Most lithium packs that arrive at us for early replacement were not worn out by use. They were damaged by how they were stored. These are the precautions that matter.
Store partly charged, not full and not empty
If a pack will be unused for an extended period, charge it to roughly 50–80% and remove it from the equipment. A lithium cell held at full charge ages faster than one held mid-charge, and a cell left flat can self-discharge to a voltage from which it cannot safely be recovered.
Recharge back to that range about every three months. Self-discharge is slow but it is not zero, and three months is comfortably inside the margin.
Temperature and humidity
Store in a dry place, as cool as is practical — a range around 0–20°C is ideal, though few places in Malaysia offer that without air conditioning. What matters more is what to avoid: a closed vehicle, a metal shed, direct sun, or anywhere near a heat source. Heat accelerates both self-discharge and permanent capacity loss, and humidity attacks terminals and the protection board.
Keep terminals away from conductors
Do not store packs loose in a box with tools, screws, keys or wire offcuts. A short across exposed terminals can develop very high current in an instant. Keep the original packaging or use a plastic container, and cap or tape bare terminals.
Do not stack unprotected packs
Pressure on a cell casing, or on the protection board, can damage a pack in ways that are not visible from outside. Store flat, in a single layer where you can.
Signs a pack should be retired
Stop using a pack and take it out of service if you see any of the following:
- Swelling, or a case that no longer sits flat
- Noticeable heat during normal charging
- Runtime that has dropped sharply rather than gradually
- A charger that reports full almost immediately
- Any smell, discolouration or leakage
A swollen pack should not be charged, punctured or thrown in general waste. If you are unsure, contact us and we will advise on safe handling and disposal.
Charging habits
Use the charger supplied for the pack, or one matched to its chemistry and voltage. Avoid charging immediately after heavy discharge while the pack is still hot — let it come back to room temperature first. And avoid leaving a pack on charge indefinitely once it is full, unless the charger is designed to stop.
None of this is onerous. A pack treated this way will comfortably outlast one that is not, often by years.
Send us the voltage, capacity, discharge current and the space you have — or a photo of the battery you are replacing. We will come back with a specification and a price.