Lithium Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers
The LI-ion Fire Solution is a water-type fire extinguisher with Encapsulator agent. This Extinguisher has been manufactured and approved to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1841.2 and tested in accordance with AS 1850 for class A.
In regard to lithium-ion battery fires, extensive third-party testing has been conducted, and this cooling agent performs exceptionally well against lithium-Ion battery fires. The 4 Litre Li-ion Fire Solution Extinguisher has been tested on a 2.4kWh Li-ion battery fire. The 9-litre Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguisher has been tested on a 4.8KWh Lithium-Ion battery fire. There is currently no Australian Standard specific to lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers. While our 4L & 9L F-500 extinguishers comply with the mandatory safety requirements for water-type fire extinguishers. We encourage you to discuss your individual fire needs with your Fire Service provider to ensure that you are covered for all fire types, not just Lithium-Ion Battery Fires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers
What is a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher?
A lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher is specifically designed to help control and suppress fires involving lithium-ion batteries. These extinguishers are formulated to cool the battery cells, reduce thermal runaway, and minimise the risk of reignition. They are commonly used in environments where lithium-ion batteries are charged, stored, or operated, including electric vehicles, e-bikes, warehouses, workshops, and battery storage facilities.
Can a normal fire extinguisher put out a lithium battery fire?
Standard fire extinguishers may help control surrounding combustible materials, but they are often less effective at stopping thermal runaway within lithium-ion battery cells. Because lithium-ion battery fires can continue to generate heat internally, specialised lithium-ion battery extinguishers are generally recommended for improved fire suppression and cooling performance.
What is thermal runaway?
Thermal runaway is a chain reaction that occurs when a lithium-ion battery cell overheats and begins to break down internally. This process generates extreme heat, flammable gases, and can cause neighbouring battery cells to fail. Once thermal runaway begins, the fire can spread rapidly and may be difficult to extinguish without specialised suppression methods.
Can lithium-ion batteries reignite after a fire?
Yes. One of the most challenging aspects of lithium-ion battery fires is the risk of reignition. Even after the visible flames appear to be extinguished, damaged battery cells can retain heat and reignite hours or even days later. Proper cooling, monitoring, and safe disposal procedures are essential following any lithium battery fire incident.
Which extinguisher is best for e-bike battery fires?
A lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher specifically designed for rechargeable battery fires is generally the preferred option for e-bike battery protection. These extinguishers are formulated to cool the battery and help prevent thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent cells.
Which extinguisher is best for electric vehicle battery fires?
Electric vehicle battery fires can be extremely challenging due to the large number of battery cells involved. Specialised lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers can assist in controlling smaller battery-related incidents and preventing fire spread. For larger EV battery fires, emergency services may be required due to the significant cooling requirements and risk of reignition.
Are lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers required by Australian Standards?
Australian Standards may require businesses to conduct risk assessments and provide appropriate fire protection equipment based on the hazards present in the workplace. While specific extinguisher requirements depend on the application, organisations that store, charge, transport, or use lithium-ion batteries should consider dedicated battery fire protection as part of their overall fire safety strategy.
Can a lithium-ion battery fire be extinguished completely?
Lithium-ion battery fires can be controlled and suppressed, but complete extinguishment can be difficult because damaged battery cells may continue to generate heat internally. Effective cooling is critical to reducing the likelihood of reignition. After any lithium battery fire, ongoing monitoring is strongly recommended.
What industries need lithium-ion battery fire protection?
Many industries now rely on lithium-ion batteries and should consider appropriate fire protection measures, including:
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Warehousing and logistics
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Electric vehicle workshops
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E-bike and e-scooter retailers
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Manufacturing facilities
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Renewable energy and solar battery installations
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Telecommunications
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Data centres
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Mining operations
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Transport and fleet operators
Are lithium-ion battery fires becoming more common?
As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to increase in electric vehicles, e-bikes, power tools, mobile devices, and energy storage systems, battery-related fire incidents have become more common worldwide. This growing trend has increased demand for specialised fire suppression solutions and battery fire safety procedures.
How do I store lithium-ion batteries safely?
To reduce the risk of fire:
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Store batteries in a cool, dry location.
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Avoid exposure to excessive heat or direct sunlight.
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Use manufacturer-approved chargers.
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Inspect batteries regularly for damage, swelling, or overheating.
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Avoid overcharging batteries.
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Store damaged batteries separately from combustible materials.
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Follow manufacturer recommendations and workplace safety procedures.
Do lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers work on other types of fires?
Many lithium-ion battery extinguishers can also be effective on certain other fire types, depending on the extinguisher's classification and agent. Always check the product specifications and fire ratings to ensure suitability for your intended application.
How often should a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher be serviced?
In Australia, fire extinguishers should be inspected and maintained in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and the manufacturer's recommendations. Regular servicing helps ensure the extinguisher remains operational and ready for use in an emergency.
Where should a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher be located?
Lithium-ion battery extinguishers should be positioned close to battery charging stations, storage areas, workshops, warehouses, electric vehicle service bays, and other locations where lithium-ion batteries are regularly used or stored. They should be easily accessible and clearly visible in an emergency.
Is a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher suitable for home use?
Yes. Homeowners who own electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools, home battery systems, or large numbers of rechargeable devices may benefit from having a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher available as part of their home fire safety plan.
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