LiFePO4 batteries are new to many people in Canada and around the world. Understanding which lithium battery is best for your project can be complicated. Canbat Technologies Inc. employs a team of specialized engineers and battery experts to answer all the frequently asked questions you might have. This FAQ page is always growing with more questions as we receive more common questions regarding our lithium Iron phosphate batteries. If you have a question that you can’t find an answer to, you can submit your own question to our battery experts at the bottom of this page. We also have Canada-based 24/7 chat support to help with your questions.
How do I store lithium batteries?
It is recommended to store LiFePO4 batteries at 50% state of charge (SOC). If the batteries are stored for long periods of time, cycle the batteries at least every 6 months. Here’s the storage temperature and humidity range:
|
Less than 1 month of storage |
-20℃～35℃，45%RH～75％RH |
|
Less than 3 months storage |
-10℃～35℃，45%RH～75％RH |
|
Recommended storage environment |
15℃～35℃，45%RH～75％RH |
Please do not store the batteries fully discharged. They should be about 50% or higher. They do not require a trickle charger.
Can I connect 12V lithium in series?
Yes, you can connect up to four 12V batteries of the same model in series to obtain a higher voltage. Please avoid connecting lithium batteries in both parallel and series simultaneously.
Can I install a lithium battery on its side?
Yes, Canbat lithium batteries can be installed on any side.
Should I cover the battery terminals?
It is highly recommended. Battery terminals may be covered with a plastic cap will prevent an external short circuit.
Which wire gauge size to use?
Choose the appropriate cable size based on the expected load of your system. See the table below. Allowable Ampacities for copper cables rated at 167°F (75°C) operating at an ambient temperature of 86°F (30°C).
|
Wire Gauge (AWG) – Copper Conductors |
Ampacity (Amps) |
|
14 |
25 |
|
12 |
30 |
|
10 |
40 |
|
8 |
55 |
|
6 |
75 |
|
4 |
95 |
|
2 |
130 |
|
1 |
150 |
|
1/0 |
170 |
|
2/0 |
195 |
|
4/0 |
260 |
Can I connect the 12V LiFePO4 batteries in parallel?
Yes, you can connect up to 4 batteries in parallel to increase the capacity. Please note that when connecting batteries in parallel, they must of the same model. If your power consumption is expected to increase in the future and you plan to add more batteries, you should start with a larger battery. This would allow you to achieve higher amperage with 4 batteries. For example, if you start with 100Ah, the maximum you can achieve is 400Ah when connecting 4 batteries in parallel. However, if you go with the 200Ah, you can achieve up to 800Ah with 4 batteries. Please avoid connecting lithium batteries in both parallel and series simultaneously.
How do I monitor my battery?
A Victron battery monitor is used to monitor the charge status of your battery and ensure a uniform charge status. It works for all types of batteries but is most useful when monitoring LiFePO4 battery chemistry. It is able to accurately measure charge capacity based on both the voltage and current of the battery.
Can I use my existing inverter with Canbat lithium batteries?
Canbat lithium batteries can be used with practically any inverter. Victron inverters are now available at Canbat with free shipping in Canada and the United States. Whether you’re looking for a small Victron inverter or large inverter for RV, marine, solar or backup power, you can find it at Canbat. We stock the largest selection of Victron inverters in Canada and ship same-day. We offer 12V inverters, 24V inverters and 48V inverters. Inverter sizes range from 250W to 3,000W and they are all pure sine inverters for best performance and highest efficiency.
Can I charge lithium with solar panels?
Yes, you can charge Canbat lithium batteries with solar panels. In fact, you can charge them with any type of charging equipment, as long as the charging voltage is within 14V to 14.6V for our 12V LiFePO4 batteries. A Victron MMPT solar charge controller gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries.
You should size your charge controller based on the voltage and current output of your solar array setup. That will ensure that your charge controller will be able to process and regulate the power coming from your solar panels. To give you an example, let’s assume your solar system is 24 volts and has a max current output of 22 amps. You would need a solar charge controller that can handle 24 volts and 27.5 amps (125% of your max current output).
Check out our charge controller selection and choose one that fits your solar array requirement. Still unsure of which controller you need? Chat with one of our battery specialists to get you on the right track.
Do I need a special charger for lithium?
The short answer is no. In order to fully charge a 12V LiFePO4 battery, a charger with a voltage of 14V to 14.6V is required. Most AGM battery chargers are within that range and they would be compatible with Canbat lithium batteries. If you have a charger with a lower voltage, it may still charge the battery, but it won’t charge it to 100%. A charger with a higher voltage would not charge the battery and the BMS would enter protection mode due to it’s high voltage disconnect feature. Although many AGM battery chargers are compatible with LiFePO4, wet cell or flooded battery chargers are not compatible as they typically charge at a higher voltage.
For optimal performance, Canbat recommends using a lithium charger. Check out our AC charger selection to find one that works for you. The Victron Blue Smart Charger with built-in Bluetooth for workshops, cars, campers, motorcycles and boats provides the battery with the necessary energy, maintains its health and ensures better performance and longer life. It can be used on both AGM and lithium batteries as well as all other battery chemistries.
Still unsure of which charger you need? Chat with one of our battery specialists to get you on the right track.
Can I charge lithium with a lead-acid charger?
Most lead-acid battery chargers can be used with LiFePO4 batteries as long as they are within the appropriate voltage guidelines. AGM and Gel algorithms typically fall within the LiFePO4 voltage requirements. The voltage for wet cell or flooded battery charging algorithms are often higher than LiFePO4 requirements, which will result in the BMS disconnecting the battery at the end of the charge cycle, and may result in the charger displaying an error code. If this happens, it is generally a good practice to replace your charger. Since the BMS protects the battery, using lead-acid chargers will not damage the battery. Please refer to Canbat’s Lithium Charging Instruction document for complete charging instructions and parameters.
Can I charge lithium in cold weather?
LiFePO4 batteries can safely charge between 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C). Canbat Low-Temperature series (LT) can be recharged between -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C). The LT series has a built-in heating system that activates when the temperature reaches the freezing point. It works by warming up the lithium cells to above freezing and only then the BMS would allow in the charging current. The heater does not take power from the battery itself, but rather from the charging current. This ensures that the battery is not discharging itself.
Can I charge my lithium batteries using my alternator?
In order to charge your lithium batteries from your alternator, you will need a DC-DC charger. DC to DC battery chargers offers a safe and effective way to charge your Canbat auxiliary or house batteries from the alternator. The primary purpose of a DC-DC charger is to regulate the voltage and current that come out of your alternator. For any questions, feel free to phone our battery experts or send us an email. We also offer 24/7 chat support to ensure all your questions are addressed!
Can I fully discharge a lithium battery?
Canbat LiFePO4 batteries can be discharged up to 100% of their capacity. However, to optimize the performance of your LiFePO4 battery, to achieve a higher cycle life, and to avoid the BMS disconnecting the battery, we recommend limiting the discharge to 80%. If the BMS disconnects the battery due to low voltage, at 100% depth of discharge, remove the load and recharge the battery to reactivate the BMS.
Can lithium discharge in cold temperatures?
LiFePO4 batteries can safely discharge between -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C). All Canbat LiFePO4 batteries come with a built-in BMS that protects the battery from low-temperatures and high-temperatures. If the BMS disconnects due to cold or high temperature, wait until the temperature is more suitable and the BMS will reconnect automatically.
Are LiFePO4 batteries safe?
Yes.
LiFePO4 is an inherently safe chemistry and the most stable lithium-type battery on the market. Canbat lithium cells are UL 1642 certified, which means they have been tested for:
Short-Circuit
Abnormal Charging
Crush
Impact
Shock
Vibration
Heating
Temperature Cycling
Low Pressure (Altitude Simulation)
All Canbat LiFePO4 batteries come with an internal Battery Management System. The BMS protects against:
1. Under-Voltage – during discharge
2. Over-Voltage – during charge or regen conditions
3. Over-Current – during discharge
4. Over-Temperature – during charge and discharge
5. Short-Circuit Protection – protects battery cells from damage
6. Single-Cell Equalization
Do you have more questions?
Send us a message and one of our battery experts will respond within 24 hours.