How do you put out a lithium ion battery fire
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electronics, from smartphones to medical devices to cars, providing reliable power with recharging capabilities. However, in the event of a lithium battery fire, it's important to know how to prevent and put out the fire.
Risks of Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium batteries can catch fire if they overheat, causing thermal runaway. This happens when flaming gases are vented from the battery cells, causing a chain reaction in other cells that can result in a fire. Triggers for lithium battery fires include short circuits, overheating, rough handling, physical damage, and wet/humid conditions.
Putting Out Lithium Battery Fires
To extinguish a lithium-metal battery fire, use a Class D fire extinguisher. Lithium-ion battery fires are Class B fires and can be put out with a standard dry chemical or ABC extinguisher. Small lithium batteries can be doused with water, while large lithium-ion battery fires require a foam extinguisher with CO2, powder graphite, ABC dry chemical, or sodium carbonate. In battery pack fires, let each cell burn out in a protected outdoor space, or if the fire can't be extinguished, let it burn out in a controlled way and prevent it from spreading by soaking the surrounding area with water.
Preventing Lithium Battery Fires
To prevent lithium battery fires, buy batteries from reputable manufacturers, never try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries, disconnect the battery from the charger after a charging cycle, use a compatible charger, keep batteries away from extreme temperatures, inspect batteries periodically, remove lithium-ion batteries from items before storage, and unplug a charging device if it emits excessive heat.
Aimeno provides expert advice on lithium battery fire safety. Though rare, it's best to be prepared in case of a lithium battery fire.