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Fireproof case for eFoil lithium battery

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Pascal, Jul 22, 2019.

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  1. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    we re about to add an eFoil to the toy collection and dealer is suggesting we get a fireproof box for the lithium battery... I m questioning whether the $900 box is really needed.

    To Those of you with lithium batteries on board, do you store them in fireproof case?
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No, I carry 4 lithium batteries for a phantom 4 drone on one boat, and 2 seabobs on another boat. The biggest issue with lithium is when charging them. We charge them outside on deck. It wouldn't hurt to have a fireproof case. How big is the battery? You can get those Sentry fireproof safes at Walmart and such, now while made of steel and not glamorous, they are cheap. Under $100.
  3. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    Good advice from Capt J.
  4. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I ve always charged drone batteries inside, but in open spaces and visible. The SeaBob gets charged outside because of its size.

    The battery on the eFoil is medium sized... looks like 12x15x3 It will be charged outside I guess... good idea on the safe,there are also fireproof bags that may work
  5. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    Those bags can be found through hobby retailers and are fairly inexpensive. They work, but there will be outgasing.
  6. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Have the insurance companies ever made a statement or requirement regarding unstable Lithium batteries on board?
  7. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    One eFoil dealer claims some underwriters require special care. Unconfirmed.
  8. wdrzal

    wdrzal Senior Member

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    There are about 6 different chemistries used in production of lithium batteries, some are much more dangerous than others. so check the type you are using. Also we are talking about " lithium ion batteries" that are rechargeable, lithium batteries are not. I agree with all the advice above. Here is a link explaining the different types.

    https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/types_of_lithium_ion
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    When I read or hear about battery (L-I) fires, I feel the hairs on my neck pick up.
    The same effect when I smell gasoline around boats.
    I want to run somewhere else.
    Sadly, these batteries are all around me and I don't know where, how well they are handled, or when one will light up.
  10. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I think it's a little over-rated. Most of the fires are from the super rapid chargers and charging them very very quickly. Most of the fires I hear of are from the RC toy batteries and rapid chargers that charge the batteries in under 20 minutes. Makita, Milwaukee, Dewalt, etc. have been making Lithium Ion power tools for 5 years now (drills, impact drivers etc.), you probably even have some, and I haven't heard of any of those batteries blowing up.
  11. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Yep, I have witnessed the aftermath of a cordless drill motor battery (LI) left in the charger.
    We were involved in the cell phone cluster F also.
    Who's issue is it when using a fast charger? Charger company going to purchase a new home or boat when the equipment is sold, used and fries?

    I'm smelling some fumes again.....

    There is something to this mess or we would not have a topic and conservation on this now.

    Let me type this slower so all can understand my concern;
    these batteries are all around me and I don't know where, how well they are handled, or when one will light up.
    In the boat or house next door? In the back-yard or marina shop? In the purse next to me in an airplane?
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2019
  12. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I got close look at the boards and batteries this morning when placing the order . These things are very well built and engineered. Batteries are made in Germany. All top notch connectors and SS hardware

    I don’t be worried if they were made in China but this is not the case
  13. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Last edited: Jul 23, 2019
  14. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    The battery pack is waterproof and then installed in a watertight compartment. Solid SS hinges and latches with a good wide seal.
  15. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    My friend. Your defending the battery pack now? In 37 hours your comfortable over your OP or other comments??
    Your the captain...
    Please keep us up on battery performance and issues you may observe.
  16. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I was replying to the comment about using a battery in a wet toy explaining how it is set up

    Having seen the quality of the set up since that first post, I m not worried about “a 29lbs battery in a device that gets wet” to use your words

    My original question was about battery storage in a fireproof box. So far I haven’t found or heard about a single case of a quality lithium battery exploding or burning on a boat (seabob or other yacht toy). By quality I mean not from some cheap toy made in China
  17. wdrzal

    wdrzal Senior Member

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    I doubt Boeing was worried that much until its new Dreamliner got grounded over lithium ion battery fires. As to your original question storage, I would store each battery separately or at least have them separated by a barrier so they can't bounce around in rough seas. Lithium is flammable on its own, but all chemistries also have a oxygen or phosphate molecule (oxidizer) that is easily shed off if over heated. Add heat or a electrical arc and you got your fire triangle, ignition source, fuel and oxidizer all in one. Biggest Risk is while in use or charging, but that's not always the case.
  18. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Has the factory already considered battery storage?
    I wonder if the battery is shipped not installed and in a shipping-storage case of it's own?
    Maybe spare batteries come in a shipping-storage case also?

    Look forward to a video of Pascal tooling around on one of these thingies.
  19. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    And how cool is that new toy!! I wonder what the learning curve is?
  20. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    They recently installed a "battery containment" bag with some pretty impressive looking gloves in my cockpit. On a boat you can just throw the **** thing overboard.... kinda hard to do at 35,000 feet. I have no idea what the 230 something idiots back there are bringing on board. Doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies.