Mar 21, 2022 Pageview:672
Batteries are a great source of electrical power. And that is why you will find them on most, if not all, electronic devices.
However, they don’t run all day. The last thing many of us want is having to deal with dead batteries.
Imagine going into the field with your camera, only to work for a few hours due to battery issues. It will not allow you to finish your project.
Many people use spare batteries in this type of situation. When the main battery dies, the extra battery will take the job.
It’s all about having a consistent power supply.
What Are Spare Batteries?
Think of your car’s spare tire, spare cloth, or spare keys. These are items you set aside in case the main one is unreachable or non-operational.
Spare batteries perform the same function. Some people take fully charged extra batteries when traveling or doing something that needs more power.
Spare batteries can come in handy where you can find fast chargers. Also, you will need a power point to charge the battery, which would mean stopping what you are doing.
When cameramen go to the field, for instance, shooting videos in the woods, they need spare batteries. With that, they are sure of finishing their projects for the day.
You can have as many spare batteries as you wish. However, you want to make sure they are fit to work on your device.
Modern batteries are much more substantial. Those who have smartphones today seldom buy spare batteries. It’s because the batteries have better capacity and can work the whole day, or they are build-in.
But for some devices, carrying spare batteries is a great idea. It enables them to work efficiently.
Spare Batteries on a Plane
Are you planning to travel with spare batteries? Well, there are several things you should know.
Batteries cause fires on planes. There have been reports of explosions caused by wrong packaging and carrying of batteries.
It’s recommended that all batteries be installed in the device when traveling. This includes a power bank, cell phone charging cases, primary and secondary lithium cells, laptop batteries, phone batteries, and portable rechargers.
Airplanes have specific regulations for carrying spare (uninstalled) batteries. Generally, they must be stored in a carry-on bag which must be checked at the gate.
One must remove all spare batteries from the bag and carry them along inside the plane’s cabin. Ensure the battery terminals are well protected from short circuits. The dangers of short-circuiting are immense in an aircraft.
How To Package Batteries in a Plane
You can travel safely with all types of batteries (such as lithium, NiCad, and Alkaline. Most airlines provide cabin baggage to ensure adequate protection.
It’s important to prepare and set your batteries for safe travel. Here are some of the factors to put into consideration:
Enclose the battery in its original packaging. These packages are designed to offer maximum protection for the battery and the user.
Tape over the terminals. Short-circuiting happens when the battery terminals come into contact. Anything can cause such a reaction, completing the circuit and causing explosions. It’s to cover the terminals using tape.
Place each battery in a separate plastic bag. Another good idea to avoid battery contact is placing them in a separate plastic bag. The aim is to ensure each battery has been well secured.
If there are any swollen batteries, ensure they are kept in separate locations. Swollen batteries are a serious risk and should not be taken on a plane.
Turn off batteries in all electronic equipment. When traveling with cameras, mobile phones, and computers, it’s recommended that you turn them off to avoid accidental reactivation. This can happen easily if the devices are kept in checked baggage.
Traveling with lithium depends on battery chemistry can configuration. The battery’s Watt-hour rating and lithium content should also be considered.
Your items should be confiscated if they don’t meet every requirement. It’s crucial for every passenger traveling with these items to consider the safety of other people.
Here are some of the regulations concerning the packing of spare batteries on a plane:
Any extra batteries (including lithium batteries, power banks, and other dry cells.
These batteries must not exceed 100 Wh/ 2g lithium content. Examples include batteries in phones, cameras, watches, portable players, and laptops.
In-cabin
- 20 spare batteries per passenger
- Must be well presented in the right package. The terminals should be taped.
In Check-in Baggage
- Spare batteries not in equipment are not allowed.
Banned Batteries in Baggage
- Primary cells containing more than 2g of lithium should not be carried in any baggage. They must be presented in accordance with IATA regulations for Dangerous Goods.
Medium Lithium Batteries
Two spare batteries are allowed for every person in cabin baggage. They must be presented correctly.
Large Lithium Batteries
These are batteries with more than 160 Watt-hour. They are found in industrial equipment and hybrid vehicles.
These batteries are banned from baggage. They must be presented and transported as cargo following IATA regulations for dangerous goods.
Exceptions include li-ion-powered wheelchairs and similar aids. Customers with restricted mobility need them.
Important note: spare batteries, or ‘loose’ batteries, and those carried outside the device. They serve as backup.
Spare Batteries in Checked Baggage
Every passenger traveling with spare batteries must follow all the regulations. The carry-on battery will be checked at the gate or the planeside.
Battery terminals must be well protected, ensuring they don’t get in contact. These batteries include spare lithium metal and spare rechargeable batteries.
The regulations apply differently to different configurations of the batteries. You must ensure the battery meets all the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.
Conclusion
The need to travel with spare batteries arises with various consumption needs. Spare cells can keep your device working for a longer time.
It, however, is crucial to understand the regulations for traveling with batteries. This guide offers an overview of what you need to know about traveling spare cells. It’s all about your safety and that of other customers.
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