RC Plane Article
Safe battery building for hobbyists: 18650 packs, spot welding and BMS basics. Building lithium-ion battery packs can be a rewarding part of many hobby projects, but it carries real risks that deserve respect and preparation. This safety overview focuses on the common 18650 cell format, the merits of spot welding versus soldering, whether to use a battery management system or not, and practical precautions to reduce the chance of fire, injury or expensive mistakes. Start with the cells themselves, because a safe pack begins with reliable components. Use genuine, new 18650s from reputable suppliers and avoid unknown or rewrapped cells sold at suspiciously low prices. Be aware of cell specifications such as nominal voltage, capacity, continuous discharge rating and internal resistance, and do not mix cells of different brands, ages or capacities in the same pack. Check each cell visually for dents, corrosion or swollen wrappers and measure open-circuit voltage and internal resi...