Burning down the house, Lowrance radio lithium battery woe's

A little reminder to monitor battery charging, particularly those lithiums as they become more prominent in products like our radios, gps, and f-finders.  I was charging the battery without the radio attached as suggested in the owners manual and was about 20 minutes into a charge after 6 hr use on an previous full charge.  I nearly burned down the house when the battery of my Lowrance LHR80 exploded in to flames with a pop.  Very scary.  Apparently this is normal operation as conversation with Lowrance Product Service indicated performance of this type (bursting into flames) is not considered a performance problem or manufacturing defect (for example not a covered warranty offense by the product).  Lost my fav radio, burned a hole in the floor of the house, and burned quite a few WAF points.  Very interestingly, Lowrance does not sell a replacement battery for this radio. 

Complaining and whining again I know, I just finished whining about Hobie paddle problems a few minutes ago. 

Added 09 19 2011.  I just recieved a new LHR 80 radio from Lowrance.  I had packaged up the debris from the fire, called in for a authorized return number (where they indicated this is not a warranty), then sent off the remains to Lowrance.  Upon receiving the remains they immediately sent off the new radio.  The Whole transaction took right at two weeks.  The only catch, the new radio, and I mean new with charger, battery and all has a sticker on it indicating a 6 month warranty.  Also I notice that it is not possible to purchase an extra battery.  I wonder what that means?  Regardless, Thank you Lowrance the quick service on the new radio.  Thank you. 

I think its good you posted this, its all true. These batteries can explode and meltdown at anytime. Most never do, but there are a few like yours that do.

I charge outside on a piece of large tile now, and i monitor it. Using a lipo sack!

You can get something called a lipo sack, as I mentioned. Its fire proof and designed for exploding batteries while charging. But still monitor it.


Heres is an example, they come in many sizes by many different Brands:
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1574_1261/products_id/145656/n/ProTek-R-C-Lithium-Polymer-Flame-Resistant-Charging-Bag-23x30cm

reporting a safty hazard is not whining,

i would think that a battery charger was pretty safe un attended in the den when out running errands or sumpthin,,,, now i know better     thanks for the heads up

as for the paddles, i would whine at 2 lol  wouldnt have bought a 3rd

reporting a safty hazard is not whining,

i would think that a battery charger was pretty safe un attended in the den when out running errands or sumpthin,,,, now i know better     thanks for the heads up

as for the paddles, i would whine at 2 lol  wouldnt have bought a 3rd

One of my hobies is a tandem, thus the third paddle. 

I think its good you posted this, its all true. These batteries can explode and meltdown at anytime. Most never do, but there are a few like yours that do.

I charge outside on a piece of large tile now, and i monitor it. Using a lipo sack!

You can get something called a lipo sack, as I mentioned. Its fire proof and designed for exploding batteries while charging. But still monitor it.


Heres is an example, they come in many sizes by many different Brands:
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1574_1261/products_id/145656/n/ProTek-R-C-Lithium-Polymer-Flame-Resistant-Charging-Bag-23x30cm

Thanks, those lithium fire bags are a great idea.

.  Very scary.  Apparently this is normal operation as conversation with Lowrance Product Service indicated performance of this type (bursting into flames) is not considered a performance problem or manufacturing defect (for example not a covered warranty offense by the product).   

How in hell is this normal operation?!  Even if its a known risk, crazy!!

Wow, that is some scary $hit, are the Li-on batteries for power tools the same way ?

It seems like the obvious risk--since it could have burned your house down with your family in it--in conjunction with your report that the company treated your concerns dismissively, justify you making a complaint to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

https://www.saferproducts.gov/CPSRMSPublic/Incidents/ReportIncident.aspx

Be sure to include the pictures and Lowrance Product Service's response:  That this is not considered a performance problem or manufacturing defect

It may not result in anything being done, but perhaps it will at least prompt an inquiry from CPSC to Lowrance.  Maybe that will make them more responsive to future complaints that arise.  While lithium batteries do have risks, there are different chemical formulations and ways of packaging the cells that can reduce the risk of explosion/fire.  If the CPSC has received other complaints regarding these Lowrance batteries, it might prompt them to investigate whether the charger or battery design is faulty or if there is a problem with their quality control.

I've always charged up my radio in the bedroom, unmonitored. Never more! Always outside, from now on, including my LiPo FF battery.

Wow good to know mine feels warm at times but till be charged outside and out of hards way. wont leave it plugged in over night ever again either.

It seems like the obvious risk--since it could have burned your house down with your family in it--in conjunction with your report that the company treated your concerns dismissively, justify you making a complaint to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

https://www.saferproducts.gov/CPSRMSPublic/Incidents/ReportIncident.aspx

Be sure to include the pictures and Lowrance Product Service's response:  That this is not considered a performance problem or manufacturing defect

It may not result in anything being done, but perhaps it will at least prompt an inquiry from CPSC to Lowrance.  Maybe that will make them more responsive to future complaints that arise.  While lithium batteries do have risks, there are different chemical formulations and ways of packaging the cells that can reduce the risk of explosion/fire.  If the CPSC has received other complaints regarding these Lowrance batteries, it might prompt them to investigate whether the charger or battery design is faulty or if there is a problem with their quality control.

Point taken.  I have photographed it all, packaged it up and sent it off to Lowrance with a Lowrance incident number.  Stay tuned I will let you know the out come.

Good to know i use the lowance also, my other radios didnt last its the only one that has held up so far, ill keep n eye on it when its charging thanks for the heads up.

Kristopher, maybe Lowrance doesn't offer spare batteries anymore. That's not to say you can't find one online.

Howard

Wow, that is not cool at all! I'm glad to hear that you are ok, as well as the house This coulda been a major disaster, but relieved it wasn't worse.

I really appreciate your post on this matter. Like many, I've been charging my battery inside the house. But after reading your post, I will be making sure mine is charged somewhere safer and away from catching other stuff on fire. 

holy shite!  thanks for the heads up and glad it didnt ignite something else. Gonna make sure it does not sit and over charge to long.........the one I got had a cigarette litter plug adapter on it, so i just charge it while on the road to my fishing destination.