What are Li-ion and LiFePo4 batteries? What is the difference? How are they different to Sealed-Lead Acid batteries?

Historically people are used to Sealed-Lead Acid (SLA) batteries. They have been used to power a wide range of products from small torches to large vehicles. SLA batteries have been a reliable source of power for many years.

Technological advancements have meant that, more recently, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium Phosphate (LiFePo4) batteries have become a common replacement for the SLA battery. Lithium batteries have a higher energy density which enables them to store more power at lower weights. Lithium batteries also have increased charge cycles ensuring they will last many years longer than SLA batteries if used and stored correctly.

Benefits of using Lithium batteries

	HIGH EFFICIENCY Efficient, reliable power. Cheaper to recharge using less energy compared to SLA batteries.
	LIGHTWEIGHT Lithium batteries are considerably lighter than SLA batteries, which is particularly beneficial when products need to be carried a long distance.
	LOW SELF-DISCHARGE Lithium batteries retain charge well, so are always ready for use when needed.
	LONG SERVICE LIFE Lithium batteries are designed for many years of use offering a greater number of charge/discharge cycles when compared to an SLA battery.
	NO MEMORY EFFECT Lithium batteries can be charged at any point during their cycle without harming the battery, so complete discharge is not required.

 

How to transport products containing lithium batteries

The Sports Lite portable floodlights are powered by lithium batteries and have been designed to be used in situations where customers need effective portable lighting for training in a variety of sports and associated applications. The batteries within these products are securely stored and protected and therefore safe to transport.

When transporting by road within the UK the driver should be aware that they are carrying products containing lithium batteries. No specific licence is required under ADR regulations unless you are carrying a large weight (over 333kg of lithium battery weight, batteries only not products as well) and our experienced logistics staff will be happy to help customers in individual situations if they do need further advice. Products should be securely stored within a vehicle to prevent any movement when in transit.

It is recommended that any driver carrying lithium products keeps a 2kg dry powder fire extinguisher in the car in case of a small engine fire to try and put the fire out and prevent the lithium batteries catching light. If there is any chance of the lithium batteries igniting the vehicle should be abandoned immediately and a cordon put in place with the emergency services informed as soon as possible.

Always check all national and international regulations before transporting a product containing a lithium battery outside the UK.

Transporting damaged or end of life batteries may also be subject to specific regulations or even prohibited depending on country.

How to store Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries perform best if stored at room temperature in a dry location. Ideally we would recommend that customers store them between 5°C and 20°C (41°F and 68°F).

NOTE: The battery self-discharges during storage. Higher temperatures (above 20°C or 68°F) can reduce the battery storage life.

To maintain battery life please keep the product charged over 30% at all times, ideally at around 50% capacity. Lithium batteries slowly self-discharge when not in use or in storage, so be sure to regularly check the battery’s charge status if storing for a long period of time and top up if necessary.

What is the average life of a lithium battery?

The estimated life of the battery used in the Sports Lites is around 500 cycles (a full discharge and then a recharge), but this ill vary depending on the level of discharge and the temperatures in use.

NOTE: A lithium battery will still work as it ages and the number of cycles it has been through increases, but may show a reduction in performance as it gets towards the end of its life.

A charge cycle is considered to start from the first use of the battery when fully charged, right through to when the battery is fully discharged and then fully recharged again. The less the battery is fully discharged and/or fully recharged will increase the number of cycles it achieves.

NOTE: The average life of all lithium batteries is affected by a number of different factors including the depth of discharge before recharge and the environment it has been used in.

Customers should consider replacing a lithium battery in a product when:

• The product run time drops regularly to below 80% of the original run time.
• The battery charge time increases significantly when used with the same charger.

If you would like to replace your lithium batteries, these are available to purchase on our website.

Please note that only the replacement lithium batteries shown here will work with the Sports Lites.

How long does a lithium battery take to charge?

The charge time will depend, as with all batteries, on the capacity of the battery and the charger that is being used. For the Sports Lites the average charging time from fully discharged to fully charged is about 6 hours.

It is important that the batteries are charged as soon as possible after use so that they are ready for the next time they are needed. If the lights are not likely to be used for a long period of time the batteries should be charged regularly to ensure that they always remain over 30% and ideally around 50% charged.

For all lithium battery powered products it is important that they are not charged at below 5 degrees Celsius to prevent deterioration of battery life.

Can I use a charger from another manufacturer to charge my Sports Lites?

The battery chargers supplied with your lights are designed specifically for use with the batteries and contain the correct software for charging and managing them to ensure optimum performance. Using a different charger from an alternative manufacturer could potentially reduce the life of your batteries and cause other damage or even malfunctions. For these reasons we would only recommend using the charger supplied with your lights.

Always follow the charging instructions provided with the lights. Refer to the product’s user manual and/or contact our technical team directly for any queries.

Precautions to remember when using products containing Lithium batteries

• DO NOT short the battery terminals.
• DO NOT reverse connections (polarity) from charger to battery.
• DO NOT over charge or over discharge.
• DO NOT operate battery beyond the published voltage, current and temperature limits.
• DO NOT use if battery casing is cracked or damaged or batteries show any sign of swelling or smoking.
• DO NOT immerse in any liquid.
• DO NOT heat, incinerate, crush or dissemble.
• DO NOT throw, hit or drop.

 

What happens if a Lithium battery is damaged?

If you notice that one of the batteries is damaged, has swelled up or is leaking action should be taken immediately.

Do not touch any leaking fluids. Dispose of as below:

Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation to hands.

If you do come into contact with any fluid wash it off immediately.

If any fluid gets into your eyes do not rub eyes. Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of the fluid remains, and seek medical attention.

Damaged batteries should not be touched with bare hands as electrolyte may leak out, causing skin irritation. Damaged batteries are best stored in a non-conductive container in a safe place outdoors, with the connection contacts taped over, before being disposed of in line with local regulations.

How do I dispose of Lithium batteries?

The disposal and recycling regulations for lithium batteries vary by country and region. In the UK your local council should be able to offer advice and guidance.

 

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