Shipping Laptop Batteries

The materials found in laptop batteries are generally classified as hazardous materials, however the current haz-mat shipping laws provide a wide exemption for consumer sized Li-Ion batteries provided that some basic guidelines are followed.

The basic guidelines for shipping laptop batteries are:

• All batteries must be tested to meet UN regulated specifications. This requirement has been in effect since 10/2009, so any battery purchased since this date should be certified.
  
• All batteries must be packed in a rigid carton.  This specifically excludes shipping in any form of envelope, padded or otherwise.
  
• Batteries must be securely packed with several inches of packing material so that the batteries cannot move, shift, or touch each other or any side of the box.  The general standard is that you should be able to drop the box from 4 feet on any side without the contents shifting or being damaged.
  
• Special labeling and additional requirements apply to shipments that contain over 23 cells or contain 12 or more batteries.
  
• The US Postal System has a few of their own regulations.   No more than 3 batteries may be mailed together.  Packages must be labeled "Package Contains Li-Ion Batteries (No Lithium Metal)"

Regulations may change over time.  Please check with the proper authorities to determine the current regulations that may apply to your particular shipment.  Information on battery shipping can be found at:

More Information & Current Regulations:

US Dept of Transportation Information

US Postal System Regulations

FedEx Battery Shipping Guide

Air Travel Rules For Laptop Batteries

The US Department of Transportation, FAA, and related agencies have specific requirement concerning laptop batteries on aircraft.  The Lithium found in laptop batteries is generally classified as a hazardous material.  The current regulations make wide exceptions for Li-Ion batteries found in consumer devices, providing some simple guidelines are followed.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Laptop Battery

All rechargeable batteries wear out over time.  A properly maintained battery can last for hundreds of charge-discharge cycles over several years.  An improperly maintained battery can become non-functional in as little as a few months.  Maintaining your battery is the best way to ensure that it will provide a long service life.

A Look Inside A Laptop's Power System

Modern laptops use a smart power system.  The power systems can automatically adapt to different power adapters, different battery types and capacities, and can provide detailed feedback to the computer.   Smart circuitry can be found in the laptop, battery, and in the adapter.  This article explains the different components found in the power system of modern laptops.

Decoding Laptop Battery Ratings

A laptop battery is technically a "battery pack".  It is essentially a plastic box that contains a number of battery cells along with some safety & control circuitry.  This guide describe the parts of a laptop battery along with how the battery is described and rated.

Battery Run Times Explained

Unfortunately this question does not have a clear simple answer. The easiest way to visualize is to compare a laptop and its battery to a car and its gas tank.  In a car there are many factors that will determine your gas mileage; things like speed, driving habits, environmental conditions, amount of weight in the car, options, equipment, etc.  A gas tank supplier can say that a tank holds 10 gallons, however they really cannot say exactly how fast a particular car will take to burn through that 10 gallons of gas.  This problem eventually prompted the government to step in and mandate standardized mileage tests for cars.