Photo & Video Cameras

US Officials Limit Lithium-Based Batteries on Passenger Aircrafts

To prevent incidents

By Tudor Raiciu, Technology and Science Editor

3rd of January 2008, 15:15 GMT

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As if flight regulations following the terrorist attacks weren't harsh enough, the US Department of Transportation has come up with a new rule targeting lithium batteries.

As a PHMS (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) press release informs, passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage beginning January 1, 2008.

Although the odds of such an incident occurring are extremely low, the new regulation is designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires that can be produced by short-circuiting or unintentional activation.

Extended-life 160 watt-hour lithium ion battery

According to new rule, you will be able to have lithium batteries in checked baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags.

However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries, such as laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage.

"Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires," said Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Here's a quick list detailing the new rule from PHMS:

- Spare batteries are the batteries you carry separately from the devices they power. When batteries are installed in a device, they are not considered spare batteries.
- You may not pack a spare lithium battery in your checked baggage
- You may bring spare lithium batteries with you in carry-on baggage - see our spare battery tips and how-to sections to find out how to pack spare batteries safely!
- Even though we recommend carrying your devices with you in carry-on baggage as well, if you must bring one in checked baggage, you may check it with the batteries installed.

Click here for tips for spare batteries provided by safetravel.dot.gov.

TAGS:

PHMS | lithium batteries

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