Why You Should Regularly Charge E-File & Dust Collector Batteries (and Never Use Them While Plugged In)

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere - in e-files, rechargeable desk lamps, gel lamps, dust collectors, phones, laptops, and countless cordless and rechargeable tools. They’re powerful, compact, and efficient, but they do have one important rule that’s often ignored: you should regularly charge them and never use them while plugged in.

Here’s why following that advice is essential to keeping your battery (and device) healthy, safe, and long-lasting.

 1. Regular Charging Keeps the Battery’s Health in Check

Unlike old nickel based batteries, lithium ion batteries don’t need to be fully discharged before recharging. In fact, letting them drop too low can damage the internal cells and reduce their lifespan.

Lithium ion batteries prefer regular top ups rather than deep discharges. Ideally, keep your battery between 20% and 80% charge. This balance reduces strain on the battery’s chemistry and helps maintain capacity over time.

In short: frequent, smaller charges are much better than waiting for it to die completely.

 2. Using While Plugged In Overheats the Battery

When you use a lithium ion powered device while it’s plugged in  like running your portable e-file, phone, or laptop, you’re forcing the battery to charge and discharge at the same time.

This creates excess heat, and heat is the number one enemy of lithium ion batteries. Over time, that constant cycle of charge drain charge shortens the battery’s life and can even cause a short, battery swelling, reduced capacity, or complete failure.

Even just one use while plugged in can cause irreversible damage to the battery cells and drastically shorten its lifespan.

Some devices such a new iphones include smart circuitry to prevent overcharging, but even then, heat build up from dual use can still degrade cells faster than normal. This smart circuitry comes with a huge price tag, that you will see with iPhones.

 3. You’re Not Truly Bypassing the Battery

A common myth is that using a device while plugged in “bypasses” the battery and draws power directly from the charger. That’s rarely true. In most portable devices, the battery remains part of the power circuit meaning it’s still being cycled and heated, even if you think you’re just “using the mains.”

This constant micro cycling creates chemical stress inside the cells, leading to premature capacity loss.

 4. It Can Cause Voltage Imbalance or Power Spikes

Using a lithium ion battery while plugged in can also create small voltage fluctuations that stress the battery management system (BMS). This might cause performance inconsistencies or, in worst case scenarios, short term surges that damage the battery or the device’s internal electronics.

If your device relies on precise speed control -  like an e-file and some dust collectors, this can also cause irregular performance or flickering output.

In fact, battery damage from using e-files while plugged (even once!) in is the number one cause of e-file breakdowns and premature failure in salons. This is not a manufacturing fault and is caused by incorrect use. 

 5. Heat and Charge = Faster Degradation

Here’s the chemistry lesson: lithium ion batteries age faster when kept at high voltages and high temperatures. Using them plugged in means both are happening at once.

Over time, this accelerates electrolyte breakdown inside the battery, reduces total charge capacity, and can even affect safety features. That’s why devices with internal cooling systems (like some laptops) still recommend unplugging when in use for extended periods.

Best Practices for Lithium Ion Battery Care

To get the longest life and best performance out of your lithium ion powered device:

• Avoid full discharges – recharge around 20–30%.
• Unplug once fully charged.
• Don’t use the device while charging.
• Store partially charged (around 50%) if unused for long periods.
• Keep it cool – avoid using or storing in hot or humid environments.

Lithium ion batteries are reliable and efficient but only if treated right. Regular charging keeps them healthy, and avoiding “plugged in use” prevents unnecessary heat and wear.

Think of your battery as a living system: the more gently and consistently you treat it, the longer it will perform at its best.