---
title: "Extreme Temperatures"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/FCKB/blog/2303098885/Extreme%20Temperatures"
format: markdown
---
All batteries have a specification for their operating conditions including their operating temperature range.  In temperatures above their operating range, chemical reactions in the battery can be accelerated, leading to faster degradation and a significantly reduced battery lifespan.  In temperatures below their operating range, certain battery types are susceptible to freezing which can crack enclosures or reduce battery capacity greatly.

Air temperature inside a battery enclosure is typically hotter than outside and batteries get hotter still when they are under load.

## Lithium Batteries

Modern lithium batteries usually have built in protection for extreme temperatures, cutting power output completely when outside of their operating temperature range and re-enabling at some stage when back within their operating temperature range.  The same protections will also prevent any charging outside of a specified temperature range.  This is determined by the battery supplier.  When choosing a lithium battery for your FarmConnect products, be aware of these specifications as these can cause your devices to be unavailable in these conditions.

![image-20240710-020349.png](media://99c88516-73c5-478b-bd85-cb117d7f90c1)

## FarmConnect Protections

Your FarmConnect system protects batteries by disabling actuation when measured battery temperature goes above 58.5 degrees Celsius (137.3 Fahrenheit), preventing high-current operation that could quickly degrade your batteries.  When this occurs, the actuation will be re-enabled automatically when the measured battery temperature drops below 55 degrees Celsius (131 Fahrenheit).  When actuation is disabled, you will see an “Overtemp” alarm.

![image-20240710-015038.png](media://bf3f0835-5101-4823-93bb-89abbae2006d)

In extreme temperature conditions, consider the timing of your operations and how you might be able to change in order to avoid actuation in the hottest part of the day (typically late afternoon).  If unavoidable, be aware that you may need to manually wind your actuator open/closed using the manual override.

> ℹ️ **Recent extreme temperatures have lead to a review of this default operation and in future revisions of firmware this will be **<u>***optional***</u>**, allowing users to specify whether or not allow operation of actuators in temperatures that could degrade batteries. Speak to your local FarmConnect contact to enquire about upgrading.**