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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Are RedBricks Dry Cell batteries?

PaulClements

PaulClements

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Hi I've just spoken to someone at Heathrow about the camera batteries who said they would be ok as long as they are Dry Cell and not wet cell. I'm fairly sure Lithium Ion batteries are Dry Cell but I thought it worth asking from the horses mouth so to speak.

Anyone else travelled through heathrow with RedBricks at all? Anything worth noting?

Thanks
Paul
 
I just got back from a RED job in England from Canada and there was no problem carrying on the batteries.
 
Hey all,

As far as I can work out the rules are:

- You can only check in batteries installed into the device they are powering. ie when my steadicam flys I can leave 3 lithium batteries attached to it and it's fine going in the hold. However simply leaving them on the charger isn't allowed since they don't power the charger!

- You can carry-on 2 spare batteries per person upto a total of approx 300watthours.

Here is the PAG article that I got this from...

http://www.paguk.com/declaration012008.htm

I reckon you can bend these rules a little and 90% of the time you'll get away with it. However you don't want to have a case burned for breaching rules on your way to a big job!

Ben
 
Hi Paul

I've flown a couple of times with 4 batts in my flightcase in zip lock bags. Declared it at check in at Heathrow and was told it wasn't a problem. Also I had rung BA in advance and they said no problem too.

Cheers
Jeff Brown
RED708
 
Lithium ion batteries are illegal in checked baggage. They have been for years. It all goes back to a air cargo plane catching on fire with a load of cheap chinese watch batteries.

If you get somebody that knows the rules, and can recognize a lion battery they will pull your batts out of your case, and you won't have them when you arrive for your shoot.

In your carry on you may have one on the device, and one spare. So if you have one on the camera, a spare, and anything that runs off a v-lock battery, and a spare thats 4.

If you search the steadicam forum this has been discussed extensively, and all the regs posted.

If you short a lion they can catch on fire and burn violently. I know there is no way baggage handlers would throw cases around, and stuff never shifts in the hold, but please don't stick any in the hold when I'm on the plane.

Nick
 
It's a $250,000 fine if they catch you checking Lithiums in your baggage! Please don't do it on any aircraft I will be flying on.

The reason for this is because the fire suppression systems in passenger plane luggage holds will not extinguish a lithium fire! They want you to carry them on so they can deal with fires using the proper type of extinguisher.

We have been carrying on the Swit batteries that break into 2 parts on our travels around the world. When separated, each piece is under 8 grams of Lithium, so they are exempt like cell phone and laptop batteries. Security people around the world have so far recognized them and haven't given us any problems.

Another issue with Heathrow, however, is that I have heard they only allow ONE carry-on bag, regardless of what your airline may allow. Is this true?
 
Jeff Brown said:
Hi Paul

I've flown a couple of times with 4 batts in my flightcase in zip lock bags. Declared it at check in at Heathrow and was told it wasn't a problem. Also I had rung BA in advance and they said no problem too.

Cheers
Jeff Brown
RED708
Click to expand...

I'd say you should b careful with assuming that though. I've been asked about my batteries but I have Hytron 140, so luckily it didn't matter.

It all depends on who it is and how informed they are at the check in desk.

Fredrik
 
I have heard they only allow ONE carry-on bag, regardless of what your airline may allow
Click to expand...

I have had this problem at Heathrow before. It usually takes the ticket counter folk walking down to security and explaining that it is OK with them, it is professional gear etc. I have always made it thru, but it's often been a big pain in the ass.

Nick
 
I have heard they only allow ONE carry-on bag, regardless of what your airline may allow
Click to expand...

When you check in, mention that you have two carry ons and see what they say, it usually helps that you just payed $2000 in excess baggage for the rest of your crap.

Good luck

Nick
 
Should batteries be taken on with zero charge? Does it matter?

Paul
 
PaulClements said:
Should batteries be taken on with zero charge? Does it matter?
Click to expand...

From a safety point of view I don't think it makes a difference. Even if you are relying on the fact that the batteries are flat to make them safe, you would still have to prevent them from shorting out so what does it gain you?

From a practical point of view - who ever has time to charge all their batteries when they arrive at a location? Certainly not me! I carry them charged just for that reason!

Also, sometimes airport security will want you to prove that the batteries actually can power something. We carry an LCD monitor with a V-mount for that reason. A dead battery probably looks more like a bomb since it can't power something.

Travelling with gear is great fun!
 
Lets all remember, that if just one guy packs some lions crappily, and there is even a minor incident, anywhere near an airplane, it's bye bye lions on planes for us guys traveling with cameras. I have seen cases get run over by ramp vehicles. Say your case of red bricks gets run over on the ramp, then they load them into the hold as they are heating up with punctured, shorted cells...... The rules are there for a reason.

Nick
 
arrinick said:
Lets all remember, that if just one guy packs some lions crappily, and there is even a minor incident, anywhere near an airplane, it's bye bye lions on planes...
Click to expand...

I would definitely recommend packing your lions in sturdy cages and separate from each other. And make sure they have plenty of food nearby, otherwise they may start eating the passengers, which is just not good for business.

*sorry, yes I know you meant lithium-ion batteries. just couldn't resist.
 
Red Batteries are 140Wh
That means the following FAA rules apply on flights in or out of the US

April 2, 2008
FAA

Checked Baggage
•Loose lithium batteries will no longer be allowed in checked luggage
•Lithium batteries that are installed in electronic devices will be allowed, providing:
–Secure the device from activation by locking the activation switch in the “off”position
–Place the device in a protective case


Carry-On Luggage
•Large lithium batteries, over 100 watt-hour, but under 300 watt-hour capacities
–Limit two per passenger
–Insulate terminals with tape
–Pack in original retail packaging, or
–Place in zip-lock plastic bag


I suggest you print out a copy of the presentation in the link below and carry it with you. Just in case the gate agent or screener declines your entry with them.

http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/pdf/systems/April08Meeting/webster-0408-Transportoflithiumbatteries.pdf
 
maxfilms said:
Checked Baggage...
•Lithium batteries that are installed in electronic devices will be allowed, providing:
–Secure the device from activation by locking the activation switch in the “off”position
–Place the device in a protective case
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure this rule only applies to batteries under 100 Watt/hours.

Even if I'm wrong, you could check what, 2 batteries? One on the body, and perhaps one on an onboard monitor. People have said TSA don't consider batteries on the chargers to be "installed" because the batteries do not power the chargers.

Carry them on or buy non-Lion batteries.
 
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