Updated rules for use of LiPo sacks - please read

[SlowOne]

Following changes to the way people are using their LiPos, the BRCA Electric Board have issued the following guidance, and a change to General Rule 4. This means that the new rule applies immediately to all Electric Sections.

SAFETY PROCEDURES WHEN CHARGING/DISCHARGING LiPo/LiFe BATTERIES.

To ALL BRCA Electric Sections, 27.02.14.

Recent communications received have indicated that some competitors are discharging LiPo batteries using a high discharge current between races.
Whilst most of the current batteries are stated to have a 'C' rating that will accommodate this practice, we have to consider that a chemical change is taking place within the battery and of course we cannot rely on the often 'inflated' figures seen on Lipo labels.

If a LiPo flames whilst it is being discharged during a race, then it is unlikely to hurt anything other than the track surface.
If it happens whilst discharging on a pit-table, then the safety concerns take on an entirely different perspective.

Therefore in the interest of safety, BRCA General Rule 4 will be updated to require that :-

"All LiPo/LiFe drive batteries must be in a 'closed' LiPo sack when being charged or discharged. This applies to any discharging procedures, except during a race or when using organiser supplied resistors to correct voltage".

This procedure applies with immediate effect.

As General Rules apply to all Sections, this amendment must be enforced in all Electric Sections.

Best regards,
Paul Worsley. (Secretary, BRCA Electric Board).

[russmini]

Why not:

No Discharging is allowed at a Race Meeting. Other than the natural process that happens whilst racing. Also if Scrutineering deems to high voltage.

And

Charging must be confined to a LiPo Sack and any openings, fully closed/sealed.

[RudolfXC]

If in your final your car breaks near the start of the race, you need to discharge to leave in storage so banning is not practical.

[Chris-S]

When will we see some form of official lipo sack testing, where lipo sacks must meet a minimum standard, rather than hoping that the £15 you've spent might keep a lipo fire contained.

[mark christopher]

Originally Posted by russmini

Why not:

No Discharging is allowed at a Race Meeting. Other than the natural process that happens whilst racing. Also if Scrutineering deems to high voltage.

And

Charging must be confined to a LiPo Sack and any openings, fully closed/sealed.

how do you police weather their being charged or discharged?

stock classes are now discharging at up to 40 amps then charging at anywhere around 10 amps.

you don't need a sack to take off surface charge as document.

[danDanEFC]

Originally Posted by mark christopher

stock classes are now discharging at up to 40 amps then charging at anywhere around 10amps.

Does anyone now why these weirdos do such things?

Why are the on-road guys such crazy cheats?

[mark christopher]

Originally Posted by danDanEFC

Does anyone now why these weirdos do such things?

Why are the on-road guys such crazy cheats?

Yes I know why and it does not make those doing it cheats, unless you can show that in any written ruling....
1c charge rate is a guideline, not a rule, and Defo no discharge rule.

[Justingt5]

Am I missing something here? Why would anyone want to discharge the lipos so they can then charge them again?? I thought they were MEMORYLESS batteries? surely its faster and safer to just keep them topped up between heats?

[danDanEFC]

Originally Posted by mark christopher

Yes I know why and it does not make those doing it cheats, unless you can show that in any written ruling....
1c charge rate is a guideline, not a rule, and Defo no discharge rule.

This reply makes me happy to not be involved with stock/on road racing.

If covering your radio in petrol and setting fire to it made you 0.5secs quicker than the other guy these guys would do it.