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FAQ: How should the PCM battery be protected against improper use?

Even though the PCM battery does contain the PCM board (Protective Circuit Module), the purpose of the PCM board is not to be used instead of the proper battery protection. The battery with the PCM  needs to be protected as any other lithium battery.

Proper fusing – it is necessary to protect the battery against accidental over discharge by a proper fusing.  Using a proper fuse protects not only the battery but also it protects the equipment, as the fusing does not allow too high currents to pass through the device in case of a failure. You should always install a proper fuse to protect the battery. (For example for a 12V/100W equipment you should install a 10AMP fuse. For the 12V batteries it is easy to use the 12V fuses manufactured by the automotive suppliers.)

Deep discharge protection - As indicated in the specification file, the deep discharge voltage for the 12V PCM battery is set to 10V. You need to install battery-monitoring equipment to disconnect the load from the battery if the voltage drops to the 10V level. You should not rely on the PCM board only. The PCM board is only a last instance serving as a additional (backup) protection in case of the failure of the main protection against deep discharge. (See also here)

Over charge protection - The maximal voltage for the PCM battery is given as 14.6V. To protect the battery against overcharge, you should install a over charge protection that will disconnect the charging source from the battery when the maximal voltage is over-reached.

Over heating protection - The PCM module inside the battery can be over heated during high current discharge/charge or during the balancing of the cells.  The battery should not be operated in unventilated enclosures that do not allow for the release of the heat.  If the battery is mounted in an enclosure, proper ventilation must be insured.

Fire protection - no matter what kind of equipment you may be using, you always need to consider the fire protection. The batteries should be never used in places where some flammable gases may cause explosion. When using the battery, the battery should not be placed close to  flammable substances, like paper, plastics, wood or other materials.  Any kind of battery should be installed in fire proof cabinets to protect from fire in a case of a battery failure or an accident.  We strongly recommend to install fire alarms at any place where batteries are charged and discharged.  Please remember the fire is a good servant but a very bad master!