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Ballooned

From Michael James' Radio Controlled Vehicles Glossary, for About.com

Definition: Overcharged or damaged Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries may develop gasses inside the package. When this happens the battery puffs up or swells, like a balloon, and is referred to as a ballooned battery or LiPo ballooning. Never use a ballooned battery. Dispose of a ballooned battery properly.

Avoid ballooning problems by always properly charging (including not over- or undercharging) your LiPo battery. In addition to checking your RC for damage after a crash, inspect your battery packs as well. Continued use of a damaged LiPo battery can lead to balloon and rupture. If you observe ballooning while charging the battery, stop the process immediately. Continued charging of a ballooned LiPo battery can lead to rupture, explosion, or fire.

A ballooned battery is no longer usable. Dispose of it by soaking in salt water (in a covered container, outdoors) for several days to a couple of weeks to leach out all toxic materials and then throw out the battery -- or dispose of it according the hazardous materials/battery disposal guidelines for your community.

Also Known As: battery balloon | swelling
RC Terms Related to Ballooned

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