Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

With their growing prominence, lithium-ion batteries also carry a fire safety risk that needs to be considered. It is worth noting that the frequency of fire from lithium-ion batteries is actually very low, but the consequences can be significant.

Why do lithium ion batteries catch fire?

Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire? Lithium-ion battery cells combine a flammable electrolyte with significant stored energy, and if a lithium-ion battery cell creates more heat than it can effectively disperse, it can lead to a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy, known as ‘thermal runaway’, that can result in a fire or explosion.

Why are lithium-ion battery fires difficult to quell?

Due to the self-sustaining process of thermal runaway, Lithium-ion battery fires are also difficult to quell. Bigger batteries such as those used in electric vehicles may reignite hours or even days after the event, even after being cooled. Source: Firechief® Global

What happens if a lithium ion battery fails?

In an uncontrolled failure of the battery, all that energy and heat increases the hazard risks in terms of fuelling a potential fire. The heat from lithium-ion battery failures can reach up to 400 degrees Celsius in just a matter of seconds, with peak fire temperatures being higher than this.

Are lithium-ion batteries a fire hazard?

Fires involving lithium-ion batteries often burn hotter and for a longer duration than traditional fires, making them more difficult to extinguish and increasing the risk of property damage and injury.

Can lithium ion batteries explode?

And even when a lithium-ion battery fire appears to have been extinguished, it can reignite hours – or sometimes even days – later. Lithium-ion batteries can also release highly toxic gases when they fail, and excessive heat can also cause them to explode.