Fall is a beautiful time of dropping temperatures, changing activities, and jewel-toned landscapes. But what makes for a stunning picture can also make for unpredictable travel, especially when you’re far off the grid. With a strategic plan and the right steps in place, Expion360 batteries can be your reliable support system in the face of changing climate conditions. And, with these lithium battery protection tips, you can keep your batteries running smoothly for miles and years of adventures.
The Key Principles of Lithium Battery Protection
At Expion360, we don’t think anything should stop you from pursuing the next big thing. The reality is that issues with your battery can physically stop you. However, by following these basic principles of lithium battery protection, you can extend the life of your investment and prepare for anything (even the extreme).
Control Temperatures
Let’s start with the most obvious during this changeable season: temperature. The best practice is to avoid extreme high or low temperatures when using and storing your lithium batteries. The battery components can be damaged and impact long-term performance if conditions become too harsh. Our batteries are designed with a failsafe of the BMS disconnecting if temperatures become too hot or cold. However, regulating temperature and performing manual checks is imperative.
Pay Attention to “States of Charge”
The charge level of something small like a smartphone is likely a non-worry at best and an annoyance at worst. With lithium batteries, it’s important to pay close attention to the state of charge and minimize the time spent at 100% or 0%. Although our batteries can be physically discharged down to 9.5Vdc (or 100% of their amp hour rating) without long-term impacts, it’s best to utilize 80% depth of discharge to increase the life cycles available.
Keep Debris, Dirt, and Grime Off Your Battery
We get it—dirt happens. On those unpaved roads exploring the unknown, achieving a pristine clean is impossible. However, keeping debris, dust, dirt, and grime off your battery is important to minimizing corrosion and other damage. To reduce long-term risk, we engineered our Group 24 and Group 27 battery cases to have an IP66 (ingress protection) rating. This rating means it’s protected from total dust ingress and high-pressure water jets. None of our batteries are meant for total liquid immersion (looking at our marine audience on that point).
The bottom line: regular inspection is key.
Choose the Right Battery and Wiring for Your Application
This wouldn’t be a complete blog about protection without mentioning the importance of choosing the right battery and the right wiring configuration for your application. Whether you’re building out a power system in your van or upgrading your RV, placement and wiring misuse can cause long-term damage and safety hazards.
Invest in a Battery Monitor
Whatever the season, battery protection 101 includes having a robust battery monitor. With the right managing setup, you can monitor multiple batteries simultaneously to ensure the voltage is balanced and cells aren’t overcharging or over-discharging.
Utilize Proper Storing When Not in Use
Lastly, when it comes to protection, is proper storage. The most important things to remember about storage include choosing a well-ventilated area, controlling temperature, protecting from water damage, and ensuring batteries are in a charge state of at least 40%.
Expion360 Protective Accessories
Protection matters in any season. Our accessories are built to keep your power system operating at top efficiency, no matter the external conditions.
Mounting Kits: Protect from physical damage.
- Single Mounting Kit for 60 Ah, 80 Ah, and 95 Ah Battery
- Single Mounting Kit for 100 Ah and 120 Ah Battery
- Single Mounting Kit for 360 Ah Battery
- Dual Mounting Kit for 60 Ah, 80 Ah, and 95 Ah Batteries
- Dual Mounting Kit for 100 Ah and 120 Ah Batteries
- Triple Mounting Kit for 60 Ah, 80 Ah, and 95 Ah Batteries
- Triple Mounting Kit for 100 Ah and 120 Ah Batteries
- Universal Mounting Bracket
Thermal Jackets: Temperature protection in extreme swings.
- Thermal Jacket Kit for 60 Ah, 80 Ah, and 95 Ah Batteries
- Thermal Jacket Kit for 100 Ah and 120 Ah Batteries
Battery Monitor: Monitor your power system on the go.
Battery Balancers: Equalize the state of charge.
Battery Protectors: Disconnect from non-essential loads.
Battery Storage Boxes:
Find more options on our online store.
Keep Your Investment Running Smoothly for Years
Lithium batteries are an investment in your coast-to-coast (sometimes off-coast!) adventures. Because we believe knowledge is power, we hope these lithium battery protection tips will help you maintain your batteries in all conditions—rain, shine, dirt, or grime.
