LiPo Shipping Regs
#1
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New DOT regs became effective Oct. 1, 2009 regarding the shipment of lithium containing batteries. A detailed explaination is presented at: http://www.ultralifebatteries.com/do...egulations.pdf
(Note: RCU underlines the link - be aware that there is a line between each spaced word in the link if you retype it.)
What appears of importance to pattern is that the batteries we normally use fall into a category that limits lithium equivalence to < 8g / pack (as determined by 0.3 x capacity in amps / cell totaled) and <1.5g / cell This category requires certification (UN T1-T8) that ensures the battery's safe behavior in stress situations that might occur in shipping. Various limits are placed on the number of cells / packs that may be shipped in one container. There are some labeling requirements for the packaging added also. (Larger packs may be shipped (higher Li content), but more stringent requirements must be met.)
Some suppliers have certified batteries in stock and available for shipping (Tower Hobbies notes that they do) while some may be delayed until the manufacturer can complete certifications.
All this is a bit different from and in addition to the previous regulations placed upon carrying LiPo's onboard passenger flights.
(Note: RCU underlines the link - be aware that there is a line between each spaced word in the link if you retype it.)
What appears of importance to pattern is that the batteries we normally use fall into a category that limits lithium equivalence to < 8g / pack (as determined by 0.3 x capacity in amps / cell totaled) and <1.5g / cell This category requires certification (UN T1-T8) that ensures the battery's safe behavior in stress situations that might occur in shipping. Various limits are placed on the number of cells / packs that may be shipped in one container. There are some labeling requirements for the packaging added also. (Larger packs may be shipped (higher Li content), but more stringent requirements must be met.)
Some suppliers have certified batteries in stock and available for shipping (Tower Hobbies notes that they do) while some may be delayed until the manufacturer can complete certifications.
All this is a bit different from and in addition to the previous regulations placed upon carrying LiPo's onboard passenger flights.
#2
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Trying to figure what this means for us who by from overseas? I just received in the mail 4x 4s4000mAh Zippy's from HK in HK. Thats .3x4x4x4=16g eq. The package had no special marking other than "Fragile-Handle With Care, Please". Will this change? What will it do to the price?
#3
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Dreadnaut,
You comments about Hobby King are interesting. I just ordered my first set of Rhino's from them and the package was simply labeled as "Toy Replacement Parts" which I thought was a little misleading. At any rate, the batteries arrived in 4 days so they were obviously shipped through air.
On a side note, my initial testing shows them to be better than anything I have had before. This is my first set from them, so I do not know how long they will last, but for the price, it was worth giving them a try.
Teo
You comments about Hobby King are interesting. I just ordered my first set of Rhino's from them and the package was simply labeled as "Toy Replacement Parts" which I thought was a little misleading. At any rate, the batteries arrived in 4 days so they were obviously shipped through air.
On a side note, my initial testing shows them to be better than anything I have had before. This is my first set from them, so I do not know how long they will last, but for the price, it was worth giving them a try.
Teo