Storage & Transportation

Disclaimer: These are advised shipping methods.

Proper storage and transportation of Lithium Polymer High Voltage (LiHv) batteries is critical for the safety and longevity of the IB388 and your aircraft. Mishandling of LiHv batteries can lead to reduced battery life, damage to the battery or aircraft, and/or a fire.

Traveling from site to site

• Remove batteries when transporting your IF800. While the IF800 aircraft case can hold one pair of IF800 batteries, it is not safe to transport batteries while they are connected to the IF800.

• The IB388 battery kit can transport 4 batteries at a time during ground transportation.

The IB388 batteries CANNOT be brought on a commercial flight. We recommend shipping your batteries using ground services ahead of time if you need to fly to your job site.

Self Discharging

IB388 batteries have an automatic discharge feature built in that will discharge the batteries in 48 hours to a storage charge state.

• IB388 batteries have the ability to self discharge to a storage voltage to improve battery life. When this occurs the status LED will blink Blue.

  • NOTE: The face of the battery with the power connector will get warm during self discharge. Be mindful that stacking batteries together and/or keeping them in a case could increase the temperature higher than normal.

• From the factory, IB388 batteries will automatically enter self discharging if it detects an unsafe storage level voltage for more than 48 hours.

• Users can initiate self discharging by holding the button for 5 seconds, or until the status LED begins to blink blue.

• A fully charged battery may take up to 4 days to fully discharge to a safe long term storage level.

Storage

• Storage is defined as any period of time where the battery is inactive for more than 48 hours.

• Batteries should be stored with an internal voltage between 22.2v to 23.4v, or an individual cell voltage of ~3.8v. By default IB388 batteries will automatically self discharge to this level if initially stored at a higher level for more than 48 hours.

• Batteries are to be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ideal storage temperatures range from 10℃ - 30℃ (50°F - 86°F). Unless batteries are stored for greater than 3 months then batteries should be stored between 18℃ - 28℃ (64°F - 82°F).

• LiHv batteries should be stored in a fireproof container specifically designed for lithium batteries. These containers are designed to limit any fire from spreading, while also allowing any internal moisture to escape.

• LiHv batteries should be stored away from other flammable or combustible materials.

• IB388 batteries should be charge cycled at least once every 3 months to maintain health. Operators should also check the stored LiPo batteries for any signs of damage, swelling or leakage, and check the internal state of health indicator. Dispose of any damaged batteries as per Section: Battery Disposal.

We advise not to ship batteries if they are damaged, swelling, or leaking for safety reasons.

Transportation

DISCLAIMER: Inspired Flight is not responsible for providing shipping instructions or advisement. Customers are solely responsible for following all applicable state, federal, and carrier regulations regarding the shipment of dangerous goods, including lithium-ion batteries.

• The United States Department of Transportation mandates that lithium ion batteries must be shipped with no more than 30% of their rated capacity. For the IB388 battery, this requires a state of charge where the overall voltage is less than 22.8v (3.8v per cell).

• We recommend shipping IB388 batteries in the designated IB388 transportation case. If the IB388 case is unavailable, follow these packaging guidelines:

  • Packaging: Use a rigid LiPo fireproof case, place batteries in LiPo bags in a rigid case if a LiPo case is not available.

  • Isolate: Ensure each battery is isolated and cannot come into contact with other batteries or conductive materials.

  • Terminals: Cover terminals with electrical tape.

  • Padding: Place LiPo batteries in a case with ample padding material for cushioning and to prevent batteries from moving within the case.

• Ensure the transportation case is marked with the LiPo battery designation UN3480 sticker.

• As these are considered large lithium ion batteries (>160Wh). They CANNOT be brought onto commercial passenger airplanes. They must be shipped via GROUND.

• For air shipments, contact your carrier for certification guidelines, procedures, and requirements.