Lithium-Ion Batteries
“What’s a Lithium-Ion Battery?” you may ask. Well, they’re all around you. In fact, two billion Lithium-Ion cells are produced every year.
In today’s society, many consumer and industrial goods are powered by these types of rechargeable batteries. They’re commonly used in portable devises, however their use in larger electronic is increasing – including electric vehicles and military and aerospace applications.
Day-to-day uses of this type of battery include:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Electronic toys
- Power tools
- Electric scoots
- Forklift trucks
What’s the risk?
There have been safety risks with Lithium-Ion batteries ever since they were introduced in the late 1900s.
The battery systems have high energy density, which results in catastrophic consequences if a small intrusion of metal particles comes into contact with parts of the battery cell.
In this situation, something called “thermal runaway” might occur, which can lead to heat related battery failures, a chain reaction between cells, battery destruction and, ultimately, flames.
Complex assembly techniques make the elimination of all metallic dust nearly impossible; this means that there is always going to be an element of risk in widely used electronic devises.
The Fire Extinguisher
Our supplier, FireChief, have launched a range called “Lith-Ex” specifically to tackle fires caused by Lithium-Ion powered devices.
The range is suitable for confined spaces, including:
- Homes
- Hotel rooms
- Vehicles
- Public transport
- Aviation
- Marine facilities
- Leisure facilities
They can also be used to protect against fires where batteries are under charge and where batteries are stored, such as distribution sites, battery bins, recycling locations, public services, charging stations and many other scenarios.
The revolutionary extinguishing agent (AVD) helps to cool excessive heat and supress flames in their infancy to completely prevent reignition and fully established fires. Other extinguishers aren’t capable of this in the event of a Lithium-Ion battery fire.
A Breakdown of Lith-Ex Benefits
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Ground-breaking and highly effective design
- Range of size options
- Compact, lightweight and easy to store
- Reduces risk of re-combustion by creating a thermally insulating film
- Safe and reliable
So, Who Needs One?
Lith-Ex extinguishers are a must for workplaces that use rechargeable devises (that doesn’t just go for company property, but also employee and visitor property).
Likelihood is that any UK premises will, at point, house devises with Lithium-Ion batteries, and so it’s hard to imagine any business that wouldn’t need an extinguisher of this description.
As the popularity of Lithium-Ion batteries increase, so does the fire hazard. Make the world a safer place and invest in this potentially life-saving device today.
Our range of Firechief products hold various accreditations and carry the CE mark, find the right fire safety supplies for your business here.