BATTERY SAFETY
The best way to be safe is to prevent a lithium-ion battery fire from starting. Take these important actions now.
Lithium-ion batteries can go into thermal runaway undetected and result in a fire. Not just any fire, a fire that emits flames, smoke and toxic gases that can cause an explosion and spread throughout a house, apartment, or storefront.
DID YOU KNOW?
PUBLIC INFO
From the first warning signs of smoke or hissing noises, you may have less than one minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire.
What is a lithium-ion battery? Lithium-ion is the most popular rechargeable battery chemistry used today. It consists of single or multiple lithium-ion cells along with a protective circuit board.
Where can I find lithium-ion battery-powered devices? Lithium-ion battery-powered devices can be found in the home and workplace in many common products such as — cell phones, laptops, electric power tools, wheelchairs, lawn mowers, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles.
​
What are the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries? Despite their many advantages, lithium-ion batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, and cause explosions. This most commonly occurs when the batteries are damaged, suffer electro-chemical abuse (e.g., from overcharging or completely draining the battery), are in high- or low-temperature environments, or have an internal short-circuit. The heating from the internal short circuit can cause chemical reactions that lead to thermal runaway.
​
What is thermal runaway? Thermal runaway is the primary driver of risks related to lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway is what happens when a fault causes self-heating in a battery cell. The process of self-heating generates incredible heat — more than 1,000° F — which decomposes the cell into smoke and flammable and toxic gases. When the heat from thermal runaway spreads to other cells, it can cause them to experience faults and the rest of the battery to go into thermal runaway.
​
Thermal runaway often immediately ignites a fire, but if the ignition is not immediate, the buildup of flammable gases can cause an explosion that blows out windows and spreads fire throughout a structure (e.g., an apartment, house, or storefront).
Choose certified products
-
When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered devices, be sure to look for products that are listed or safety certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements.
-
Countless products sold online do not meet these critical safety standards.
Handle lithium-ion battery-powered devices with care
-
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Only use the charging equipment that comes with the product.
-
Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable.
-
Do not modify the battery or the charger in any way.
-
Charge larger devices (such as eBikes) outside the home – and never in your exit path. • Do not charge larger devices overnight.
Always stay alert for warning signs
-
Check battery-powered devices often for damage or abuse such as swelling or punctures.
-
Listen for unusual hissing or popping sounds.
-
Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor.
-
If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion powered devices.
-
White or gray wispy smoke indicates immediate danger of thermal runaway
Recycle devices and batteries properly
-
Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries and devices by taking them to the nearest battery recycling center.
-
Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins.
Get out quickly if there’s a fire
-
Know the warning signs to look and listen for and get out if you see – or hear – one.
-
Follow your home fire escape plan to leave immediately and call 9-1-1.
Educate others on battery safety
-
Now that you know what actions to take, spread the word. Protect your friends and loved ones by sharing how they can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety
Learn more at batteryfiresafety.org
