I too am very glad you escaped, as close as things were.
This helps explain why lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage on airplanes. If anybody is traveling with such batteries, be sure they are in your carry on luggage. I suspect luggage screeners are on the lookout for them. There also are limits on how large and how many lithium batteries you are allowed as carry on, but my reading is that a normal KX3 user is not likely to be taking enough to hit the limits. Check the DOT website for full details. 73 - Jim K8MR -----Original Message----- From: Doug Person via Elecraft <[email protected]> To: elecraft <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, Dec 10, 2014 6:40 pm Subject: [Elecraft] Being cautious around Li-Ion Batteries Just a quick note to affirm the need for caution around Lithium-Ion battery packs. Today I was charging a new 12 volt Li-Io battery pack. Fist time being charged. I was using a specialized automatic Li-Io charger. Nonetheless, the battery pack exploded with an incredible force, blowing items off my workbench within 2 feet of the explosion. The burn area on my workbench exceeds 12 inches. If I hadn't been wearing safety glasses, I'm sure my eyes would have been badly affected. The sound level was at least equal to a 44 magnum. My facial hair has been burned and there are numerous particles embedded in my skin, walls and table. The furthest piece, embedded in ceiling, is at least 10 feet from the ignition point. About 2 ounces of C4 would perform about the same. I consider myself lucky in that I was wearing my welding jacket which protected my body very well. I was only 18 inches from the pack when it exploded. I never realized or expected such a thing to happen from a commercially produced battery pack. I guess I will weld together a steel blast-proof box should I have nerve enough to ever use these battery packs again. 73, Doug -- K0DXV ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
