Stop using or charging a pack that shows physical damage, leaking, smoke or unusual heat. Check the manufacturer’s safety instructions and available recall information for its exact model.
Separate a routine delay from damage
A charger may pause for a hot or cold pack, but a damaged enclosure or abnormal heat calls for a different response. Do not keep retrying a questionable pack to force a charge.
Identify the exact model
Record the battery and charger model numbers from their labels. Manufacturer instructions and recall notices apply to specific products or serial ranges, not all batteries of a brand.
Use an official resolution path
Contact the manufacturer or authorized service channel for examination, replacement or disposal guidance. Do not open a lithium-ion pack, bypass protection electronics, or follow unverified jump-start procedures.
Next step
Official sources
These source records were reviewed as of 2026-10-30; access methods differ. Open the latest manufacturer manual for your exact type, region and revision before use.
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission — Batteries safety topicBattery, product and charger should be evaluated as a system · curated_primary · Checked 2026-10-30
- DEWALT USA — Battery and charger instruction manualHot/cold pack delay and charger safety · curated_primary · Checked 2026-10-30