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Will a brushless electric cordless drill experience power attenuation under high load

2025-06-17

The root cause of the power attenuation phenomenon
Battery output capacity limitation
Brushless cordless drills usually use lithium batteries as the power supply core. Although lithium batteries have high energy density and good discharge characteristics, their output current has an upper limit. In high-load operations (such as drilling holes in concrete or screwing large-diameter screws), the electric drill requires a large instantaneous current to maintain high torque output. When the actual current demand exceeds the battery's allowable output, the voltage may drop, resulting in insufficient power, which is manifested as a reduction in motor speed or the electric drill stopping.
Control system protection mechanism
Modern brushless electric drills are equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU) with functions such as overload protection, overheating protection, and battery power monitoring. Under continuous high-load operations, the control system will determine whether the output power needs to be reduced to protect the motor and battery based on internal sensor data. For example, when the motor temperature is too high, the system may actively reduce the output power or briefly shut down to prevent damage.
Motor body thermal attenuation
Although brushless motors are more heat-resistant than brushed motors, the motor windings will still increase internal resistance due to continuous heating during long-term high-speed and high-torque operation. This resistance change will limit the flow of current and reduce the effective output power, resulting in power attenuation.

16V Lithium Battery Impact Electric Brushless Drill ● Compact body with multi-functions
● Distinguished drilling speed and operational capabilities
● Advanced vibration control technology
● Anti-wear design of torque gear
● Variable speed, forward and reverse switch
● High-quality wear-resistant band impact gearbox
● Ultra-compact body: Easy to carry and comfortable to hold.
Battery Voltage 16V
Battery Capacity 1.5/2.0Ah
Drilling Diameter 10/25mm
No-Load Speed 0-450/1800r/min
Maximum Torque 50N.m
Clamping Capacity 10mm
Net Weight 0.77kg

Actual performance of power attenuation
In actual use, power attenuation usually manifests itself in the following forms:
The speed of the electric drill is unstable, intermittent speed reduction or vibration;
The torque decreases, making it difficult to continue tightening or drilling operations;
The electric drill automatically cuts off the power, but the battery still has power;
The battery temperature rises significantly and the shell is hot.
These performances not only affect work efficiency, but may also cause long-term damage to the equipment.

Nantong Great Tools Co., Ltd. Nantong Great Tools Co., Ltd.

Technical means to prevent power attenuation
Select high-performance lithium batteries
High-quality high-rate lithium batteries have greater continuous discharge capacity and better thermal stability. Selecting a battery pack with a discharge current of ≥20A can effectively reduce the problem of voltage sinking of the battery under high load. In addition, smart batteries with cell balancing and temperature control management are more suitable for high-intensity working environments.
Use an electric drill with intelligent temperature control function
High-end brushless electric drills usually have built-in temperature monitoring modules that can monitor the motor and battery temperature in real time. When the temperature approaches the upper limit, the system will automatically reduce the power output or even actively cut off the power to ensure the safety of the components. Although this temperature control strategy limits output in the short term, it can prevent irreversible motor damage in the long run.
Reasonable use and work rhythm arrangement
Continuous high-intensity use will cause heat accumulation in the motor and battery, which will trigger system protection. Reasonable arrangement of the work rhythm and appropriate "rest" of the equipment can effectively reduce heat accumulation. It is recommended to take a 12-minute break after every 10-15 minutes of work, especially when working in high temperature environments in summer.
Keep the heat dissipation channel of the equipment unobstructed
The motor and controller of the brushless electric drill usually have a metal heat sink or ventilation design. Before use, check whether the air outlet is blocked by dust or debris, and avoid using it in extremely confined spaces. In addition, an external air cooling accessory can also be selected to help extend the high-load working time.
Choose suitable accessories and drill bits
Using improper drill bits or accessories (such as blunt drill bits, accessories with excessive torque requirements) will greatly increase the motor load, resulting in an increased risk of power attenuation. Professional drill bits should be selected according to the working material, such as carbide drill bits for concrete and woodworking spiral drills for wood operations.