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LIFEPO4 battery installation safety protocols

SignatureSolarUS

Solar Enthusiast
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Jul 1, 2020
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All,
We wanted to open a thread about general installation safety for LIFEPO4 battery banks.

To open this we would say that fireproof floors, walls and ceilings for a distance of 3ft would be the best precautions

Lifepo4 cells do not spontaneously combust but if they are cooked by a surrounding fire they will express flammable gas, this will make a hiss sound and then when the flames catch the gas it will create a heat cycle (heat makes cells make gas, gas burns and makes heat, and heat... "" "" ) that lasts for 3 hours like a propane grill


Again, it is incredibly unlikely that the cells catch fire, the focus on non-flammable surround is to prevent fires from coming to the bank and causing a heat source for a general fire. the most dangerous things about LIFEPO4 battery banks is improper cable to main bus bar connections.

High Amperage DC is no joke. Always use a torque wrench and check connection tightness regularly
 
Do you know what the recommended torque requirements are for battery cable to main bus bar connections?
 
Do you know what the recommended torque requirements are for battery cable to main bus bar connections?
If it isn’t specified, my rule of thumb is to apply just enough torque to pull the split washer flat. Standard buildup should be flat washer, split washer, then nut.

You do also have to be careful as in these situations, the stud or threads are often made of brass or copper, which is much softer than steel.
 
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