1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient use of your Banshee 12V 18Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery. This advanced deep cycle battery is designed for a wide range of applications, offering superior performance, longevity, and safety compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation.
Image 1.1: The Banshee 12V 18Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery, showcasing its compact design and branding.
Key Features:
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Technology: Offers enhanced safety, longer cycle life, and stable performance.
- High Capacity: 12V 18Ah provides reliable power for various applications.
- Lightweight Design: Approximately 6.61 lbs, significantly lighter than comparable lead-acid batteries.
- Integrated Battery Management System (BMS): Provides protection against overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, short circuit, and thermal issues.
- Long Cycle Life: Over 3000 deep charge cycles, outperforming lead-acid batteries by a significant margin.
- Versatile Applications: Ideal for wheelchairs, scooters, fish finders, solar power storage, RVs, UPS backup, and more.
2. Setup
Proper setup is crucial for the performance and longevity of your Banshee LiFePO4 battery. Follow these steps carefully.
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
- Carefully remove the battery from its packaging.
- Inspect the battery for any visible damage, such as cracks, bulges, or leaks. Do not use the battery if damage is observed.
- Verify that all included accessories, such as M5 insert terminals (nuts and bolts), are present.
Image 2.1: The M5 insert terminals (nuts and bolts) included with the battery for secure connections.
2.2 Terminal Connection
The Banshee 12V 18Ah LiFePO4 battery features flush terminals for better compatibility in various compartments. Ensure proper polarity when connecting.
- Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the battery.
- Connect the positive cable from your application to the positive terminal of the battery.
- Connect the negative cable from your application to the negative terminal of the battery.
- Secure all connections firmly using the provided M5 nuts and bolts. Loose connections can cause overheating and damage.
Image 2.2: The battery's flush terminals, designed for easy integration into various battery compartments.
2.3 Parallel Connection (Optional)
For increased capacity, up to four Banshee 12V 18Ah batteries can be connected in parallel. Do not connect in series.
- Ensure all batteries are of the same voltage and capacity.
- Connect all positive terminals together and all negative terminals together.
- Use cables of appropriate gauge for the expected current draw.
- Maximum parallel connection: 4 batteries for a total of 72 amps.
Image 2.3: Illustration showing how to connect up to four Banshee batteries in parallel to increase total amperage.
3. Operation
The Banshee LiFePO4 battery is designed for efficient and reliable power delivery. Understanding its operational characteristics will ensure optimal performance.
3.1 Charging
Use a LiFePO4 compatible charger. The battery's internal BMS protects against overcharging.
- Connect the charger's positive lead to the battery's positive terminal and the negative lead to the battery's negative terminal.
- Ensure the charger is set to the correct voltage and current for LiFePO4 batteries (typically 14.4V - 14.6V for 12V batteries).
- The battery charges faster and holds power longer than sealed lead-acid equivalents.
3.2 Discharge
The battery is designed for deep cycle applications, providing consistent power until depleted. The BMS will disconnect the battery if the voltage drops too low to prevent damage.
- Avoid continuously drawing current beyond the battery's maximum continuous discharge current (refer to specifications).
- The battery is suitable for various applications including solar setups, UPS backup systems, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and ham radio systems.
Image 3.1: The Banshee battery integrated into a solar power system for an RV, demonstrating its versatility for off-grid and backup power.
4. Maintenance
The Banshee LiFePO4 battery is largely maintenance-free due to its robust design and integrated BMS. However, following these guidelines will help maximize its lifespan.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically check the battery and its connections for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose terminals.
- Cleanliness: Keep the battery terminals clean and free of dirt or debris. Use a dry cloth to wipe the battery surface.
- Storage: If storing the battery for an extended period, ensure it is charged to approximately 50-70% capacity. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid Deep Discharge: While the BMS protects against over-discharge, it is good practice to recharge the battery promptly after significant discharge.
- Temperature: Operate and store the battery within its specified temperature range to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Banshee LiFePO4 battery.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Battery not charging | Charger not connected properly; Charger not LiFePO4 compatible; BMS protection activated. | Check connections; Use a LiFePO4 specific charger; Disconnect load and charger, wait a few minutes, then try charging again. |
| No power output from battery | Loose connections; BMS protection activated (over-discharge, overcurrent, short circuit). | Tighten terminal connections; Remove load, wait for BMS to reset (usually a few minutes), then reconnect. If over-discharged, apply a small charge to wake up the BMS. |
| Battery gets warm during use/charging | High current draw; Poor ventilation; Internal resistance. | Ensure current draw is within specifications; Provide adequate ventilation around the battery; Minor warmth is normal, but excessive heat indicates an issue. Discontinue use if excessively hot. |
| Reduced capacity/runtime | Battery not fully charged; Aging battery; High parasitic drain from application. | Ensure full charge cycles; Check for any continuous small loads on your system; If battery is very old and has exceeded its cycle life, replacement may be necessary. |
If you experience persistent issues not covered here, please contact Banshee customer support.
6. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Banshee 12V 18Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery.
Image 6.1: Detailed dimensions of the Banshee 12V 18Ah LiFePO4 battery: 7.13 inches (L) x 3.03 inches (W) x 6.57 inches (H).
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Banshee |
| Model | 12V 18-LIfepo4-Ban-15 |
| Nominal Voltage | 12.8V |
| Nominal Capacity | 18Ah |
| Energy | 230.4Wh |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 7.13" x 3.03" x 6.57" |
| Item Weight | 6.61 pounds |
| Number Of Cells | 4 |
| Terminal Type | Screw Terminal (M5 Insert) |
| Cycle Life | 3000+ cycles at 100% DoD |
| BMS Protection | Overcharge, Short Circuit, Thermal, Overload, Deep Discharge |
| OEM Part Number Equivalents | GP12150, GP12170, SLAA12-18NB, NP18-12, BP17-12, 6-FM-18, 6-DZM-20, UB12220, NP18-12B, NP20-12, NPG18-12, NPH16-12, NPX-80, EVX-12170, PS-12220, 12V-22AH, CA12220, BP20-12, BP22-12, SLA22-12, UB12180, PS-12180, SLA1116, ML18-12, EXP12180 |
7. Warranty and Support
Banshee stands behind the quality of its products.
7.1 Warranty Information
Your Banshee 12V 18Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery is backed by a 5-Year Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service conditions. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
7.2 Customer Support
For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact our U.S.-based customer support team. Our company has over 25 years of battery expertise to assist you.
For support, please visit the Banshee Store on Amazon or refer to the contact information provided with your purchase.
