![]() ![]() So, how do you choose the right fire extinguisher in this scenario? Lithium-ion batteries are considered a Class B fire, so a standard ABC or dry chemical fire extinguisher should be used. Since lithium-ion batteries aren’t made with metallic lithium, a Class D dry powder extinguisher would not be effective. Class D fire extinguishers, which contain dry powder, are intended for combustible metal fires only. Therefore, a Class D fire extinguisher is not to be used to fight a lithium-ion battery fire. CLASS FIRES ABCD HOW TOThe temperature can quickly reach 500☌ (932☏), at which point the cell catches fire or it explodes.” How to Extinguish a Lithium-Ion Battery Fireĭespite their name, lithium-ion batteries used in consumer products do not contain any lithium metal. CLASS FIRES ABCD TORRENTAs a small water leak in a faulty hydro dam can develop into a torrent and take a structure down, so too can heat buildup damage the insulation layer in a cell and cause an electrical short. If enough microscopic metallic particles converge on one spot, a sizable current begins to flow between the electrodes of the cell, and the spot heats up and weakens. “A mild short will only cause elevated self-discharge and the heat buildup is minimal because the discharging power is very low. It’s usually the result of a stress event such as vibration, an electrical short, or could simply be a fluke. The second type of battery failure is hard to pinpoint. ![]() For example, two different battery flaws in the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone lead to two separate recalls and, ultimately, the permanent withdrawal of the model from the market. The first involves a defect within the manufacturing of the battery, and when the defect is discovered, Li-ion batteries are typically recalled. There are two basic types of lithium-ion battery failure. Should you worry about your cell phone or computer spontaneously catching on fire? Don’t worry the chances of it happening are slim. Let's discuss how lithium-ion battery fires start, which fire extinguisher to use, and useful lithium-ion battery safety tips to ensure your employees are prepared and able to prevent these fires from occurring in the workplace. In the aviation industry alone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported a total of 340 incidents involving smoking or burning lithium-ion batteries between 20.ĭue to the rising popularity of Li-ion batteries, it’s crucial that businesses and employees who commonly use products and devices powered by lithium-ion batteries understand the associated safety hazards as well as basic handling and storage guidelines to avoid workplace fires and injuries. Issues with exploding cell phones, e-cigarettes, and laptops haven't gone away, even years after the Samsung Galaxy 7 recall. They may also be found in laboratories, mechanical rooms, break rooms, chemical storage areas, offices, college vehicles, etc.ĭry chemical extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires may be located in places such as commercial kitchens or areas with flammable liquids.Lithium-ion batteries (or Li-ion batteries) are considered safe to use, but with growing usage from millions of consumers and businesses, failure is bound to happen. New buildings will have them located in public hallways. These extinguishers will be found in a variety of locations. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire, so these extinguishers are extremely effective at putting out fire. Read the labels and know their locations! You don't want to mistakenly use a "BC" extinguisher on a Class A fire, thinking that it was an "ABC" extinguisher.Īn "ABC" extinguisher will have a label like this, indicating that it may be used on class A, B and C fires.ĭry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust, separating the fuel from the oxygen in the air. It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area.
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