Battery storage: There was a post asking about sdcard storage. This reminded me of the following battery issue: I get about 300 images from each battery charge, so I carry 3-5 extra...

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

There was a post asking about sdcard storage. This reminded me of the following battery issue:

I get about 300 images from each battery charge, so I carry 3-5 extra batteries. Never had a problem, but with the recent spate of batteries catching fire, I began to worry about leaving them loose. I bought a pack of 100 small plastic ziplock bags for $3.95. Now, after charging a battery, I put it in a bag that just fits perfectly. This also lets me distinguish between batteries that have been charged and those that have been used up.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I haven't heard anything about camera batteries catching fire. The plastic bag is a good idea so you know if its a charged or not battery...

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

They will swell up.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

dirtpusher wrote:

They will swell up.

When use? After charging? Just sitting dormant?
Or all of the above?

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Longshadow wrote:

When use? After charging? Just sitting dormant?
Or all of the above?

Charged it. Took couple pictures with it. Forgot to take it back out of camera. Went back couple days later to use camera again. Didn't show a charge. Had little tussel getting it out, but got it out. Camera seems OK.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

bdk wrote:

I haven't heard anything about camera batteries catching fire. The plastic bag is a good idea so you know if its a charged or not battery...

If something metallic shorts the contacts, Li-Ion batteries have been known to short and cause fires. In all the years of shooting, I have never gone through more than 2 fully charged batteries, and that was after recording a 2 hr Bar Mitzvah or a 12 hr shooting day. I keep the batteries in a dual Think Tank velcro pouch and insert them contacts up when depleted. For air travel, a small piece of gaffer's tape covers the contacts.

Here are the FAA regs on traveling with Li-Ion Batteries. The interesting part is they must be carried with the Passenger, not in checked in luggage.

http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/hazmat_safety/more_info/?hazmat=7

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Ran across this site about lithium battery.

http://batteryuniversity.com/

http://batteryuniversity.com/search/search&keywords=Charging+and+storage/

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Reinaldokool wrote:

There was a post asking about sdcard storage. This... (show quote)

I use small battery carriers, B&H, carries four at a time. One pack has a black dot on it, that one holds exhausted batteries. No problems mate.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Reinaldokool wrote:

There was a post asking about sdcard storage. This... (show quote)

If it's in a plastic bag and catches fire, it will still be on fire. Defective batteries are generally the ones catching fire. Dealing with lithium is a tricky business, and some manufacturers take shortcuts. The warning I always see about any kind of battery is prevent anything from letting the terminals make contact, so carrying coins and batteries in the same pocket is not a good idea.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

If something metallic shorts the contacts, Li-Ion ... (show quote)

Not all cargo holds are pressurized. The passenger cabin is pressurized enough to protect life and batteries. And TSA can screen your gear to find loose batteries. They stopped me once a few years ago and I had to find the case for a Canon Lithium battery and put the battery in the case. It was discharged, but they didn't care...

I knocked my elbow into a fully charged third party video camera battery once. It was mounted to the camera. The case split open, leaving the mounting plastic on the camera while the rest fell to the ground. It shorted out. It started spitting, hissing, smoking, and caught fire in seconds. Fortunately, it was on a sidewalk...

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

burkphoto wrote:

Not all cargo holds are pressurized.

Cargo holds on all commercial airliners are pressurized the same as the cabins. By your feet you will find disguised vents that allow free flow of air between the cabin and cargo areas. It is an FAA requirement for certification. Most airlines maintain pressure at the equivalent of 8,000 ft MSL. Newer, more efficient airliners, such as the 787, allow for 6,000 ft for increased passenger comfort.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

LFingar wrote:

Cargo holds on all commercial airliners are pressurized the same as the cabins. By your feet you will find disguised vents that allow free flow of air between the cabin and cargo areas. It is an FAA requirement for certification. Most airlines maintain pressure at the equivalent of 8,000 ft MSL. Newer, more efficient airliners, such as the 787, allow for 6,000 ft for increased passenger comfort.

I stand corrected!

I believed that since I was a kid and my neighbor shipped his dog cage as luggage and the dog arrived dead.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

burkphoto wrote:

I stand corrected!

I believed that since I was a kid and my neighbor shipped his dog cage as luggage and the dog arrived dead.

Travel can be very stressful on pets, especially if they happen to have an undiagnosed illness. While cargo holds are pressurized, they are not necessarily heated, which may have played a role. Sometimes it only takes one careless employee. It's a shame about the dog.