About Lithium batteries and their fire risks

Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when used properly, but they can become dangerous if damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Understanding the risks and following proper safety guidelines can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire or explosion.

Lithium-ion battery fires, also known as “thermal runaway” events, are a significant safety concern due to their potentially explosive nature. On this page you can find a breakdown of how they start, the phases involved, the risks, and how they can be avoided.

Phase 1: the Initial Trigger (Overheating, Short Circuit or Damage):
An event, such as overcharging or physical damage, causes the battery’s temperature to rise rapidly.

Phase 2: Thermal Runaway:
As the battery heats up, the electrolyte (the chemical inside the battery) begins to decompose, generating flammable gases. This increases pressure inside the battery, potentially causing it to rupture. The heat causes other parts of the battery to catch fire or explode. These gasses can be detected by our Liiontamer Gas detection system.

Phase 3: Gas Emission:
The breakdown of materials inside the battery releases gases (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide), which are highly flammable. These gases can ignite, intensifying the fire.

Phase 4: Explosion (in severe cases):
If the battery casing ruptures due to internal pressure buildup, the release of gases can lead to a fireball or explosion. The speed of the explosion is with the same speed as a bullet from a fire arm.