What should I do if my LiPo battery is smoking or getting hot?

A LiPo battery that emits smoke or becomes unusually hot is a serious safety warning. Act immediately and carefully to prevent fire or further damage.

Immediate action in case of smoke or (imminent) fire

1. Stay calm, but act quickly.
2. Disconnect the battery from model or charger only if it is safe to do so (do not touch the battery with bare hands).
3. Take the battery outside, away from flammable materials, pets and people.
4. Place the battery in sand (bucket/tray), a LiPo-safe bag or a metal box with sand.
5. Allow controlled burning out or smother with sand. Preferably use a suitable extinguishing agent (Class D) as available.

Important: Do not use water to extinguish a LiPo fire; this may worsen the reaction.

If the battery is "only" warm (no smoke)

• Stop driving or charging immediately and disconnect.
• Place the battery on a non-flammable surface (tile/metal plate) in a safe place with ventilation.
• Allow to cool completely; then check for swelling, damaged shrink wrap/cords or chemical odor.
• If swelling, persistent heat or visible damage: do not use anymore.

After the incident: quarantine & disposal

• Leave the battery in a safe container for at least 1-2 hours (preferably 24 hours) and check that it does not reheat.
• Don't puncture it, don't open it, don't try to "fix" it.
• Dispose of the battery as small chemical waste according to local guidelines (bring to environmental street/collection point).

Common causes

• Wrong charging (too high voltage/current, wrong program, no balancing).
• Overcharging (discharge current above C-value; setup/gearing too heavy).
• Short circuit (damaged plug/cable or contact between plus and minus).
• Physical damage (crash, kink, puncture) or aging.

Prevention is better than cure

• Always charge with a suitable LiPo charger in balance mode, in a LiPo-safe bag or heat-resistant case.
• Use batteries within their C-value and provide appropriate gearing and cooling.
• Store at storage voltage (~3.8 V/cell) and not in extreme heat/cold.
• Inspect regularly for swelling and damage; doubt = do not use.

Conclusion

Smoke or overheating of a LiPo battery is an emergency: stop immediately, move the battery safely outdoors, and isolate it in sand or a safety container. Do not use the battery anymore and dispose of it as chemical waste. With proper charging, balancing, appropriate load, and safe storage, the risk remains low.