Update to new member stickies

[GIMike]

I mentioned this in a different thread just a few minutes ago, and have said it numerous times in other posts, but I don't think the info is getting out there. I think this should be common place for new users, but sadly it is not. I think we should recommend 24 hour outlet timers to new users for charging the batteries. This could help them save the life of batteries from possible overcharging, as well as the whole saftey issue of a battery overcharging due to a failed shutoff circuit. Timers will shut off the power to the outlet depending on how you tell it to, and I think this as a backup to a shut off circuit is almost a necessity. Just set it to charge for 4 - 6 hours or whatever floats your boat when you plug the battery in. Set it and forget it. No more worries about needing special charging places and things due to accidentally leaving it on longer than you intended to. If this is the wrong place to mention it, feel free to move it. Also, I didn't mention any particular type or store to buy them from here, as to keep ECF from appearing to be associated with any particular brand. I will say though, that my experience with the red/green slider types was not great. They eventually stopped turning on and off properly for me. I use the kind with the little push down buttons for the amount of time I want, and haven't had any problems.

 

[oldsoldier]

It is a good idea. Having another layer of protection is never a bad thing.

Using a Li-ion charging bag (or charging in a tin / non flammable vented enclosure) is what we recommend for the simple reason that all electronic devices can fail. Charging in a "safe" location is a better fail-safe.

 

[GIMike]

Glad I could help out then. It's just sad when you see people mention all these charging problems that likely wouldn't have happened with a $5 purchase. But yes, I agree that a charging bag is probably a great investment as well. Put the 2 together, and you shouldn't have any problems. You've got a failsafe to the built in charging shut off, and if the timer doesn't shut off, you've got the bag to protect it. Without the timer though, there isn't a redundant failsafe against just lower battery life due to overcharging, and I would be that is more common than exploders

 

[rolygate]

I also think this is a good idea. In order that people get the best type of timer, and since you have some experience of them, I suggest that you start a thread in General Discussion and name it:

Mains electric timers for charging safety
- or whatever you think is a suitable title

Then give some links to Amazon or Ebay sources that you think appropriate. As a result, some ecig vendors will probably pick these up as they did with the Li-Po charging sacks.

In the UK I would advise buyers to use Screwfix mail order, they have good products at the right price and are extensively used by construction trades and others. Not sure if there is a US equivalent. Here are their plug-in timers:

Plug-In Timers - Timers & Controllers | Screwfix.com

 

[oldsoldier]

If GIMike is willing to take this on I'll happily add it into the stickies and crosslink it so It gets found in other stickies as well.