Battery facts
About battery lifetime and how to prolong it
The generator is equipped with one of the best long-life batteries with special characteristics to
support very short recycling times. This battery type does not suffer from so called memory effects
known from old cellular phones. In fact, the battery is negatively affected by complete discharge
and recharge cycles. On the other hand, frequent charges have a positive effect. The battery life
can vary from two hundred recharges up to several thousand. With optimal care the battery can
last up to 3.5 years. With normal usage, it will last 1–3 years. Nevertheless, if the battery is fully
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discharged every time it is used, it will still keep its capacity for 250–350 recharges.
Factors that will prolong the battery life
Charge the battery as often as possible. This is valid using either a Profoto Charger 1A or Profoto
Charger 2A. If the battery is to be stored for periods longer than 30 days, make sure to recharge the
battery completely prior to storage. The life is doubled if less than 50% of the batteries capacity is used
before recharge. If only 25% of the batteries capacity is used before recharge, the lifetime increases 8
times, i.e. make sure to charge the battery as often as you can. Only use Profoto intelligent chargers.
Factors that will shorten battery life
The battery is left fully discharged for long periods. High battery temperature. Usage of non-
Profoto chargers.
At what temperatures can the generator be used, charged and stored?
The preferred long term usage surrounding temperature is within the range +5 ºC to +30 ºC (+40
ºF to +86 ºF). The generator can be shortly used when the temperature of the battery is within the
range of -20 ºC to +40 ºC (-4 ºF to +104 ºF). The capacity of the battery decreases dramatically
when the battery temperature falls below freezing 0 °C (+32 ºF). The generator and battery have
a great thermal mass which will maintain the operational temperature for a long time. Use the
protective case to keep the generator warm when used at low temperatures.
NOTICE
Because of this heavy mass, it can take several hours for a cold battery to restore operational temperature.
Never charge the battery if the battery temperature is below 0 °C (+32 ºF) or above +40 ºC (+104 ºF). Do not store the unit in
hot or cold conditions prior to use. The battery itself must have the right temperature, it is not sufficient that the surrounding
temperature is within the correct range. Do not expose the generator to direct sunlight and/or extremely high temperatures for
longer periods than one hour. Keep the generator protected from snow, water, moisture and dirt.
For more information, visit www.profoto.com