Where There’s a Spark, There’s a Flame
Lithium-ion batteries power so many of our daily gadgets, from smartphones to laptops and even electric cars. They’re incredibly efficient and long-lasting, but they can also be a fire hazard if not handled correctly.
SafeQuip, a leading distributor of fire-related equipment, explains why these batteries can catch fire and how you can stay safe.
Understanding Lithium-Ion Battery Construction
Lithium-ion batteries might seem complicated, but they’re essentially made up of three main parts:
- Anode: This is the negative electrode, typically made of a carbon-based material that stores lithium-ions when the battery is charged.
- Cathode: The positive electrode, often composed of lithium cobalt oxide or other lithium-based compounds, is responsible for receiving and releasing lithium-ions during charging and discharging.
- Electrolyte: This is like the battery’s bloodstream. It’s a liquid or gel that helps lithium-ions move around between the cathode and anode. It’s important to note that the liquid or gel is flammable.
These components are packed together in a protective casing to keep everything in place and prevent leaks:
Why Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Catch Fire?
The scary part about lithium-ion batteries is something called thermal runaway. This is a chain reaction where the battery gets extremely hot, releases gases, and can catch fire or even explode. Here’s what can trigger this dangerous situation:
- Overcharging: Charging a lithium-ion battery beyond its recommended voltage limits can cause the electrolyte to break down, leading to overheating.
- Physical Damage: Punctures, crushing, or mechanical stress can compromise the battery’s structure, allowing internal components to come into contact and generate heat.
- High Temperatures: Exposure to excessive heat, such as leaving a device in a hot car, can accelerate the onset of thermal runaway.
- Manufacturing Defects: Faulty manufacturing processes or substandard materials can weaken the battery’s internal components, increasing the risk of thermal runaway.
What Are the Dangers?
When a lithium-ion battery fails, it can cause several problems:
Fire: A battery experiencing thermal runaway can get extremely hot, reaching temperatures that are high enough to ignite the battery itself or nearby materials. This can happen very quickly and without much warning, posing a significant fire hazard in homes, cars, and workplaces.
Explosion: As the battery overheats, the electrolyte inside can break down and release gases. These gases, which include flammable substances like hydrogen, can build up pressure within the battery. If the pressure becomes too great, the battery casing can burst, leading to a powerful explosion. This can cause not only fire but also shrapnel-like debris that can damage property and harm people nearby.
Toxic Gas: Burning or overheating lithium-ion batteries can release several types of harmful gases, such as:
- Hydrogen Fluoride (HF): This gas is highly toxic and corrosive. Inhalation can lead to severe respiratory irritation and damage, and exposure to the skin or eyes can cause burns.
- Phosphorus Pentafluoride (PF5): Another dangerous gas that can be released during a battery failure. It is harmful to inhale and can contribute to environmental pollution.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Incomplete combustion of the battery materials can produce carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly in confined spaces.
Chemical Burns: If the battery leaks, the electrolyte, which is often a mixture of organic solvents and lithium salts, can cause chemical burns on contact with skin. This is particularly dangerous because the leaked electrolyte is not only corrosive but also flammable, increasing the risk of fire upon exposure to heat or sparks.
Environmental Damage: Improper disposal or failure of lithium-ion batteries can lead to environmental contamination. The toxic chemicals released can pollute soil and water, harming wildlife and potentially entering the human food chain. Proper recycling and disposal are essential to mitigate these environmental risks.
Property Damage: Beyond the immediate physical dangers to individuals, a lithium-ion battery fire or explosion can cause significant property damage. This includes damage to electronics, vehicles, and even entire buildings. Repairing this damage can be costly and time-consuming, not to mention the potential loss of irreplaceable personal items.
Health Risks: Exposure to the toxic fumes and chemicals released by a failing lithium-ion battery can have long-term health consequences. Chronic exposure to small amounts of toxic substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and other health problems over time.
Mitigating the Risks in Lithium-ion Battery Fires
Here are some practical steps to help you stay safe:
- Use the Right Batteries and Chargers: Always stick with manufacturer-recommended products. Cheap knock-offs can be risky.
- Keep Cool: Avoid exposing your devices to extreme heat or cold. Don’t leave them in your car on a hot day or out in the freezing cold.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your devices and batteries for any signs of physical damage, such as swelling, punctures, or leaks. If you notice any issues, replace the battery or device as needed.
- Charge Safely: Charge devices on a non-flammable surface and avoid leaving them unattended, especially overnight.
- Store Properly: If you’re not using a battery for a while, store it in a cool, dry place with a partial charge (about 50%).
- Recycle Responsibly: Don’t just toss old batteries in the trash. Recycle them properly to avoid environmental harm.
- Be Prepared: Consider getting a Lith-Ex fire extinguisher. These are specifically designed to handle lithium-ion battery fires using a special agent that cools and contains the fire.
We remain dedicated to elevating fire safety standards in South Africa and worldwide, ensuring the effective mitigation of lithium-ion battery fire risks. Our lithium-ion fire extinguisher range will soon be accessible through retailers like Makro, Game, MIDAS, Matus, select Buco and Buildit outlets, Takealot, and your local fire extinguishing service agents.
For more information, view our safety fire equipments and join the conversations on Facebook and LinkedIn.