Lipo sack scam alert

[DPeterson]

Just spent 4 hours trying to find a Fireproof Lipo Sack. Not that I want to use one, but I always try to keep an open mind. I cannot find one.

I am focused on Fireproof because this is what the Manufactures require and the organized racing associations keep referring to the manufactuers recomendations along with the fireproof requirement.

So I Googled Fireproof and got this:

FIRE RESISTANT - Fire resistant refers to a fabric or fiber that has been treated to discourage the spreading of flames.

FIREPROOF - Fireproof means that a fabric literally will not burn. To be labeled fireproof, the Federal Trade Commission requires that a fabric must be 100% fireproof. If the fiber or fabric has been treated to prevent flames from spreading, it must be labeled as fire resistant.

FLAMEPROOF - Flameproof is a synonym for fireproof.

FLAME RETARDANT FABRIC - A fabric that resists or retards the spreading of flames. A flame retardent fabric can be made by using fibers that are themselves flame retardent (inherently flame retardent) or by using special finishes on fabrics.


Tower Hobbies has "Heat Resistant" Lipo Sacks. The brands are identified as Electrify and GH Racing.
For both brands Tower Hobbies states in the "Notes From The Tech Department" to use the Heat Resistant Lipo Sack only on a non-flamable surface.

I checked other vendors etc and cannot find any Lipo Sacks that are Fireproof. And most vendors will not go as far as Tower and suggest any charging surface or procedure.

When I look up Heat Resistant I find things like: Description: This fabric is scorch-proof to 360 degrees. Perfect for creating hot pads, BBQ and cooking mitts, ironing board covers, costumes and crafts.

I am guessing this is why we can not find videos that show 4S and up lipos burning in a lipo sack. There is no way they can handle it.

What is really disappointing is that the vendors to our hobby are well aware of the dangers, but yet chose to market these Sack products well aware of their shortcomings.

Ah! - Cooking mitt!

Disclaimer - I do not represent any organized racing association.

Doug

[ozzie-crawl]

I think the words "fire proof" would be a loose term just like the use of "water proof"
With water proof i am sure there is different ratings rite up to a product being placed in boiling water for 90+ hours.
Same would hold true i would think with fire proof. depending on what material it is made from would put it in specific group that would then have classes depending on heat range. So one could have a fire proof rating but be limited to say 125 deg. It is fire proof as long as the temperature is no hotter than 125 deg. Others would have much higher ratings.
Technically i dont think anything is fire proof as it will burn/melt at a given temperature.
Fire blankets are just fiberglass cloth,so you could possibly have your own sacks made ?

[DPeterson]

Looked at Fireproof boxes and safes. They refer to fireproof as for example withstanding 1700 degrees for 2 hours and some say 1800 degrees for 1 hour etc. I assume the Federal Trade Commision has set guidelines as referenced above.

It is clear to me in my research into this matter that the rules "on the books" are to satisfy Organized RC Associations for Insurance purposes and really not for actual personal or property damage protection. Therefore I believe the key in doing so is to be clear and precise with the wording. You can be sure that the Insurance Company, the Lawyers and the Courts will be. So I don't believe you can use the word fireproof loosely.

The deeper I dig into this the more junk I find. It's like planting a tree in an old abandoned land fill.

Disclaimer - I do not represent any organized racing association.

[Basstronics]

I think Fire Resistant would be well enough.

It should give you time to notice the problem and move it to a safe location.

[Steven Vaccaro]

Looks like you are going to have to be the first to test your assumption that 4s or higher will not work in a sack. I look forward to seeing the video.........

[Doug Smock]

Not seeing "Fireproof"

Hey Doug,
Happy Fourth of July.

I haven't been able to find the word Fireproof in the rules in either IMPBA or NAMBA. Nor have I seen it in LiPo manufactures instructions.

I have seen the word Nonflammable.
Definition of NONFLAMMABLE
: not flammable; specifically : not easily ignited and not burning rapidly if ignited.

non·flam·ma·ble (nn-flm-bl)
adj.
Not flammable, especially not readily ignited and not rapidly burned.

Can you post some links for us to your fireproof references.

Thanks Doug,
Keep up the good work!!
Smock

[ozzie-crawl]

Looked at Fireproof boxes and safes. They refer to fireproof as for example withstanding 1700 degrees for 2 hours and some say 1800 degrees for 1 hour etc. I assume the Federal Trade Commision has set guidelines as referenced above.

It is clear to me in my research into this matter that the rules "on the books" are to satisfy Organized RC Associations for Insurance purposes and really not for actual personal or property damage protection. Therefore I believe the key in doing so is to be clear and precise with the wording. You can be sure that the Insurance Company, the Lawyers and the Courts will be. So I don't believe you can use the word fireproof loosely.

The deeper I dig into this the more junk I find. It's like planting a tree in an old abandoned land fill.

Disclaimer - I do not represent any organized racing association.

All i was trying to point out is there is possibly no set definition for some thing to be fire proof. You could say a steel box is fire proof but at around 2600 deg it will melt.
You would need to find what classification a lipo sack would fall into and what legislation (if any) it falls into for each country,possibly each state could be different.

[DPeterson]

Cautions label on the back of each Hyperion pack: - Charge only on fireproof surfaces.

Cautions page in the Hyperion NET & DUO Series 3 Chargers - User Manual - point 6: - Charge only in a fire-resistant environment, non-flammable surfaces such as on concrete or brick.

There is wording in one of the associations that says: As a responsible user of high performance batteries you will adhere to any of the manufacturer recommendations dealing with handling, storage and charging. I would assume it wouldn't matter if this wording existed or not as a safety point in a written manual as I would assume it would be required anyway of any Insurance Company.

Steven - Send me some sacks.

Basstronics - A few years back a couple of us took a 22 rifle to a couple dozen old charged up lipos. A few packs just kind of farted. A few of them were quite scarry. Shot flames 8-10 feet in the air and lasted for at least 30 seconds to a minute. The scarry part was not so much the flame as it was the pressure behind it. We expected flame not the amount of pressure. I would highly recommend you do not run towards an exploding lipo in a sack but start heading in another direction.

Actually Steven don't send me any sacks - not worth my time as I can predict the results. I would like to see video results from the vendors and others that promote these sacks as a safe gaurd against personal injury or property damage while charging 4S cell and above. Don't tell me show me.

Ozzie - As far as I can tell the lipo sacks fall under the catagory "Heat Resistant". Something like good for around 360 degrees for short time. I am not a fire material engineer. I believe there is gentleman that has connections to fire material engineers that is currently looking into this subject.

Disclaimer - I do not represent any organized racing association.

[drwayne]

As a responsible user of high performance batteries you will adhere to any of the manufacturer recommendations dealing with

any or all ?

When my neighbor walks his dog, he carries a plastic bag to collect the steaming dog doodoos incase shi.t happens..
When I charge LiPo I put them into a sack, incase it too starts to swell and produce a steaming turd.. .easier to handle inside a 'safety bag' than if exposed stinking the atmosphere.

Ive not seen a lipo bag yet that caters for cable entrance with valid content containment.. always a corner lifted somewhere for the wires.
At a few bucks each, they're my disposable doodoo bag.

W

[Steven Vaccaro]

any or all ?

When my neighbor walks his dog, he carries a plastic bag to collect the steaming dog doodoos incase shi.t happens..
When I charge LiPo I put them into a sack, incase it too starts to swell and produce a steaming turd.. .easier to handle inside a 'safety bag' than if exposed stinking the atmosphere.

Ive not seen a lipo bag yet that caters for cable entrance with valid content containment.. always a corner lifted somewhere for the wires.
At a few bucks each, they're my disposable doodoo bag.

W

Well said. Something is better than nothing.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[ozzie-crawl]

I hope i did not come across as argumentative that was not my goal. Is there any laws in the U.S that cover the regulation of lipo sacks was all i was implying and if so do the sacks available fail this regulation ?

[Mike Caruso]

Hi Doug,
I am a beginner with LiPo's so this is just my thought and as always I could be all wet! Ha
Look for Asbestos from China green in color. It is safe to use and handle with bare hands. Just do not inhale fibers which stay in your lungs. Spraying the surface both sides will keep fibers intact. I have used Asbestos products in one configuration or another when switching engine gaskets over to alternatives for 10 years work at FEL-PRO. How to contain the magic smoke I do not have any ideas. Good ventilation in charging areas I guess would help if a problem occurs.
Regards,
MC

[keithbradley]

So...

Is there a market for "real" protective bags, even if they cost significantly more? I'm in the process of putting together a site and offering items like this (not lipos protection specificly, just items that you can't buy anywhere else).
If it's worth it I'll look into it.

[Mike Caruso]

Hi Keith,
Good idea!
Since all of us look for deals.....Watch yard / garage / flea markets sales for old steel Typewriter cases. Growing up as a Hot Rod Hooligan which looking back I was (still am) a RECYCLER. Glad that some things don't change.
MC

[DPeterson]

Ozzie - I didn't think you came across as argumentative at all. These have to be discussed whether some like it or not. If anyone comes across as argumentative it is me. For that I do appoligize.

When I get involved with these safety type topics, I get accused of disregarding safety. I do not disregard safety - I disregard rules that do not address safety.

The irony in all this is that I have almost 40 years in the food business. My experience, knowledge and current consulting is in food safety, process control, regulatory compliance, risk management and loss control. You want to experience safety get involved with a food manufacturing operation. We live it and breathe it.

Mike C. - Are you serious about the asbestos? :)

Keith - In my opinion there will be or should be a market for something that will provide a much higher level of safety than what is currently being done. And cost is not usually the main focus point - at least starting out.

Disclaimer - I do not represent any organized racing association.

Later - Doug