Battery Safety Guide

Last Updated: August 19, 2023

Most consumer drones use rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.

These batteries provide excellent energy density but may present a fire or safety risk if they are damaged, improperly charged, short-circuited, exposed to extreme temperatures, or incorrectly transported.

1. Inspect the Battery Before Use

Do not use a battery that shows signs of:

  • Swelling
  • Puncture
  • Cracking
  • Leakage
  • Corrosion
  • Burn damage
  • Melted connectors
  • Severe impact damage
  • Abnormal odor
  • Excessive heat

Stop using a battery immediately if abnormal behavior occurs.

2. Use the Correct Charger

Only use:

  • The charger supplied with the product, or
  • A charger explicitly specified as compatible with the battery

Incorrect charging voltage or current may damage the battery.

Do not modify charging cables or connectors.

3. Charging Safety

When charging:

  • Place the battery on a stable, non-flammable surface.
  • Keep it away from combustible materials.
  • Do not cover the battery.
  • Keep the charging area ventilated.
  • Do not charge a visibly damaged battery.
  • Do not charge immediately after flight if the battery is excessively hot.
  • Keep the battery away from children and pets.

Where practicable, remain able to monitor the battery during charging.

4. Temperature

Do not expose batteries to:

  • Open flame
  • Direct high heat
  • Hot vehicle interiors for extended periods
  • Freezing temperatures beyond the manufacturer's specified operating range

Allow the battery to return to a suitable temperature before charging.

5. Water Damage

Do not charge or use a battery that has been submerged or significantly exposed to water unless the manufacturer has specifically confirmed that it is safe to do so.

A damaged lithium battery may become unstable even if it appears normal externally.

6. After a Crash

After a significant crash:

  1. Power off the aircraft.
  2. Remove the battery when safe.
  3. Inspect the battery carefully.
  4. Do not immediately recharge a damaged or abnormally hot battery.
  5. Discontinue use if any swelling, puncture, leakage, or unusual heating is detected.

7. Storage

For long-term storage:

  • Store batteries in a cool and dry location.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep away from metal objects that could short the terminals.
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommended storage charge level.
  • Periodically inspect stored batteries.

Do not store a damaged battery.

8. Short-Circuit Protection

Never allow battery terminals to contact:

  • Coins
  • Keys
  • Tools
  • Metal parts
  • Other battery terminals

A short circuit can cause rapid heating and fire.

9. Travelling by Air

Airline and aviation rules apply to lithium batteries carried by passengers.

FAA guidance currently requires spare lithium batteries to be transported in carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage, with terminals protected against short circuit. FAA

FAA guidance generally allows rechargeable lithium-ion batteries up to 100Wh under normal passenger provisions, while batteries in the 101–160Wh range generally require airline approval; larger batteries are subject to additional restrictions. 

Always check:

  • Your airline's requirements
  • Airport-security requirements
  • Destination-country rules

before travelling.

10. Installed Batteries

Where airline rules permit a drone containing an installed battery to be carried in checked baggage, applicable precautions may include completely powering off the device and protecting it from accidental activation.

Because airline policies vary, customers should always confirm requirements directly with the carrier before travel. 

11. Battery Disposal

Do not dispose of lithium batteries in ordinary household waste where prohibited.

Use an authorized:

  • Battery recycling point
  • Electronic-waste collection facility
  • Hazardous-waste collection service

Follow local regulations.

Do not puncture, crush, burn, or intentionally dismantle a lithium battery.

12. Emergency Warning Signs

Immediately discontinue use if a battery:

  • Swells
  • Smokes
  • Hisses
  • Leaks
  • Produces an unusual odor
  • Becomes extremely hot

If an emergency occurs, move away from the battery and follow appropriate local fire-safety procedures.

Important Safety Notice

Lithium batteries can catch fire when damaged, overheated, or short-circuited; the FAA specifically identifies these as aviation safety hazards. 

Users are responsible for inspecting, charging, transporting, storing, and disposing of batteries safely and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable law.