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Turnigy LiPo caught fire

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Old 08-08-2009, 07:27 AM
  #1  
ewok666
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Default Turnigy LiPo caught fire



Had my 5000mAh 20C 3S catch fire today. After a good run in the park the car stopped (steering still worked somehow). I made my way to the car and noticed smoke and a strange smell ;-) When I opened the car there was a LiPo on fire with a small flame coming out of the top where the soldering is. I don't think there was any problem with the soldering but rather the solder melted due to the fire. I'm not putting an more 20Cs into my Rustler (with Mamba Max)....maybe some 30C Zippy instead. I've attached some pics so you can see the damage. I cut the battery open and fixed the part where the solder had melted and the circuit board burned. Then I recharged it: It took a bit over 4000mAh and charged to 4.19/4.2/4.2V It looks OK but I'm somewhat reluctant to put it back in the car ;-)

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Old 08-08-2009, 08:53 AM
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speedy72vega
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Default RE: Turnigy LiPo caught fire

I think you might have answered your own question ewok. The 20C discharge rate might be too low for the high current demands of your car. That and the stated discharge rates of the Turnigy brand might be a bit exaggerated. 30C or higher would probably be your best bet. They are now offering the Rhino's in a 40C version, you might want to look into that too.
Old 08-08-2009, 12:48 PM
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guver
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Default RE: Turnigy LiPo caught fire

It looks like it was only the thin tab connector at fault. The repair looks good as long as it can't short against anything.
Old 08-08-2009, 04:31 PM
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Red Baron Gary
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Default RE: Turnigy LiPo caught fire

I carry my LiPo's to and from flying site in a fireproof document safe (lockable, has a handle on it) that can be purchased at Walmart for under $30.00
This is to preclude this type kind of an incident. Two wit, if needed I can throw the damn thing out of the car rather than lose the car and whatever else that may be loose at the time.
Gary
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Old 08-08-2009, 04:59 PM
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speedy72vega
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Default RE: Turnigy LiPo caught fire


ORIGINAL: Red Baron Gary

I carry my LiPo's to and from flying site in a fireproof document safe (lockable, has a handle on it) that can be purchased at Walmart for under $30.00
This is to preclude this type kind of an incident. Two wit, if needed I can throw the damn thing out of the car rather than lose the car and whatever else that may be loose at the time.
Gary
aka Red Baron Gary
That's a very good idea Gary, but I think his battery caught on fire while it was still in his (RC) car while running it. But safe transporting is always a good idea
Old 08-10-2009, 07:10 AM
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ewok666
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Default RE: Turnigy LiPo caught fire


ORIGINAL: speedy72vega


ORIGINAL: Red Baron Gary

I carry my LiPo's to and from flying site in a fireproof document safe (lockable, has a handle on it) that can be purchased at Walmart for under $30.00
This is to preclude this type kind of an incident. Two wit, if needed I can throw the damn thing out of the car rather than lose the car and whatever else that may be loose at the time.
Gary
aka Red Baron Gary
That's a very good idea Gary, but I think his battery caught on fire while it was still in his (RC) car while running it. But safe transporting is always a good idea
Yes, it was still in the car. If it's a very small safe then I might be able to install in in the Rustler or I'll get a trailer for the battery to keep the car safe ;-)

EDIT: Ire-soldered the wire so it was done properly and ran the patched up battery for about 15mins of heavy use (lots of acceleration and braking). No problems so far. Afterwards I recharged 2000mAh back into it. Not bad for a battery that was on fire!
Old 10-16-2009, 09:10 AM
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tanasit
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Default RE: Turnigy LiPo caught fire


ORIGINAL: guver

It looks like it was only the thin tab connector at fault. The repair looks good as long as it can't short against anything.
Yes, that thin tab on the board is the weak link for 3S pack.
It happened to me too, so from then on ALL my 3S packs, I removed the covers and solder heavy gauge wires in place of the thin tab.
I think about using a solid single copper wire but haven't tried it yet.

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