Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Should You Be Worried?

According to a 2018 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over 5,000 Lithium-Ion Battery fires per year. But they don’t just catch on fire – a lithium-ion battery failure can cause an explosion and release harmful chemicals and toxins with little or no warning. Once a failure has occurred, those batteries can also fuel the fire themselves. They become extremely difficult to extinguish and can easily spread to other parts of your facility. So, when leaving these batteries overnight and charging them, how can you be sure they aren’t a ticking time-bomb?

Safe Charging Cabinets

Lithium-ion battery charging safety cabinets can prevent catastrophic losses while keeping your equipment running. They are made to contain fires and smoke while also being strong enough to withstand explosions. Justrite’s 9- Layer ChargeGuard™ Containment System is one example of a cabinet built to withstand the extreme temperatures and other hazards caused by lithium-ion battery failure. Flame arrestors, spring-loaded dampers, pressure relief vent systems, and heat-activated expanding door seals can prevent the spread of smoke, flames, and toxic fumes. By keeping those hazards contained to one small area, you can rest assured that the majority of your facilities will be unaffected and prevent much more damage to the rest of the building. However, each of these cabinets have a limit in terms of capacity and voltage that make them safe to use. Those limits may also vary depending on the size and condition of your batteries. Be sure to follow the manufacturers specifications, or you may risk damaging the cabinet and its performance.

Why Should You Invest?

The National Fire Protection Association estimates the direct and indirect costs for USA commercial business fires to be $15.9 billion annually. More importantly, injuries to your team are unquantifiable. To prevent both the long-term and short-term impact of a lithium-ion battery failure, it is necessary to have proper storage and perform safe charging practices. These precautions could save you from a much larger issue in the future.

While on the topic of fire safety, it may also be time to invest in flammable storage for chemicals and other combustible materials. For many of the same reasons that you may need a charging safety cabinet, it may be necessary to invest in a flammable storage cabinet to prevent explosions and the release of toxic chemicals.

In either case, Martin Supply’s network of representatives can work with you to find a solution that suits your needs. Contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116 to learn more.