Lithium batteries power many devices we use every day at home and at work, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, vapes, and electric vehicles of all sizes. But unfortunately, lithium batteries carry a strong fire risk.
In this post we’ll outline why lithium batteries catch fire, so you can work to manage the risk in your workplace.
If you want to understand and manage the specific risks you face in your business, we can advise you on your risk management and insurance needs. Contact us on 020 8290 9080 or email business@anthonyjones.com.
How Do Lithium Batteries Work?
To understand why lithium batteries catch fire, it’s worth knowing just how they work. A lithium battery contains:
- an anode
- a cathode
- a separator
- some electrolyte
- positive and negative current collectors.
Positively charged lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode, and vice versa, through the separator and the electrolyte. This movement of ions creates a charge which the positive current collector transfers to the device being powered. The current flows through the device and back to the negative current collector, while the separator prevents electrons from flowing back into the battery.
So a lithium battery works via a complicated chemical process. If anything goes wrong with this process, it can lead to fires, and even explosions.
Why Do Lithium Batteries Catch Fire?
A lithium battery’s electrolyte is a highly flammable substance that can store a huge amount of energy. If the battery gets damaged, or if it’s exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, there can be problems with the chemical process, and the battery cell can create more heat than it can disperse. This can result in a rapid release of heat energy, which is known as a thermal runaway.
In a thermal runaway reaction, the battery:
- Will get extremely hot extremely quickly
- May spontaneously ignite
- Can burn at temperatures as high as 1,000°C
- Can also release toxic, flammable gases, often lead to an explosion
Yet even if there’s no explosion, a burning lithium battery can also generate its own oxygen. This, combined with the intense heat, can make lithium batteries particularly hard to extinguish.
What Causes Lithium Battery Fires?
A number of things can increase the risk of lithium battery fires:
- Crushing or piercing the battery casing.
- Exposure to extremely high or extremely low temperatures.
- Overcharging the battery.
- Leaving a battery plugged in when not in use.
How to Reduce the Risk of Lithium Battery Fires
- Store your batteries safely
Take care where you store your batteries when they’re not in use. Don’t leave them where they might get hot, or wet. But also, don’t let them get too cold. Some people seem to think you can reduce the risk of lithium fires if you store them in the fridge. But as low temperatures can cause the battery to degrade, this could actually make fires more likely. - Only buy from trusted sources
Only buy products and chargers from reputable manufacturers who meet the rigorous EN standards. Also be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely when it comes to using your battery. If the manufacturer says you should never leave the battery plugged in, for example, then don’t! - Look for signs of damage
Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. If you spot any bumps, or gouges, or scratches, or bulges, then stop using the battery immediately. - Consider performance
Also pay attention to how your battery performs. If it gets too hot, or if it takes too long to charge your devices, then it may be getting old and degraded. You should get a new battery as soon as possible.
Never Throw Lithium Batteries in the Bin
Many lithium battery fires are caused by people carelessly throwing their old batteries in the bin. If lithium batteries are disposed of in the main waste stream, they’ll be subjected to extreme temperatures and large amounts of pressure, all of which can make fire outbreaks more likely.
This is why it’s vital to safely dispose of your lithium batteries using a dedicated waste collection and processing scheme. Read our full guide to safe lithium battery disposal.
Is Your Business Covered For Lithium Battery Risks?
At Anthony Jones, we can help you understand and manage the specific fire risks you face in your business. Our friendly team of experts can advise you on your risk management and insurance needs, to help you get the cover you need for your business. For more information, contact us on 020 8290 9080 or email business@anthonyjones.com.
