should i trust HP

[Wirko]

Ummm, sorry but no! It is not normal. There should never be any swelling. Swelling typically indicates the battery got too hot - never good. Excessive heat could have come from outside source (laptop left in a hot car, for example) damaging the battery. Not good. Or an internal, partial short in the battery caused excessive current which typically increases heat. Also not good.

These aren't batteries with cylindrical cells, they are prismatic/pouch batteries. HP support page says [yes I know what the topic title is, and the answer is no, but still]:

Swollen battery is not a safety issue

A swollen battery does not present a safety issue. It is the result of the generation of gases per the normal degradation of the battery cell over time, which causes the battery to expand. HP has worked closely with our battery cell suppliers and third-party industry experts to help minimize the potential for HP batteries to swell over time and to identify that swollen batteries are not a safety issue.

Discontinue using a swollen battery

After you notice that your notebook has a swollen battery, immediately discontinue use of the notebook to protect your hardware. Be sure that you disconnect the notebook from AC power as well.

At Dell:

Swollen battery may impact the performance of the laptop. To prevent possible further damage to the device enclosure or internal components leading to malfunction, discontinue the use of the laptop and discharge it by disconnecting the AC adapter and letting the battery drain.

Discharge it: this one is important. Swelling is partly reversible, an empty battery has less gas pressure and apart from that, less energy to burn.

And Lenovo:

Abnormal Battery Swelling

All lithium-polymer batteries exhibit a small amount of swelling during charge and discharge cycles. Swelling which leads to noticeable bulging of the battery pack or your system is abnormal. Abnormal swelling can occur for a number of reasons including: exposure to high temperature, extended time at full charge, extended cycling, over-discharge while in storage, or damage due to being dropped or deformed.

In most cases, a swollen battery which has resulted in mechanical damage to your system does not present a safety risk , as the swelling is primarily from harmless carbon dioxide (CO2) gas generation. However, in some rare instances, excessive swelling may lead to hazardous conditions.

The device case must be designed to accomodate for some swelling. One of the Samsung phones or Notes wasn't, which resulted in fires (even more fires than Li batteries would otherwise cause).

Unfortunately it's hard to know how much is too much, and manufacturers aren't really trying to make it clearer for us - you can also see that from the examples I cited. A Google picture search for "swollen lithium battery" will only show you extreme cases of bubble-like batteries, which I would only handle with a longest shovel and protective equipment.

Here's a source (Epec, a battery pack manufacturer) with at least some specific data.

Swelling can occur as part of gas generation. Battery manufacturers are at odds why this happens. A 5mm (0.2") battery in a hard shell can grow to 8mm (0.3"), more in a foil package.

To prevent swelling, the manufacturer adds excess film to create a “gas bag” outside the cell. During the first charge, gases escape into the gasbag, which is then cut off and the pack resealed as part of the finishing process. Expect some swelling on subsequent charges; 8 to 10 percent over 500 cycles is normal. Provision must be made in the battery compartment to allow for expansion. It is best not to stack pouch cells but to lay them flat side by side. Prevent sharp edges that could stress the pouch cell as they expand.

Anyways, I'd consider OP's battery unsafe, not least because the protective bag has partly detached from the plastic frame (at the left).

 

[Chomiq]

Fffhahahahahahaha!

The spiciest of pillows. Forbidden fruit. (●´ω｀●)

And this is what happens when your safety measures are not adequate:

 

[lexluthermiester]

These aren't batteries with cylindrical cells, they are prismatic/pouch batteries. HP support page says [yes I know what the topic title is, and the answer is no, but still]:


At Dell:

Discharge it: this one is important. Swelling is partly reversible, an empty battery has less gas pressure and apart from that, less energy to burn.

And Lenovo:


The device case must be designed to accomodate for some swelling. One of the Samsung phones or Notes wasn't, which resulted in fires (even more fires than Li batteries would otherwise cause).

Unfortunately it's hard to know how much is too much, and manufacturers aren't really trying to make it clearer for us - you can also see that from the examples I cited. A Google picture search for "swollen lithium battery" will only show you extreme cases of bubble-like batteries, which I would only handle with a longest shovel and protective equipment.

Here's a source (Epec, a battery pack manufacturer) with at least some specific data.

What these companies are saying is not relevant to reality or this situation. I have personally seen several of these types of batteries burst and catch fire in recent years. The safety hazard is real and a battery bulging like this is VERY untrustworthy!

Anyways, I'd consider OP's battery unsafe, not least because the protective bag has partly detached from the plastic frame (at the left).

This.

 

[Frick]

The above is true, but I would like to temper it by saying that considering how many of these kinds of batteries are out there the risk of your home burning down is really low.

(for a fun excercise in how dangerous it is, puncture a small battery pack in the winter, outdoors, hold it until it gets how and then throw it in the snow and see how long it takes for it to cool down)

 

[Waldorf]

@HuBoss
as others said, not a good idesa to keep using it, replace with new one, walmart/staples if you are in the US.

make sure to use the battery between 20-80(90)% range, they can handle cycles (charge/discharge), but dont like being completely discharged/charged (below 20/above 90%).

 

[Tahagomizer]

Trust HP. This battery is in a great shape, 100% good, but you should buy several more or maybe a few more HP laptops. Obey whatever they say, buy multiple printer subscriptions, give them all of your data. And don't trust anyone saying there is an armed hitman behind my back.

In short, this battery is potentially dangerous trash. Take it out, recycle, don't look back. I build and used enough RC models to know lithium battery fire is not a battle you want to risk fighting.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Simple fix - just put it on a ripple charger for a week or so.

??? I've only been an electronics technician for 50+ years and clearly, the technologies are constantly moving so obviously, I still have much to learn. But I have never heard of a "ripple" charger. I know of ripple (an unwanted AC component to a DC voltage), and I know of "trickle" chargers (a low current charger for very slow charging, or to maintain a charge over a period of time). But not a ripple charger.

@Wirko - I'm not understanding your point of citing Dell or Lenovo to support your initial claim that swelling is "normal". It is not "normal" - even if a "common" problem. And neither Dell nor Lenovo are saying it is normal.

I do understand what you are saying about pouch cell batteries and you are correct about their function. But the pouch should not look like an inflated balloon.

[yes I know what the topic title is, and the answer is no, but still]:

"But still"??? Ummm, no.

Look at that Dell link (my bold underline added),

A swollen battery does not present a safety issue.

Discontinue using a swollen battery

To prevent possible further damage

After you notice that your notebook has a swollen battery, immediately discontinue use of the notebook to protect your hardware.

If a swollen battery does not present a safety issue, why instruct users to "immediately" discontinue use? Does "safety issue" ONLY imply risk to life or limb of the user? Or risk of explosions?

And if no safety issue, why the need to "protect" the hardware and to "prevent further damage"?

Also see this Dell KBDoc, Swollen Battery Information and Guidance which talks specifically about Li-Ion Polymer "pouch" batteries and note the following:

Battery swelling is a failure mode

Wouldn't you agree a failure mode is not "normal"?

Now look at the Lenovo link (again, my bold underline added),

Swelling which leads to noticeable bulging of the battery pack or your system is abnormal.

excessive swelling may lead to hazardous conditions.

 

[dirtyferret]

HP Support assistant app says my battery is normal

I think it left out the "Abby" prior to normal

 

[nomdeplume]

??? I've only been an electronics technician for 50+ years and clearly, the technologies are constantly moving so obviously, I still have much to learn. But I have never heard of a "ripple" charger. I know of ripple (an unwanted AC component to a DC voltage), and I know of "trickle" chargers (a low current charger for very slow charging, or to maintain a charge over a period of time). But not a ripple charger.

And may ripples of easy laughter never penetrate that stalwart gaze into the horizon.

 

[Anoniem]

??? I've only been an electronics technician for 50+ years and clearly, the technologies are constantly moving so obviously, I still have much to learn. But I have never heard of a "ripple" charger. I know of ripple (an unwanted AC component to a DC voltage), and I know of "trickle" chargers (a low current charger for very slow charging, or to maintain a charge over a period of time). But not a ripple charger.

@Wirko - I'm not understanding your point of citing Dell or Lenovo to support your initial claim that swelling is "normal". It is not "normal" - even if a "common" problem. And neither Dell nor Lenovo are saying it is normal.

I do understand what you are saying about pouch cell batteries and you are correct about their function. But the pouch should not look like an inflated balloon.


"But still"??? Ummm, no.

Look at that Dell link (my bold underline added),


If a swollen battery does not present a safety issue, why instruct users to "immediately" discontinue use? Does "safety issue" ONLY imply risk to life or limb of the user? Or risk of explosions?

And if no safety issue, why the need to "protect" the hardware and to "prevent further damage"?

Also see this Dell KBDoc, Swollen Battery Information and Guidance which talks specifically about Li-Ion Polymer "pouch" batteries and note the following:


Wouldn't you agree a failure mode is not "normal"?

Now look at the Lenovo link (again, my bold underline added),

Thanks for saying what I wanted to say as well Bill, great job And OP if you don't get it after this you're either trolling or not willing to listen. Whatever choice you make, you've been warned. Don't fuck around with lithium batteries. The sack is a failure mode and it takes a tiiiny pice of plastic to pierce it

GLHF, I'm out of this thread.

 

[Denver]

@HuBoss
as others said, not a good idesa to keep using it, replace with new one, wlamart/staples if you are in the US.

make sure to use the battery between 20-80(90)% range, they can handle cycles (charge/discharge), but dont like being completely discharged/charged below 20/above 90%.

Best advice on the topic: Having your laptop always plugged in keeps the battery at 100% charge, which places it in the stress zone and accelerates degradation. While using between 20-90% increase battery life by 200%.

And... No, don't trust HP! It's at the top of my blacklist, even surpassing Asucks.

 

[Waldorf]

@Denver
yeah, one reason i like the fact that sony started implementing a "fully charged"/green lit led for charge status on laptops/mobile devices once they reached 90%,
and most allowing to customize the number (either when to show "full", or even to stop charging), making it less likely for folks to have to replace batteries within 5y.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Trust HP. This battery is in a great shape, 100% good, but you should buy several more or maybe a few more HP laptops.

YOU need to stop giving bad and dangerous advice!

 

[Denver]

@Denver
yeah, one reason i like the fact that sony started implementing a "fully charged"/green lit led for charge status on laptops/mobile devices once they reached 90%,
and most allowing to customize the number (either when to show "full", or even to stop charging), making it less likely for folks to have to replace batteries within 5y.

I recall hearing that Samsung implemented something similar in its laptops. I believe all brands should adopt this feature; it's straightforward and beneficial for both users and manufacturers.

 

[Bill_Bright]

YOU need to stop giving bad and dangerous advice!

I agree with Lex. You trying to be funny on a tech support site isn't funny at all. In fact, it is pretty childish.

 

[LabRat 891]

@Denver
yeah, one reason i like the fact that sony started implementing a "fully charged"/green lit led for charge status on laptops/mobile devices once they reached 90%,
and most allowing to customize the number (either when to show "full", or even to stop charging), making it less likely for folks to have to replace batteries within 5y.

IIRC, my older Dell Latitude 5411 also has this feature.

 

[ir_cow]

That battery is about to give birth

 

[lexluthermiester]

I agree with Lex. You trying to be funny on a tech support site isn't funny at all. In fact, it is pretty childish.

Being funny and a smart-a$$ has it's time and place. A thread about a bulging Lithium-Ion battery that could burst and catch fire isn't one of them. We are in harmony here!

That battery is about to give birth

Ok, let's face it, that was funny!

 

[remixedcat]

Hi.i want to ask you guys if my battery has a problem or no. HP Support assistant app says my battery is normal
but my laptop battery looks like this.
View attachment 352743
and also i got a warning from my bios that my battery is very weak (2 days ago)

that's a spicy pillow and I wouldn't trust them to run a bath at this point. serious hazard there. I'd remove it and get a new battery asap!

 

[Waldorf]

@Bill_Bright/lexluthermiester
would have been fine, if "sarcasm mode: OFF had been included..

 

[Tahagomizer]

YOU need to stop giving bad and dangerous advice!

You read what I wrote before replying... right?

 

[kurosagi01]

Think moderators should close this thread, the summary is to disconnect the battery and carry on using the laptop with power supply/brick.
Order a replacement battery.

The end

 

[micropage7]

he meant it's normal for a battery after years
you should ask for a new battery not asking about your current battery is normal or not

 

[R-T-B]

for a fun excercise in how dangerous it is, puncture a small battery pack in the winter, outdoors, hold it until it gets how and then throw it in the snow and see how long it takes for it to cool down

Please never do this.

 

[lexluthermiester]

You read what I wrote before replying... right?

You mean the edit after we replied? If you're gonna be funny in a serious thread, make it stand out so people don't think you're being malicious. Remember this is a TEXT based discussion platform and none of us are mind readers.

Please never do this.

I already have, just for giggles. Of course, I'm not a fool and know how to be safe about it. Quite the light show!

Think moderators should close this thread, the summary is to disconnect the battery and carry on using the laptop with power supply/brick.
Order a replacement battery.

The end

We should let the OP login and have a chance to ask questions before taking that action.