Li-ion weatherproof?

[Chilehead]

I've been on the fence about purchasing a few pieces of lithium-ion-powered equipment. I use an open utility trailer so all of my equipment is exposed to the elements 24-7. Gas-powered equipment holds up fine to these conditions, but what about li-ion? Can the equipment/batteries handle constant UV rays, high heat/humidity, extreme cold, heavy rain, sleet, and still perform reliably like gas-powered items day in and day out for years? Stored in a garage, they'll last for years, but what about real-world conditions like I just stated?

 

[Brucey]

The Stihl backpack battery units like the AR3000 have a rain cover that can be zipped on, the more recent AR2000 L and AR3000 L batteries appear to be waterproof without needing the baggie:

However these units cost up to $1400 for the AR3000 L and harness, so definitely not something you would want sitting out on the trailer when not in use.

 

[No gloves]

Shouldn't you only have to worry about battery getting wet?

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

Shouldn't you only have to worry about battery getting wet?

Generally electric motors dont like getting wet either

 

[Brucey]

Yeah I have no problem leaving the 2 stroke gear in the bed of the truck for rain etc. If I had a battery powered Kombi I would be taking steps to keep her dry.

 

[AlohaMowing]

It will vary by the design of the tool, but most would be vulnerable to getting moisture into the area that the battery fits to the tool. Eventually you probably would have problems of corrosion causing poor connections and possibly shorts between connectors. That might be reduced by keeping the battery and tool contacts well greased with a conductive grease (and not a grease identified as a dielectric grease because those are insulators, not conductors).

And electric tools are going to have switches that are potential points for moisture intrusion, and those probably cannot be protected by grease.

As Crazy 4 grass said, electric motors are also an issue. Typically they are designed to allow airflow to keep them from overheating, and airflow means potential water flow.

I think one would want a weather proof storage box for electric equipment.

 

[No gloves]

Generally electric motors dont like getting wet either

Have ego and they seem sealed well compared to other brands.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

It will vary by the design of the tool, but most would be vulnerable to getting moisture into the area that the battery fits to the tool. Eventually you probably would have problems of corrosion causing poor connections and possibly shorts between connectors. That might be reduced by keeping the battery and tool contacts well greased with a conductive grease (and not a grease identified as a dielectric grease because those are insulators, not conductors).

And electric tools are going to have switches that are potential points for moisture intrusion, and those probably cannot be protected by grease.

As Crazy 4 grass said, electric motors are also an issue. Typically they are designed to allow airflow to keep them from overheating, and airflow means potential water flow.

I think one would want a weather proof storage box for electric equipment.

You hit the nail on the head. Electric motors need airflow and airflow openings are potential water entrance points.

 

[Chilehead]

Some really good info here--thanks, guys! I was wondering about the whole airflow thing. I use my li-ion drills and saws all the time for home projects, and they get hot pretty quick. I know if they reach a certain temperature, they shut down until they cool off even if I have a full battery. I think I am going to steer clear of li-ion and just stick to 2-stroke for my handhelds until some more innovation to fix these issues comes around.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

Some really good info here--thanks, guys! I was wondering about the whole airflow thing. I use my li-ion drills and saws all the time for home projects, and they get hot pretty quick. I know if they reach a certain temperature, they shut down until they cool off even if I have a full battery. I think I am going to steer clear of li-ion and just stick to 2-stroke for my handhelds until some more innovation to fix these issues comes around.

Yea I think the only realistic route at this point is go with an enclosed trailer.