Lith-M Extinguishers and Lithium-Ion Fires

Lithium-ion batteries. They power many of the devices that we use on a daily basis. Many consumer electronics use them, such as phones and laptops, as well as toys, power tools, and electric vehicles. So they’re extremely useful, but they are also a widespread and rapidly growing fire hazard.

What exactly are Lithium-ion Batteries?

Following their market introduction in 1991, lithium-ion batteries have had a large impact on modern technology. They are credited with enabling portable consumer electronics, laptop computers, cellular phones, and electric cars, and now see significant use in grid-scale energy storage and military and aerospace applications.

If you really want to know how these things work, then I suggest you do some independent research. I have some fire safety advice to get to. So to keep things simple: these batteries use lithium compounds in their electrodes. This results in more efficient charge cycles and greater energy density. They can store more energy for longer, and retain charge when not in use better than other batteries.

All of these factors make lithium-ion batteries a popular, arguably no-brainer choice for everyday devices and large-scale energy storage. That might seem great, and it is! They power commonplace devices that constantly aid our productivity and connectivity, but that doesn’t stop them from being fire hazards. A rather specific fire hazard at that, and one that not every type of fire extinguisher is equipped to handle.

What Makes Lithium-ion Battery Fires so Dangerous?

Well, mainly the frequency of these batteries in our lives. If you don’t own anything that uses lithium-ion batteries, then you’re probably a Mormon (and probably not reading this anyway). The whole truth is unsurprisingly scientifically dense, so I won’t give it in full. The core of the issue is that they have a flammable liquid electrolyte.

If the battery were to short-circuit, it would cause the cell to overheat, making it extremely likely to catch fire. Problems that could lead to a short-circuit include thermal, electrical, and mechanical abuse. Faulty chargers can also increase the risks as they can destroy the battery’s protection circuit. The reactions involved in a li-ion battery fire create thermal runaway, which itself is both flammable and toxic.

These fires burn at temperatures between 700 and 1000 degrees Celsius. They release gases that can become a flammable vapour cloud explosion (VCE) in enclosed spaces. As the battery cells decompose, gases vent from the device that further fuel the fire. The whole reaction can occur so fast that it can seem like an explosion.

Efforts are being made to implement non-flammable electrolytes. But as it stands, lithium-ion batteries and the devices that use them are now a fully recognised fire risk. This is reinforced by how bigger batteries, such as those in electric vehicles, can reignite days after being cooled. You need a specialised solution for something like that.

Lith-M Extinguishers and How They Combat Li-ion Battery Fires

If I’ve successfully rattled you, then firstly, I’d like to apologise. And secondly, I’d like to alleviate your fears.

Lithium-ion Battery Fire Extinguishers are an established category of their own now. In general, these are extinguishers specially designed to tackle fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. This means they are made with the dangerous lingering effects in mind, as well as the toxic fumes created. They primarily function by creating a film over the fire’s source, which cools the battery directly, preventing re-ignition.

Fire Protection Online offers Lith-M Fire Extinguishers, a sub-category within Lithium-ion Battery Fire Extinguishers. They are arguably hyperspecialised for li-ion battery fires, but still offer protection against many other common fire hazards. That, if a little vague, might be enough to convince you to get one over any other Lithium-ion battery extinguisher. But with the Lith-M range, we offer several guarantees that we can assure you come together, all on one extinguisher.

Firstly, Lith-M extinguishers are all fluorine-free. This ensures environmental friendliness while steering clear of current and future bans on fluorine extinguishants. They come with a few approvals as a standard as well. They have the CE Mark and Benor Approval, as well as, notably, the MED Ships Wheel. The MED approval means the Lith-M extinguishers are all rated for marine use. They use a modern water and foam additive formulation that is always suitable for use on Class A and B fires (flammable solids and liquids), and sometimes even Class F, on top of Lithium-ion batteries of course.

The Lith-Ms are also always made with reliable materials that make them safe to use near live electronics. All in all, while you can’t take full safety for granted, and should almost always contact emergency services, our Lith-M extinguishers are designed to provide the most peace of mind and security against lithium-ion battery fires as possible.

If you want to know more about our Lith-M Extinguishers and the dangers of Lithium-ion Battery fires, then check out this useful video;