What to Do if the Battery Catches Fire?

Have you ever seen a battery catch fire and expose it to water? If yes, then you mustn't have missed the worst blast of a fired battery. So, what should you do if the battery catches fire? 

Today, batteries are found in multiple electronic devices, from smartphones to install in homes for energy storage systems. They provide efficient and reliable power with the perfect energy storage capabilities. However, the most used and reputable battery type, lithium-ion battery, stores about 150 watt-hours of electricity in 1 kilogram of battery. 

However, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable. Due to overheating, these battery packs tend to catch fire faster than other battery types. This calls for immediate measures and guidelines to protect your battery. 

In this article, we'll discover why batteries catch fire and what to do if the battery catches fire.

What is Thermal Runaway?

Batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, undergo thermal runaway during unfavourable conditions. Thermal runaway results in a quick increase in battery cell pressure and temperature or the release of flammable gas. Such flammable gases are often ignited by the battery's high temperature and burst into a fire blast.

Another notable reason for thermal runaway is the microscopic metal particles interacting with various parts of the battery, resulting in a short circuit. A mild short circuit can cause peak self-discharge and low heat because the discharging energy is deficient. However, when the notable microscopic metals come in touch on the spot, a major electrical short can occur, and a measurable current will flow between the positive and negative plates of the battery, causing combustion.

What to do if the battery catches fire?

The following methods can control battery combustion. 

1.Cut off the Power

The first step is to cut off the power supply to prevent the battery from receiving consistent power and exacerbating the fire. 

2.Use Water for Cooling Battery

Some lithium-ion batteries produce a lot of heat when they catch fire, so use a lot of water to extinguish the fire. It is best to use a pressured water spray gun or fire hose to spray water directly on burning batteries to ensure that the battery is completely controlled. 

3.Use Dry Powder Extinguisher for Small Fires

Don't expose the other batteries to water to extinguish fire; this can cause electric shock or larger fires. Use a dry powder extinguisher for lead-acid batteries. These powders are the best option when water cannot cease the fire. 

Remember, these dry powder fire extinguishers are best for small fires. If the fire is too large, they cannot effectively stop the combustion.

4.Use a Foam Extinguisher

To stop a lithium metal battery fire, use a foam extinguisher like Carbon Dioxide, powder graphite, sodium carbonate, or copper powder to control other combustible fires. Furthermore, during the fire extinguisher process, avoid direct contact with the battery to prevent electrical shock or burn.

5.Ask For Help

If you apply the above methods and the fire is still not controlled, evacuate the spot instantly and call the fire department for instant help.

How to prevent a battery from fire?

Identifying the warning signs of a failing battery is paramount to prevent it from combustion. Unusual noise, smoke, heat, odour or swelling at any part are all alarming signs that the battery is firing. 

Here are a few tips to prevent a battery fire from taking place:

Install Sprinkler Protection

Ensure that your battery is completely equipped with the perfect sprinklers. Research has shown that lithium-ion batteries react similarly to unexpanded plastic commodities in a fire. 

Store the battery at the right temperature and charging capacity

If you plan to store your battery for longer, it should be stored at about 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Furthermore, make sure that the lithium-ion batteries are charged below 30% charge capacity for a longer time to reduce the risk of thermal runaway from damage, internal failures, and manufacturing defects. Fully charged batteries have a higher energy density and are more likely to release significant heat from a short circuit caused by internal defects. 

Cover battery terminals with insulating material

It's important to cover the battery terminals with insulating material before wasting or disposing of it. This will help prevent the terminals from interacting with metal or other battery contacts, which can close the battery circuit and result in an unusual energy discharge. 

Charge batteries in a safe area

Charge your batteries in safe areas, taking precautions such as installing a charging station on a firm or non-combustible surface. For larger-format batteries like those used in mobile devices or charges, keep them three feet away from other combustible contents. 

Use battery bins to dispose of

Use metal bins with metal lids to dispose of lithium-ion batteries if possible.

Buy batteries from a reputable manufacturer

Try to buy batteries from reputable manufacturers. Always use the charger that comes with the battery or the one that is approved as compatible by the manufacturer. For this, Innotinum helps you install the safest and most reliable battery option for you.

Other reasons why batteries catch fire

Despite the thermal runways, there can be multiple reasons for battery combustion. So let's have a look over them to prevent the batteries from fire;

Short circuits: Careless battery storage, damage or metal dust leftovers from manufacturing can trigger circuits to short, leading to a fire. 

Improper handling: Dropping or jolting a battery often during use can set off the thermal runaway. 

Unfavourable conditions: Salty air, rainwater or humidity might cause short circuits and trigger thermal runaway without prior battery loss.

Choose Innotinum for the Safest and Reliable Battery Options

Apart from a few dangers that can be prevented, batteries come with many conveniences. So it's important to choose a reliable manufacturer to prevent and put out batteries on fire. 

Innotinum not only helps you find the best battery option for your needs, but our customer service team always assists our clients in case of future battery defects. 

If you feel any alarming signs in your battery, contact us for prevention tips to avoid significant fire damage.