On Wednesday, July 3, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers to immediately stop using HTRC C240 battery chargers manufactured by Shenzhen Haitan Technology Co. Ltd. These chargers pose a risk of serious injury and death.
The defective chargers, known as balance chargers, are sold for charging lithium-ion polymer batteries, such as those used in drones or other remote-control devices like cars or planes. The chargers can ignite or cause a connected battery to ignite. Consumers should immediately dispose of any HTRC C240 chargers and reconsider use of any HTRC products.
CPSC has received 32 reports of fire or other thermal incidents involving the HTRC C240 chargers, as well as 148 reports of fire or thermal incidents involving other HTRC products.
In addition, the Clemson University Fire & EMS department (CUFD) has seen a similar incident involving a HTRC charger and discourages anyone from purchasing any HTRC products.
The defective chargers, pictured above, are black with two blue screens, numbered 1 and 2, and the model identifier “C240 DUO” printed between the screens. The brand name “HTRC” is printed at the bottom left corner. The chargers have been sold on AliExpress.com, Amazon.com, Banggood.com, eBay.com, HTRC-Direct.com and RCGoing.com.
Safety considerations for charging LiPo batteries
Charging the type of batteries associated with a balance charger, such as LiPo batteries, must be done carefully. The following tips are important when charging and storing these batteries:
- Never charge batteries unattended.
- Never charge batteries inside vehicles.
- Let batteries cool down to ambient temperature before charging.
- Place LiPo batteries in a lithium battery safety bag/container while charging.
- Designate a charging area. It should free of combustible materials and preferably located under a sprinkler head.
- Use a quality charger. Consider the following:
- Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer or one that is specifically recommended for your device.
- Ability to charge various types of batteries including NiMH, Ni-Cd and Lead Acid as well as lithium if needed.
- Ability to charge multiple batteries simultaneously.
- Provision for balancing the voltage between each battery cell during charging.
- Various charging voltage options – Full (4.2v), Storage (3.8v) and Discharge (0) for safe disposal.
- Ensure LiPo cell voltage balancing cable is connected. This keeps the cell voltage constant across each cell in the battery pack.
- Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging instructions. Pay particular attention to the maximum charging rate for the battery. If it is not listed, the maximum charge rate should be 1C or 1 x capacity of the battery in amps. For example, a 1500 mAh battery, the maximum charge rate would be 1.5 amps.
- Check batteries carefully for any signs of damage or swelling before charging and monitor the battery while charging.
- If any swelling of the casing is detected, stop charging, place the battery in a safe location away from other batteries and combustible materials and monitor for at least one hour.
- Never charge punctured or damaged batteries. Dispose of damaged batteries properly.
If you encounter any issues while charging a LiPo battery, such as a swollen or puffed battery casing, disconnect it from the charger if safe to do so, place it in the emergency isolation chamber and contact Occupational and Environmental Safety (OES). For questions or more information on emergency procedures related to batteries, contact OES.
For more information on battery safety, visit the battery safety page on the CUFD website.