Battery fires

Why are battery fires dangerous?

– A fire is always dangerous, but the gases produced by the chemical compounds in batteries make the fire even more dangerous, says Lauri Lehto, Fire Prevention Technology Expert at The Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK).

– The reaction is very strong. A battery fire can produce powerful flames or burning hot splashes which could ignite a larger fire.

When you buy a new battery for your device, get the same model as the previous one. Otherwise, check with the supplier and read the product data sheet to ensure that the battery is compatible with your device.

Why can a mobile phone battery overheat?

– When a battery has been damaged, for example by an external impact, or has bent in such a way that its structure has been broken, the battery might short-circuit, which can cause a fire, Lehto says.

– Other possible reasons for overheating are heavy strain and charging immediately after use, which prevents it from cooling down. So, you should let your phone ‘calm down’ before you charge it.

– Luckily, phones often have safety mechanisms that detect overheating, stop charging and turn the phone off to allow it to cool down.

– You should also remember that you shouldn’t leave a device charging continuously, but it should be disconnected when charging is complete. This can prevent overcharging and heating.

You should be concerned if the battery heats up considerably, makes an unusual noise while charging or swells up. You should take the battery and the device in for service at this point.

Do you leave your phone to charge overnight? You shouldn’t.

No battery should be left to unattended while charging.

Charge batteries only while you are awake

Make charging your batteries an evening routine before you go to bed.

What should you do immediately if you notice something abnormal while charging a mobile phone, a screwdriver or some other device with a small battery – for example, if the battery starts to smoke?

• Stop charging immediately and move the device/battery to a cool place where there are no easily flammable materials close by.
• If you can clearly see smoke, submerge the device/battery in water! For this purpose, you can use a regular water or cleaning bucket that you fill with water. The water cools the battery down.

The duration of the fire reaction depends on the size and charge of the battery, that is, how much energy it contains.

What to take as a housewarming gift for a friend? A fire blanket, of course!

Extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire with a fire blanket and a saucepan

The video is produced by the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

With small devices, the reaction can be quite quick.

Fire extinguishing equipment should be easily accessible so that you can prevent secondary fires. You should also make sure the flat is ventilated.

What to do in case of a fire?

What is the best place to charge an electric bike or scooter battery?

• The place where you charge batteries should be dry and sufficiently cool; normal room temperature works. The heat of the environment can also heat up the battery.
• When choosing where to charge, you should also consider any other materials nearby and the risk of fire spreading. This means that you should charge batteries in an area that is as spacious as possible and far away from easily flammable materials.

Where should you never charge an electric bike or scooter battery?

• You must not charge a battery in front of exits, for example in the hallway, so that it is always possible to exit the room or flat if necessary. You must always secure a safe route out!

As with all electrical appliances, battery-powered devices always involve a certain amount of risk.

Do not pull cables

How to prevent a battery fire

1. Read and follow the instructions manual.

   Only use chargers and cables designed for the battery in question.

2. Charge the battery on a non-flammable surface.

   Don’t charge your mobile phone in bed, for example.

3. Don’t leave the battery charging overnight.

   No battery should be left unattended while charging.

Fight the attacks of zombie batteries!

A zombie battery is a battery that has been stranded without taping up its terminals.

A significant number of used batteries end up scattered around homes or mixed in with general waste.

A discarded lithium-ion battery that is improperly stored or mishandled is a safety hazard! It may reawaken as a ‘zombie’ and even burst into flames.

• When you discard a battery, cover its terminals immediately with tape, for example. Batteries can short-circuit and cause a fire if the positive and negative terminals come into contact with each another.
• Take discarded batteries and accumulators to designated rubbish bins at a store or some other recycling point as soon as possible.