How do I store my B-TEC/eLITE battery?

The key factor in the long term storage of a lithium battery is its state of charge. Leaving a lithium cell in a discharged state will cause permanent damage and may render the battery unusable. It is important to keep in mind that all lithium batteries have a self discharge, even whilst in storage. This means that even if your battery is isolated from all loads, it will continue to slowly discharge on its own and may eventually shut off if it is left alone for too long. To prevent this, always make sure that your batteries have adequate charge before putting them into storage. There are two methods you can use for placing your battery in long term storage:

Long term storage connected to a charge source

One option for placing your battery into long term storage is to keep it connected to a charge source (typically an AC charger). If you choose to store your battery this way, then it is important to ensure that your charger has a lithium profile and that the charger has been programmed with the correct float voltage. The float voltage range for B-TEC and eLITE batteries can be found in the specifications section on the side of the battery or in the user manual. While the charge source should keep your battery maintained, it is still important to periodically check the state of your battery and chargers to ensure it remains healthy.

Long term storage in isolation

Another option for the long term storage of your battery is to isolate it by completely removing any connected loads. This can be accomplished by activating an isolation switch if your system has one, manually tripping circuit breakers, or physically removing the fuses or cabling that connect loads to the battery. Some ENERDRIVE | DOMETIC eSYSTEM DIY kits also come with circuit breakers that allow you to isolate the system by tripping the two surface mounted circuit breakers located where the positive battery cable connects to the system.

If you choose to store your battery this way, then it is important to ensure that the state of charge is at least 90% before storing it. The battery's state of charge should be checked every few weeks once it has been placed in storage to ensure that it remains sufficiently charged.

For more information about storing your B-TEC or eLITE battery, check out our video series here.