When is a battery not a battery?

[raid2506]

When it is an eGo! (Or Riva, etc).

After seeing more and more confusion over the new P.O. regs relating to batteries I decided to shred the info available from the Post Office and write up what it really means to Vapers.

(Please do not start any protracted legal battles based on my twisting of the P.O. regs . There is much rigid interpretation of the English language and an equal amount of flexibility where it benefits us. In the same fashion in which a mech mod is or is not an electronic cigarette (it's not electronic and it's not a cigarette) an eGo battery is or isn't a battery.)


Post Office prohibited and restricted goods.

Batteries - lithium ion/polymer batteries contained in/connected to an electronic device

Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
What this means to us:
An eGo battery isn't a battery, a battery is actually a combination of connected cells.
A 20650/18650/14500/10440 etc is a cell NOT a battery!

An eGo battery is actually a single cell contained within an electronic device.
That means you can send up to four of them in a single package.
Or four mods containing one 18650 each.
Or two mods containing two 18350 each.
Or a laptop with a mega long life battery pack installed which contains 24 18650! (If such a thing existed).


Batteries - lithium ion/polymer batteries sent with, but not connected to, an electronic device.

The maximum number of batteries allowed in each package is the number that may be connected to the equipment plus two spares. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
What this means to us:
You can send a single carto/clearo with three ego 'batteries'.
Or an eVic with three batteries.
Or a Vamo with four 18350 batteries.
Or a resistor, an LED and 5KG of any combination of cells you desire!


The equipment sent with or containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
I asked in the local P.O. and they said their cardboard postal boxes would be fine but couldn't advise on how to secure the contents against movement.


The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
These items must be presented at a Post Office® counter.
Local P.O. said package should be open but when I mentioned it would be 'packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation' she just shrugged and said ok.


Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.
Zip closure poly bag.


Lithium battery handling label to be applied.
They have these at the P.O. 



Lithium ion/polymer batteries sent in isolation are prohibited.
You can't send batteries on their own, only with or in a device

To be honest if asked I tell them it's a metal and glass/plastic tube, no batteries because all this is too complicated!


FYI: Wh=mah*V/1000, a 950 eGo battery is about 3.5Wh.

[fagin]

Excellent summary, but as the people at my post office just take the money, give me a sticker thing and wave me vaguely in the direction of some bags, I don't think they are particularly concerned - could be kittens for all they care.

[Roscopecotrain]

Nice one Raid