Storage State of Charge
The ratio that sets at what charge level a lithium-polymer battery that will not be used for a long time should be kept. The general consensus is 40-60% charge; the typical range for storage temperature is -20 to +25 °C. Keeping it fully charged or fully empty markedly shortens its life.
The chemical ageing inside the cell is accelerated by voltage and temperature. A cell sitting fully charged (at high voltage) loses capacity faster; a cell sitting fully empty can fall below the protection threshold through self-discharge and suffer permanent damage. A mid-level charge lowers both risks at once.
- Seasonal site: store a remote control that will not be used in winter half charged, in a cool and dry place.
- Periodic check: in long storage, check the charge level every three to four months and bring it back into the 40-60% band.
- Spare unit: storing the spare remote control on the shelf half charged instead of leaving it permanently on charge lets you find sound capacity when you need it.
On the alkaline-cell LF200 remote control the equivalent is different: in long storage take the cells out of the unit, because the real risk is not capacity but a leaking cell eating away the contacts.
The context in which this term is used: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide