Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Are LI tool batterys like Malita and Milwaukee susceptible to cold?

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Are LI tool batterys like Malita and Milwaukee susceptible to cold?

    OK a first for me. I usually keep my tools in the garage and just grab and go. Today I thought I would check the charge on my spare batterys. They would not charge. Garage temp about 28 -35 degrees, but had been about 20 last night. Brought them in the house and they started charging after a while. Makes me wonder if I should bring the tools and other batterys in too. I know they are different chemistry than out RV ones., but do they have the same charge limits?

    SWMBO wont like the extra clutter, but I can probably make space in the utility room.. I need to de-clutter anyway.

    Thoughts?

    Keith
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Keith.

    Lithium ion batteries should never be charged below 32°F. Trying to do so even once will significantly damage the batteries. Doing so can cause lithium plating of the anode. This not only reduces the battery capacity, but it makes the battery unsafe!! If the batteries have been connected to a charger while it was under 32°F, I would not bring them in the house.

    Here is an article that spells out the dangers and drawbacks of low temperature charging. Scan down to the second answer:

    https://electronics.stackexchange.co...ould-harm-them

    Jim

    Jim and Ginnie
    2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
    GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
    GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
    • Likes 1

    Comment

    • #3
      TucsonJim Excellent article you linked! Thanks! (BTW, order up some warmer weather for AZ for this Jan-Apr compared to last year please...)

      I would be very surprised if any mainstream manufacturer (Milwaukee, Dewalt, etc.) did not have competent BMS built into their batteries, which would include thermal considerations. Contractors use this stuff all the time in all sorts of weather, and learn quickly that the batteries will only charge when warmed up. Yoda Keith's experience would support this (battery didn't charge).

      I would not consider buying any of the myriad non-OEM batteries for tools for this reason.
      Ottertail, Minnesota
      2022 Imagine 2500RL VIN 573TE3029N6637046
      2022 Ford F-150 Lariat, SuperCrew, long box, max tow
      • Likes 1

      Comment

      • #4
        Most batteries have some type of thermal protection. I know from experience that a heavily taxed battery can heat up enough to turn off even though not completely discharged. Then when you drop it on the charger, the charger will have to wait for the battery to turn back on by cooling down before it will charge.

        Thus I can see the batteries having both high and low temp sensors to protect and minimize the chance for sudden release of heat by means of catastrophic means possibly resulting in the need to dig a hole and bury.
        Joseph
        Tow         Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
        Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
        South of Houston Texas

        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
          Keith.

          Lithium ion batteries should never be charged below 32°F. Trying to do so even once will significantly damage the batteries. Doing so can cause lithium plating of the anode. This not only reduces the battery capacity, but it makes the battery unsafe!! If the batteries have been connected to a charger while it was under 32°F, I would not bring them in the house.

          Here is an article that spells out the dangers and drawbacks of low temperature charging. Scan down to the second answer:

          https://electronics.stackexchange.co...ould-harm-them

          Jim
          Fortunately they were loose. I don't keep batterys on the charger after they are charged.. It appear the Makita charger I have is somewhat smart as it would not even go into charge mode at first. After about an hour it did charge them when I put them back on.
          2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
          • Likes 1

          Comment

          Previous template Next
          Working...
          X