Packing Batteries Safely For Your Trip

If you're going on a trip this season, chances are high that at least one of your tasks will involve packing up some batteries. Whether it's for the camera or personal electronics in regards to cell phones and such; we all need these things! 

A great way to make your vacation more enjoyable is by making sure that you have all the right equipment with yourself. Because as we all know, batteries are necessary for almost every device nowadays. That being said, here are some important tips that you should remember when packing your batteries for a trip:

 

How Many Batteries Can You Bring?

No more than 20 spare batteries for personal use are permitted per passenger. All batteries are subject to restrictions, but you still have the option of carrying up to two spare lithium-ion batteries. These must not exceed 100Wh or 160 Wh in total weight.

Batteries With a Capacity of Less Than 100 Wh

You may have noticed that the batteries in your phone, laptop, and camera are rated under 100 Wh. So what is a watt-hour anyway? A watt-hour (Wh) measures how long you can use it before recharging for one full charge.

If you're carrying a spare battery that's not in one of these devices, it must be stored securely and separately from other items. Remember to only put them in your carry-on baggage.

Batteries Having a Capacity of 100-160wh

These are the batteries that can power your favorite tools and devices. They're perfect for all sorts of things, like powering a piece of industrial equipment. In addition, you should always check with your airline before bringing this type of battery on board. You might need special permission and/or certification, depending on what you're flying in the aircraft for!

The battery can be carried in either carry-on or checked baggage if it’s installed or built-in inside the device. However, If you have a spare battery that is not pre-installed on any device, keep it in your carry-on baggage only.

How to Properly Pack Your Batteries (to Prevent Short Circuits)

Plainly tossing batteries into your carry-on is a dangerous yet common habit. It's important to note not to have any metal objects touching them, and not being able to pack it properly has a greater chance of a short circuit that can catch fire.

The best way to avoid a dangerous situation is by always keeping your batteries separate and in plastic! You may also label them with their respective voltages so they don't end up as part of some other device.

Here are some battery safety tips that you can follow: 

  • First, don't allow any heavy items like books or other packages on top of them because they might cause damage. Second, make sure the carry-on isn't too tightly packed as this can lead to puncturing from sharp objects poking through the battery.
  • It's important to never pack your batteries in an area that is too tight. This can lead to overheating of the battery and can cause them to explode.
  • It may be best to store them in original retail packaging or insulate the terminals with tape.

Always Prepare Ahead

It’s important to be prepared whenever you’re going on a vacation. If you're traveling at this time of the year, make sure to pack some batteries because you’ll never know when you’ll need them. In addition, always follow the safety measures to prevent battery accidents from happening.