Lithium battery fires

Submitted: Monday, Oct 22, 2018 at 10:48
ThreadID: 137378 Views:5613 Replies:14 FollowUps:16
This Thread has been Archived
Just a reminder to those wanting to install Li-ion batteries, that the threat of runaway fire from these batteries is still a very real event - particularly if they suffer damage in some way.

But even without suffering damage, there is still a worrying number of Lithium fires that happen, just with no precipitating damage event.

The full story isn't in yet, but it appears a runaway Lithium battery fire has taken the life of a person using a mobility scooter in Geraldton, W.A.

What is even more concerning, is that bystanders were completely unable to save the gent, due to the ferociousness of the battery fire.
Lithium battery smoke is extremely toxic and can kill you a lot faster than plain wood smoke, because of the toxic chemicals being burnt in an Li-ion battery fire.

It appears there are two areas where care must be taken with regard to preventing Li-ion fires -

1. Only buy top-quality, brand-name batteries, that have been produced under top-class quality control. Numbers of cheap Chinese Li-ion batteries have suspect QC.

2. Ensure your Li-ion battery charger is set up correctly, or you are using the correct charger for your Li-ion battery. Overcharging is a common cause of Li-ion battery fires.

3. Ensure your Li-ion batteries can't get too hot. Keep them out of direct strong sunlight in enclosed areas, or areas where heat is being generated. Ensure that the battery storage area has adequate ventilation to carry away generated heat.

4. Ensure that any possibility of penetrative accidents is minimised. This means that you don't store batteries (permanently or temporarily) where any sharp object could fall on them.

5. Keep a dry powder fire extinguisher located within reach of your permanent Li-ion batteries location, to enable a quick response to any battery fire.

Man dies in mobility scooter fire - Geraldton

ABC News - electric scooter in China catches fire whilst charging

Battery University - safety concerns surrounding Li-ion batteries

Cheers, Ron.
Back Expand Un-Read 1 Moderator

Sponsored Links