Hello to Autumn Adventures!

Welcome to the latest edition of the Tāmaki Marine Park newsletter. It’s been another busy month, and as we mentioned last time, it’s been great to see so many TMP boaties making the most of the prime autumn weather conditions.

Lithium Batteries: Staying Safe on the Water

Lithium batteries (typically LFP – lithium iron phosphate) are becoming an increasingly popular power source for boat owners. When installation involves a retrofit – the process requires careful planning and expertise to ensure safety and optimal performance are achieved. (It’s not just a matter of pulling out lead batteries and popping in new lithium).

LFP batteries operate differently from lead-acid batteries in terms of their power characteristics, such as charging and discharging behaviour, voltage stability, and energy storage capabilities.

Because of this, the devices controlling the batteries, including charge controllers, alternators, and DC converters, may need to be modified or replaced to accommodate the unique requirements of LFP batteries.

Without proper installation by knowledgeable professionals, boat owners risk failing to realise the full potential of LFP batteries in terms of performance, reliability, and longevity.

Be careful with devices stored on-board.

Meanwhile, recent boat fires have been linked to high energy lithium-ion battery powered devices, tools, and toys stored on board boats. These items include power tools such as portable drills, household smart devices, power banks, rechargeable vacuums, and toys such as electric foiling boards and e-bikes. In most cases, these devices use NMC batteries (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide).

The actual cause of these fires has been linked to charging practices – such as not using chargers recommended by the original equipment manufacturer or charging for too long. With that in mind, boat owners should follow these simple safety steps:

• Charge a device on a surface that is non-flammable
• Don’t charge lithium-ion batteries near flammable material
• Charge your battery in a cool, dry place
• Never charge a battery that’s been sitting out in the sun
• Don’t overcharge (disconnect after 3 hours of charge time)
• Don’t charge overnight or when your boat is unattended

There’s no doubt that lithium batteries provide efficient power for a wide range of devices, and as a marine power source. But boat owners need to be vigilant about their use and installation. We hope this article helps and if you have any concerns, please talk to a marine electrical professional.