Battery safety / 25 July 2026
Drone battery warning signs you should never ignore
Swelling, heat, damage and unusual smells are reasons to stop, not reasons to try one more charge.
A lithium battery can look almost normal while developing a serious fault. A quick condition check should happen before every charge and flight.
Physical signs of a suspect battery
Stop using a battery that is swollen, bulging, punctured, split, crushed, leaking or badly dented. Treat unusual heat, hissing, cracking, smoke, an acrid smell or a sudden change in charging behaviour as warning signs too.
What to do next
Stop charging and switch the equipment off if it is safe to do so. Do not puncture, compress, open or attempt to repair the battery. If there is smoke or fire, get out, stay out and call 999. Follow local fire-service and council guidance for safe handling and disposal.
Safer everyday habits
Use the correct compatible charger, inspect batteries after any impact and allow a hot battery to cool in a suitable place before charging. Keep battery contacts clean and protected, and do not leave charging batteries unattended.
Do not put a damaged battery in the post
LDR must confirm the carriage route before equipment is sent. Never post a swollen, punctured, wet, recalled or overheating battery. You can still tell us about the aircraft fault and arrange an assessment without sending the unsafe battery.
Your next step
Tell the team about a battery fault