{"product_id":"compression-plates","title":"Steel Compression Plates for Prismatic Cells, LFP 280Ah to 320Ah and Sodium-ion (Pair)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eUse Cell Compression to Get Maximum Life From Your LFP and Sodium-ion Cells\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge prismatic LFP and sodium-ion cells swell as they cycle. Left loose, they bulge, lose capacity faster and pull on your busbars. OGS steel compression plates clamp a row of cells at the pressure the cell makers test them at, so your pack gets the cycle life on the datasheet. They fit the standard 174 x 72 x 204 mm case used by today's 280Ah, 304Ah, 314Ah and 320Ah cells from EVE, CATL, REPT, Hithium, Trina, Gotion, Lishen and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach plate is laser cut and press-brake formed from 14 gauge steel, with a flange along the top and a slotted mounting foot along the bottom. Those two bends make a thin plate stiff enough to stay flat under clamping load. Choose galvanized for maximum corrosion resistance or matte black powder coat for a finished look. Designed in Michigan, made in the USA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFits:\u003c\/strong\u003e prismatic LFP and Sodium-ion cells with a 174 x 204 to 207 mm face and 72 mm thickness (280Ah to 320Ah class)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn the box:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 plates (one pair clamps one battery row). Threaded rod sold separately, because rod length depends on your cell count.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRods:\u003c\/strong\u003e holes sized for 1\/4-20 or M6 threaded rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinishes:\u003c\/strong\u003e G90 galvanized steel, or matte black powder coat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWidths:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cell wide (single row) or 2 cells wide (two rows side by side)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e slotted foot bolts down to strut channel, a shelf or a rack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in USA:\u003c\/strong\u003e ships from Michigan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRight-sized, not over-built.\u003c\/strong\u003e The formed flanges keep the plate flat well past the clamping loads cell makers specify, so there is no need for heavy 1\/4 in plate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo finishes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Galvanized for garages, sheds, cabins, vans and anywhere humidity is a concern. Powder coat for clean installs where the battery is on display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlotted mounting foot.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bolt the pack to 1-5\/8 in strut channel (Unistrut style) or directly to a shelf. The slots give you room to adjust spacing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSized for the most common DIY cell.\u003c\/strong\u003e One design covers the EVE LF280K, LF304 and MB31 (314Ah), CATL 280Ah and 314Ah, REPT 280Ah to 320Ah, Sodium-ion (160Ah, 200Ah, 210Ah), and other cells in the same case.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReusable.\u003c\/strong\u003e Change cell count, rebuild the pack or move it to a new rack. The plates stay the same; only rod length changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChoose your options\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWidth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWidth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUse it for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExamples\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 cell wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA single row of cells, face to face\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4S 12V, 8S 24V, 16S 48V in one long row\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 cells wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo rows of cells side by side, clamped together\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16S folded into two rows of 8, or 2P banks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are building a 16S 48V battery and want a shorter footprint, two rows of eight in a 2 wide set is about 60 cm long instead of about 120 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFinish\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFinish\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it is\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTrade-off\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGalvanized\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG90 hot-dip zinc coated steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarages, sheds, off-grid cabins, vans, boats, any humid or unheated space\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndustrial silver look. Zinc protects the steel even at small scratches.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePowder coat, matte black\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCold-rolled steel with a baked-on powder coat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinished indoor spaces where the battery is visible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCosts more (extra process). Bare steel sits under the paint, so a deep chip can rust. Touch up chips with black enamel.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot sure?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick galvanized. It is the more durable finish and the better value. Powder coat is a looks choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy prismatic LFP cells need compression\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large prismatic cell is a tightly stacked or wound set of electrode layers inside a thin aluminum can. As lithium moves in and out, those layers grow and shrink a little on every cycle, and the stack slowly thickens over the life of the cell. The can alone is not strong enough to hold the layers together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCell makers design for this. They specify their cells, and run their cycle-life tests, with the cell held in a fixture under steady pressure. The 6,000 to 8,000+ cycle ratings you see on current datasheets describe cells that were clamped. Left loose, a cell can bulge, the internal layers can lose contact, and capacity fades faster. A bulging can also pushes and pulls on busbars and terminals every cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompression plates put your cells back in the conditions they were rated for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much pressure is right?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumbers from EVE's published specifications for its 280Ah to 314Ah cells, which share the 173.7 x 204.6 mm face:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eReference point\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTotal force\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePressure on the cell face\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTest fixture force (LF280K and MB31 datasheets)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 kgf (about 2,940 N \/ 660 lbf)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eabout 83 kPa \/ 12 psi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended module preload (MB31)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3,000 to 7,000 N (675 to 1,575 lbf)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eabout 84 to 197 kPa \/ 12 to 29 psi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum momentary force (MB31)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10,000 N (2,250 lbf)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eabout 281 kPa \/ 41 psi. Do not exceed.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE: Always review your cell datasheet. These EVE figures are an example, and sodium-ion cells publish their own fixture specs.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 1em;\"\u003eThe practical target for a DIY pack is \u003cstrong\u003eabout 12 psi, or roughly 300 kgf total\u003c\/strong\u003e, with some give in the stack so pressure stays in range as the cells breathe. EVE also recommends leaving 2.0 to 2.5 mm of expansion room per cell in the module design, which is why foam dividers or springs belong in the stack (see the FAQ).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to assemble a compressed pack\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart at storage charge.\u003c\/strong\u003e Clamp the cells at roughly 30 to 50% state of charge, which is how most cells arrive. LFP cells get slightly thicker as they charge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInsulate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Place an \u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/insulating-epoxy-dividers-for-prismatic-battery-cells\"\u003eepoxy divider\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/foam-dividers-for-prismatic-battery-cells\"\u003eEVA foam divider\u003c\/a\u003e between every cell, and an insulating sheet between each plate and the end cells. The blue wrap on the cells is thin and scuffs easily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStand the plates at each end\u003c\/strong\u003e with the slotted foot at the bottom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRun the rods.\u003c\/strong\u003e Slide 1\/4-20 threaded rod through the plate holes. Sleeve each rod with heat shrink or PVC tubing along the length of the cells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTighten evenly.\u003c\/strong\u003e Washer and nut on both ends. Tighten in a cross pattern, a little at a time, until the stack is snug and square. See the FAQ for torque guidance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMount it.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bolt the feet to strut channel or your shelf.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdd busbars last,\u003c\/strong\u003e after the stack is compressed and square, so the cell spacing does not shift under them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck again\u003c\/strong\u003e after the first few full cycles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThreaded rod length\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRod length depends on how many cells are in the row. These lengths assume 3 mm foam dividers between cells and leave room for a washer and nut plus a few threads on each end:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCells in the row\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNominal voltage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum rod length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14 in (355 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26 in (660 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e48 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50 in (1,270 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 1em;\"\u003eFor any other count: (cells x 72 mm) + (divider thickness x gaps between cells) + 55 mm. Hardware stores sell 1\/4-20 rod in 36 in and 72 in lengths; cut it with a hacksaw and run a nut off the cut end to clean the threads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 wide sets need all six rods,\u003c\/strong\u003e including the center pair that runs between the two cell rows. The center rods are what keep the wide plate flat. Leave a gap of at least 10 mm between the rows for the sleeved rod.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardware shopping list\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/4-20 zinc-plated steel threaded rod, cut to length: 4 for a 1 wide pair, 6 for a 2 wide pair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/4-20 nuts: 8 for 1 wide, 12 for 2 wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/4 in flat or fender washers: 8 for 1 wide, 12 for 2 wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeat shrink or PVC tubing to sleeve the rods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional: compression springs, for constant pressure as cells expand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDividers for every gap between cells (\u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/foam-dividers-for-prismatic-battery-cells\"\u003efoam\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/insulating-epoxy-dividers-for-prismatic-battery-cells\"\u003eepoxy\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\" style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eValue\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCell fit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003ePrismatic LFP and sodium-ion cells, 173.7 to 174 mm wide, 204 to 207 mm tall, about 72 mm thick\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible cells (examples)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eEVE LF280K, LF304, MB31 314Ah · CATL 280Ah, 314Ah · REPT 280Ah, CB71 314Ah and 320Ah · Hithium 280Ah, 314Ah · Trina, Gotion, Lishen and Great Power cells in the same case · Sodium-ion 160Ah, 200Ah and 210Ah cells in the same case\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot compatible\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003e500Ah+ cells such as EVE MB56 628Ah (larger case), smaller cells in other case sizes (such as 100Ah LFP and 75Ah sodium-ion), pouch cells. \u003cstrong\u003eContact us for custom sizes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial, galvanized\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eG90 hot-dip galvanized steel, 0.074 in (1.88 mm, 14 gauge)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial, powder coat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eCold-rolled steel, 0.074 in (1.88 mm, 14 gauge), matte black powder coat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eSteel strengthened with two bends: top flange plus slotted mounting foot, about 58 mm each\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlate width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003e1 wide: 220 mm (8.7 in) · 2 wide: 400 mm (15.7 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRod holes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eFor 1\/4-20 UNC threaded rod (M6 also fits)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMounting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eSlotted foot flange, fits 1-5\/8 in strut channel hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eAbout 1.0 kg (2.3 lb) per 1 wide plate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003e2 plates per order (one pair)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eDesigned in Michigan, fabricated in the USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003eBuilt to order, typically ships within 7 business days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2x steel compression plates in your chosen width and finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThreaded rod, nuts, washers and dividers are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo LiFePO4 prismatic cells really need compression?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor long life, yes. Cell makers specify and cycle-test their prismatic cells under clamping pressure, and the cycle-life ratings assume it. Unclamped cells can bulge, lose internal layer contact and fade faster, and the movement stresses busbars and terminals. A pack that stays below full charge and sees gentle currents will be more forgiving, but clamping is cheap insurance on cells that cost far more than the plates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much pressure should I apply?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout 12 psi across the cell face, which is roughly 300 kgf (660 lbf) total on a 280Ah to 314Ah cell. That is the force EVE uses in its test fixture. EVE's MB31 314Ah spec gives a wider recommended module preload of 3,000 to 7,000 N and says never to exceed 10,000 N.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the spec 300 kPa or 300 kgf?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e300 kgf. It is a total force, not a pressure. Spread over the 174 x 205 mm face it works out to about 83 kPa (12 psi). Reading it as 300 kPa would mean clamping about 3.6 times harder than the spec.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tight should I tighten the nuts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLighter than most people expect. With four dry, zinc-plated 1\/4-20 rods, about 8 in-lb per nut lands near 300 kgf total, and about 10 in-lb lands near 3,500 N. That is a small nut driver or a light touch on a 1\/4 in drive torque wrench, not a ratchet. Torque-to-force conversion can be off by 40% depending on thread condition and lubrication, so treat it as a starting point. On a 2 wide set with six rods, use about 11 in-lb per nut to reach roughly 300 kgf per cell row. For a measured result, use calibrated springs on the rods and tighten to a known spring length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I use a fixed clamp or springs? Do I need foam between cells?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse some give in the stack. A perfectly rigid clamp at fixed length lets force climb as the cells thicken with age, and EVE recommends leaving 2.0 to 2.5 mm of expansion room per cell. The two common ways to add it are \u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/foam-dividers-for-prismatic-battery-cells\"\u003e3 mm EVA foam dividers\u003c\/a\u003e between cells, or compression springs under the nuts. Either one keeps pressure in range as cells breathe. The plates do the job of spreading the load evenly; the foam or springs keep the force steady.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs 14 gauge steel thick enough? Why not 1\/4 in plate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. A flat plate needs to be thick because it bends like a diving board. These plates get their stiffness from the two formed flanges, which is the same reason builders bolt angle iron across flat plates after they watch them bow. By our engineering calculations, the plate deflects less than 0.01 mm at the recommended clamping force and holds more than 10 kN (2,250 lbf) per cell row, which is EVE's maximum momentary force. A thicker plate would add weight and cost without a practical benefit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the steel short my cells? Do I need insulation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCell cases can carry voltage, and the factory wrap is thin, so insulate. Put an insulating sheet (epoxy board, FR4 or similar) between each plate and the end cell, place a divider between every cell, and sleeve the threaded rods with heat shrink or PVC tubing where they run alongside the cells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill these fit my 314Ah or 320Ah cells?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlmost certainly. Most 280Ah, 304Ah, 314Ah and 320Ah LFP cells use the same case, about 174 x 72 x 204 mm (207 mm including terminal insulation). Check your cell datasheet. If the face is 174 x 204 to 207 mm, these fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill these fit sodium-ion prismatic cells?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, if the cell uses the same 174 x 72 x 207 mm case. That includes our \u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/sodium-ion-160ah-prismatic-nfpp-cells-rechargeable-battery-cell\"\u003e160Ah NFPP\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/sodium-ion-prismatic-cells-3-1v-rechargeable-battery-cell\"\u003e200Ah layered oxide\u003c\/a\u003e sodium-ion cells, and other 210Ah NFPP cells in the same case. Follow the sodium cell maker's fixture pressure spec.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat about 500Ah+ cells like the EVE MB56 628Ah?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThose use a larger case, so these plates do not fit. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ogsolarstore.com\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/a\u003e with your cell model for a custom size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many cells can one pair of plates hold?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs many as your rods are long. The plates only go at the two ends of a row. 4, 8 and 16 cell rows are all common. For long rows, two rows of eight in a 2 wide set are easier to handle and fit more shelves than one 1.2 m row.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are threaded rods not included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRod length depends on your cell count and divider thickness, and shipping 50 in rods adds cost. You can buy 1\/4-20 rod at any hardware store. See the rod length table above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGalvanized or powder coat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGalvanized for durability. The zinc layer protects the steel even where it gets scratched, so it is the better choice for garages, sheds, cabins, vans and boats. Powder coat is for looks: a matte black finish for indoor installs. It costs more and has plain steel under the paint, so touch up any deep chips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use wood or aluminum instead?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou can. Flat aluminum needs to be around 1\/2 in thick to stay flat, and flat steel around 1\/4 in, which is heavy and bulky. Plywood works indoors but can compress over time and absorbs moisture. Formed steel plates give you a thin, flat, mountable part that does not change with humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat state of charge should cells be at when I clamp them?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAround 30 to 50%, which is how most cells ship. Cells are slightly thicker at full charge, so avoid setting clamp force on a fully charged pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to re-tighten later?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCheck the rods after the first few full cycles and then once a year. With foam dividers or springs in the stack, you are checking that nothing has loosened, not trying to add more force. Do not keep tightening a stack that feels firm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy cells are already swollen. Will compression fix them?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Compression slows normal expansion in healthy cells. A cell that has puffed from overcharging, over-discharging or overheating is damaged, and pressing it flat does not repair it. Set correct cell voltage limits in your BMS and charger to prevent it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo you make custom sizes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, for other prismatic cell formats and for battery modules. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ogsolarstore.com\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/a\u003e and send us your cell model and dimensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat overcharging does to an unprotected cell\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese cells were overcharged. Compression plates do not prevent this kind of damage. A correctly set BMS does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0459\/7609\/2822\/files\/swollen-cells.webp?v=1747622424\" alt=\"Overcharged LiFePO4 prismatic cells with bulged aluminum cases\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated products\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/foam-dividers-for-prismatic-battery-cells\"\u003eEVA foam dividers for prismatic cells\u003c\/a\u003e, 203 x 172 mm, 3 mm, V0 flame retardant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/insulating-epoxy-dividers-for-prismatic-battery-cells\"\u003eInsulating epoxy dividers for prismatic cells\u003c\/a\u003e, 0.5 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/busbar-200a\"\u003eFlexible busbars for 280Ah prismatic cells\u003c\/a\u003e, 200A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en-gb\/products\/jk-bms-for-lithium-batteries\"\u003eJK BMS for LFP battery packs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eQuestions about your build? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ogsolarstore.com\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OGSolarStore","offers":[{"title":"1 \/ Galvanized \/ LFP 280-320 Ah","offer_id":41087841632406,"sku":"CP-314-1-GAL","price":68.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ Powder Coated (Black) \/ LFP 280-320 Ah","offer_id":46564749869206,"sku":"CP-314-1-POW","price":129.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 \/ Galvanized \/ LFP 280-320 Ah","offer_id":40990048583830,"sku":"CP-314-2-GAL","price":129.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 \/ Powder Coated (Black) \/ LFP 280-320 Ah","offer_id":46564749901974,"sku":"CP-314-2-POW","price":243.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0459\/7609\/2822\/products\/compression-plates-1-cell-wide.jpg?v=1647462675","url":"https:\/\/ogsolarstore.com\/en-gb\/products\/compression-plates","provider":"OGSolarStore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}