Fire Safety Tips

What is a lithium battery?

• A lithium battery is a type of rechargeable battery which uses the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy. It is the predominant battery type used in portable consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Lithium batteries have high energy densities, low self-discharge, and no memory effect.

Why is it different?

• Due to their superior chemistry, lithium batteries are your best choice for high drain devices, such as portable electronics.

Lithium battery advantages:

• Can last up to 6 times longer than an alkaline battery.
• Performs even in extreme temperatures ranging from -40℉ to 140℉.
• Can hold power for up to 20 years in storage. Lithium batteries don't need to be replaced as often as alkaline types. Because of this, a lithium battery will offer a better return on investment, saving you money in the long run.
• Weighs approximately 33% less than an alkaline battery.

Alkaline batteries advantages:

• Lower upfront cost than lithium batteries.
• Perform best in temperatures of 30℉ to 70℉.
• Can hold power for up to 10 years in storage.

Are lithium batteries dangerous?

• Lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail, if there are no defects, and the batteries are not damaged. When lithium batteries fail to operate safely or they are damaged, they may present a fire and/or explosion hazard. There may be several conditions leading to battery failures fires and, explosions. Low-quality components and manufacturing defects remain one of the main causes of battery failure. Keeping the batteries exposed to heat sources can be extremely dangerous as this may lead to an explosion. Use only recommended chargers that are in good working order.
   
• Lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, and explode because they are extremely sensitive to high temperatures, and they degrade much faster than ordinary batteries when exposed to heat. In addition, when the battery is under any kind of external pressure, there’s a risk of the battery becoming very hot and exploding from over-pressure. Furthermore, when the current surges, the battery overheats. Lithium cells also undergo self-discharge as the batteries lose their stored charge in case of the electrodes or the external circuit not being connected. Elevated self-discharge can cause temperatures to rise, which may lead to a Thermal Runaway. During a thermal runaway, the heat generated by a failed cell may move to the next cell, causing it to become thermally unstable as well. Thus, a chain reaction can destroy the entire pack within a few  seconds.

How to minimize the risk of lithium batteries:

• Avoid storing at high temperatures
• Avoid overcharging.
• Store the battery in a cool, clean, and dry location. This includes e-vehicles, e-scoters and e-bikes.
• Let the battery cool down before charging.

How to spot the warning signs?

Before a failing lithium battery catches fire, there are often a few warning signs. Here’s what to look for:

• Heat: It’s completely normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use. But if your device’s lithium-ion battery feels extremely hot to the touch, there’s a good chance it’s defective and at risk to start a fire.
• Swelling: When a lithium battery fails, another common sign is battery swelling. If your battery looks swollen, you should stop using it immediately. Similar signs include any type of lump or bulge, or leakage from the device.
• Noise: Failing lithium batteries have also been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds.
• Odor: If you notice a strong or unusual odor coming from the battery, this is also a bad sign.
• Smoke: This one’s a little more obvious. But if your device is smoking, a fire has already started.

What should you do if it catches fire?

• Lithium battery fires are very dangerous.
• Fire extinguishers do not work on lithium battery fires.
• Do not panic. Do not attempt to pick up the battery or extinguish the fire.
• Close the door to the room and leave the building immediately, advise everyone in the building by activating the fire alarm (if applicable), and call 911 immediately.
• Re-ignition of lithium batteries are common. Lithium batteries are known to unexpectedly re-ignite (without warning) minutes, hours and even days after all visible fire has been put out.

No injuries were reported when local firefighters recently responded to a lithium battery fire, seen in the above video from a nearby jurisdiction. Fire debris and subsequent hot spot fires up to 120 feet away from the actual battery.