and will not work or charge when subjected to extreme temperatures.
  • Do not charge or leave batteries and radios in direct sunlight
• Battery Replacement & Disposal
  • In general, manufacturers recommend replacing lithium batteries after five years. The internal battery material will deteriorate over time, even with little use. Batteries have a limited life cycle of between 300 to 500 full charge/discharge cycles
  • Monitor your battery’s performance and charge retention. When you notice a significant drop in performance, consider replacing the battery
  • DO NOT use any battery if it is swollen or shows any sign of damage
  • DO NOT throw batteries in with general rubbish; they contain hazardous materials and can be a fire risk. Bunnings Warehouse offer a free disposal service for small to medium batteries (check with your local Bunnings store for details). Alternatively old batteries can be returned to us for safe disposal

We hope the above guidelines help you get the best performance from your batteries. If you have any questions or concerns about battery or radio performance do not hesitate to get in touch.