
Frequently Asked Questions
What are LiFePO4 batteries and how do they work?
LiFePO4 batteries, or Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, are a type of lithium battery known for their safety, longevity, and high performance.
They have rapidly become a popular choice for replacing lead acid based batteries in many applications including RVs, Bikes, Cabins, Trailers, Boats, etc.
They don't emit flammable/poisonous/corrosive gasses while charging, and offer superior power output and usable capacity.
They also have a significantly improved lifespan, offering 10+ years of service versus the typical 2-5 years of lead.
What applications are best suited for Sapphire Energy's LiFePO4 batteries?
Our high-performance LiFePO4 batteries are perfect for a variety of applications, including RVs, off-grid living, and solar systems. They are designed to provide reliable energy storage and efficiency, making them ideal for anyone looking to power their adventures or sustainable living setups.
Most individual LiFePO batteries, however, are not suitable for extra high demand applications like starting vehicles, where the demand can be hundreds of amps.
For heavy load applications, larger batteries, or multiple batteries in parallel can be used together to safely power your loads.
How do I connect to my battery's Bluetooth?
You will need to install the app on your device. Most reasonably modern phones/tablets should be able to connect without issues.
The easiest way to install the app is to scan the QR code on the top of your battery (if it has the sticker). If there is no sticker, you can search for "XiaoXiangElectric" and install from the Google Play (or Apple) Store. You can also find a link for the download on our downloads page
Watch a helpful video here - https://youtu.be/fbYpIPcM7IE
How Do I Install a Battery Monitor?
Battery monitors are a great way to keep track of your charge level, and consumption.
Installation of our monitors is a fairly straight forward process, using basic tools.
Refer to the instructions included with your monitor for specific details.
Generally speaking, the monitor is comprised of 2 main parts, and some cabling. The "sampler" (aka shunt) is installed between the battery's negative terminal, and everything else. So all power will flow through the sampler, directly from the battery. Take note that you connect the sampler in the correct direction (or you will see negative numbers when charging).
You will also need to connect the sampler's positive wire (small gauge) to the battery's positive terminal. This allows allows the monitor to power up the LCD, and measure/record energy moving in the system.
All that's left is to mount the LCD screen somewhere convenient, and run the included communications cable between the sampler, and the display. Be sure to tuck excess wire out the of way, and gently strap to prevent anything from vibrating loose, rubbing, or becoming unplugged.
How do I monitor the health and performance of my battery?
Advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, or built-in LCD screens, mean you can easily monitor your battery's health and performance in real-time. Simply connect to the battery using the app, or check the LCD display, for important information about charge levels, temperature, and overall status.
If your battery doesn't include monitoring features built in, the best way to track your battery's charge status is to use a Battery Monitor. These are installed between the battery and your chargers/loads. All energy passing to/from the battery is counted by the monitor, and then displayed on a LCD screen you can mount in a convenient place.
Check our selection of battery monitors for great options to help you.
What Safety Features Do Your Batteries Have?
All of them. It's that simple.
Safety is a top priority at Sapphire Energy. Our LiFePO4 batteries come equipped with robust safety protections, including overcharge, over-discharge (undercharge), and short-circuit protections.
We also include full temperature protections for high and low extremes, ensuring that your lithium investment is going to be around for a long time.
How Long Can I Expect My Battery To Last?
Our LiFePO4 batteries are built with A and A+ grade cells, and designed for longevity. Typically lasting up to 10 years (or more) with proper care and charging.
They also have an extremely high cycle life, allowing for thousands of charge and discharge cycles (often 5000+), making them an extremely cost-effective choice.
Picture this. If you charged your battery overnight, and then ran it down every day, after 10 years you'd be almost up to 4000 cycles.
Many of our battery products include a 5 year warranty, beating out the vast majority of lead products, so you can rest easy knowing we are confident in the battery, and you are covered.
Can I use these batteries in extreme temperatures?
Mostly Yes. Our LiFePO4 batteries are designed to perform well in a range of temperatures. Typically they can be discharged down to -20°C, and charged up at over 40°C. However, for optimal performance and longevity, LiFePO batteries do prefer being use in temperatures between 10°C and 30°C.
Charging should not be attempted on LiFePO batteries if their internal temperature is below freezing (unless you have a self heating battery), as this can damage the battery.
All of our batteries include low temperature protections to prevent you from accidently damaging your battery investment if it gets too cold. We want you to enjoy our products for as long as possible! If you're happy, we're happy.
If you are expecting to operate in extreme temperatures, a simple insulated enclosure around the battery, and/or purchasing a model with built in heating, is often enough to overcome the temperature challenges.
LiFePO batteries are also safe enough to bring indoors, solving most temperature concerns.
What is the warranty on your batteries?
We stand behind the quality of our products. Our LiFePO4 batteries come with a 5 year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects and ensures your investment is protected. Please refer to our warranty policy for specific details.
How Do I Properly Maintain My New Battery?
To ensure the longevity of your battery, it's important to avoid storing it for extended periods of time without recharging. Typically charging it to about >60% and then leaving it for 6 months is acceptable. All batteries slowly discharge on their own, and if your battery discharges low enough, or is left sitting long enough, the built in protections will activate and disable the onboard computer (BMS) to help slow the drain. You may need to "wake up" the battery when you go to use it next time. If left in this state long enough, it will cause damage to the battery and void your warranty.
When storing for extended periods, its best store it in a cool (10-20°C), dry place. Regularly checking the battery's health with a voltmeter, or through onboard monitoring features (like LCD or Bluetooth), will also help you maintain optimal performance. You want to see a number that is higher than 12 Volts. If the number is reading below 12.5 Volts, you should charge.
If you need help with your battery, reach out to our support team and we'll be happy to help.
Where Can I Find More Information About Your Products
You can find detailed information about our products on our website, including specifications, features, and user guides.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to our customer support team for assistance!