Can Batteries Get Wet and Still Work?

Everyone knows water and electronics don't mix well together. Moisture close to electrical devices poses a risk to the people interacting with those appliances and the appliance itself. But, can lithium batteries get wet too?

Like many other electricity or charge-related devices, a lithium battery will also break down in the water, hence, it should never be submerged in it.

That said, you must be wondering if lithium batteries offer any water resistance at all. Well, they do. However, the degree of protection depends on certain factors like the IP rating and type.

Want to know more about the waterproofing of lithium batteries? No worries, as I am here to answer your queries and discuss the importance of the IP65 rating.

Can lithium batteries get wet?

Simply put, lithium batteries can get wet sometimes. However, it depends on the manufacturer's design and battery quality. Many lithium batteries can withstand accidental splashing or rain, but, to be sure, you must consider the manufacturer's recommendation about exposure to water.

Different batteries offer varying levels of protection against water. Some may offer protection against strong jets of water from different angles while others may only be able to handle some moisture.

For instance, Renogy's Pro 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 battery has a rating of IP67. Batteries with this rating provide one of the highest levels of protection against liquids and solids. This battery is perfect for marine applications since it fights off water ingress even strong jets of water.

Consequences of water damage to lithium batteries

Despite the degree of protection your battery provides against moisture, it is not recommended to let it submerge in water. This can cause serious damage to the battery, adversely affecting its performance and may even leave it inoperable.

Additionally, excessive exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion of materials inside a lithium battery. It can harm the internal structure of the battery, which can lead to the malfunction of its safety mechanism.

What happens if a lithium battery gets wet?

Exposing lithium batteries to water for extended periods or submerging them can cause some serious damage. If the internal components of the battery come in contact with water, it can provoke potentially dangerous chemical reactions. Further, immersion of the battery in water can create a way for the current to flow between its terminals causing unintentional discharge.

Water ingress can also degrade the cathode and anode. Cathode and anode made of substances like lithium cobalt oxide and graphite break down when they come in contact with water leading to capacity loss.

Also, excessive exposure of the battery to water may cause the liquid to collect inside the battery. In this case, the collected water can bridge the electrodes leading to internal short circuits.

How does salt water affect lithium batteries?

Even though both fresh and saltwater can damage the battery, saltwater poses excessive risks. When lithium batteries come in contact with saltwater, their metal components like terminals can corrode, resulting in reduced electrical conductivity and performance. Also, an internal short circuit due to saltwater can cause overheating and eventually fire.

When lithium batteries encounter saltwater, a chemical reaction takes place that liberates chlorine and hydrogen gases. They are highly flammable and increase the risk of explosion significantly in poorly ventilated or closed areas.

Furthermore, if a lithium battery short circuits in salt water, it can lead to thermal runaway. In this condition, excessive heat is generated, which results in self-sustaining reactions, causing the battery to swell or even explode.

When exposed to saltwater for a prolonged time, the battery can be damaged internally, which significantly reduces its lifespan.

Is it safe to recharge a wet lithium battery?

Generally, small amounts of water or a moist environment do not affect safe recharging, however, submerged lithium batteries should never be recharged.

Charging an immersed lithium battery can result in the following outcomes.

• Recharging a submerged lithium battery can cause damage to the charging device. This is due to moisture creating a pathway for current to flow uncontrollably.
• If the battery's terminals and other internal components have come in contact with water, trying to recharge the battery may speed up corrosion and cause more damage to it.
• Also, charging the battery in the presence of liquid can increase the chances of internal short circuits causing leakage or overheating, even worse catching fire.

Can lithium batteries be stored outdoors?

Storing lithium batteries outdoors occasionally causes no harm as they are fully sealed and can operate in a variety of temperatures. However, some elements like rainwater and dust particles may cause a degree of damage, depending on your battery's design and manufacturer specifications. Therefore, make sure to shield your batteries from extreme weather conditions for their optimal performance and increased lifespan to make the most of your investment.

If you want to store your lithium batteries outside, generally it is recommended to keep them in a dry place, away from the direct sunlight. For a prolonged lifespan, it is better to store them away from excessive heat or freezing cold temperatures.

For detailed guidance on proper lithium battery storage, see our article on how to store lithium batteries safely.

What precautions should I take to protect my lithium batteries from getting wet?

• The first thing to do is to avoid your lithium batteries from getting submerged in water, as this can cause significant damage.
• When possible, avoid using your lithium batteries outdoors during continuous precipitation.
• The way you store your batteries is also a significant factor. Store them in a dry place, rather than an area that is prone to moisture or flooding.
• You must check your batteries every now and then for leakage issues or other damages. This ensures any collection or contact with water doesn't go unnoticed, enabling you to take appropriate measures at the right time.
• Finally, for outdoors, it is recommended to invest in a waterproof battery case to prevent your lithium batteries from getting wet.

What is an IP65 rating?

An IP65 rating is the level of protection offered by an electrical enclosure against solids and liquids like dust and water. The IP stands for Ingress Protection, whereas 65 is the degree of protection.

In IP65, 6 and 5 indicate the following:

The 6 indicates the level of protection against solids. It means that the enclosure can withstand dust and other solid particles and completely prevent dust particles from entering the battery. Also, 6 is the highest IP rating for solids.

The 5 indicates how good this enclosure is at protecting your batteries from liquids. This rating means your device is safe from low-pressure water jets from any angle.

Overall, IP65 is an excellent rating and is well-suited for outdoor applications where moist environments or dust particles may be a concern. However, it cannot withstand high-pressure water jets or immersion even briefly.

How can I waterproof my lithium batteries?

Waterproofing your lithium batteries is one of the most effective ways to protect them from water damage. One way to go about waterproofing your batteries is to coat them with waterproof materials like rubberized paints or silicone. However, make sure that the terminals and other critical components are accessible.

You can also look into installing marine-grade waterproof boxes for batteries.

For additional protection, you can also add the conformal coating to the circuit board. However, consult your product's manufacturer before applying any sealing material directly to the battery cell or pack. It will prevent some sealants from damaging the battery material.

How safe are lithium batteries on boats?

Generally, when kept up with basic maintenance, lithium marine batteries are safe to be used on boats. They are preferred over lead-acid batteries to be used on water.

In comparison to lead-acid, lithium batteries are more efficient, which means they have a more effective battery capacity and charge faster. Additionally, lithium batteries can withstand extreme temperatures and are more portable, so they can be stored and mounted easily.

Lithium-ion batteries are also completely sealed, making them less prone to water damage. While some chemistries of lithium batteries are volatile and susceptible to thermal runaway, the LiFePO4 is remarkably safe. For instance, Renogy's lithium iron phosphate batteries are a perfect fit for your marine adventures.

Conclusion

Can lithium batteries get wet? There is no simple answer. It all comes down to your battery's design and quality which varies for different manufacturers.

For instance, Renogy's lithium batteries have a rating of IP65, also known as dust-tight casing offering complete protection from dust particles. They can also withstand low-pressure water from any angle with minimal impact on their operations, so you may use them for boats.

However, remember that batteries with an IP65 rating or lower should never be submerged in water, as it can cause corrosion, internal short circuits, or even fires in the worst-case scenario.