Steps to protect yourself from lithium-ion battery hazards

Lithium-ion batteries are having a moment … and not a shining one. Just last week, a deadly fire broke out on a car carrier. The origin? One of the electric vehicles (EVs) on board. 

In June, a fire in an e-bike repair shop killed four. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, 74 lithium-ion battery incidents occurred on flights last year. That number is on the rise.

Many of the devices and vehicles we depend on have lithium-ion batteries inside. Although they’re a cause for concern, there are ways we can protect ourselves from a significant battery disaster.

Hot battery horror stories

Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming more common. They are in tech products everywhere due to their ability to squeeze a ton of battery life in a compact package. However, they’re made with flammable materials, which increases the risk of danger, especially when devices are misused or improperly stored.

Larger tech, like e-bikes and electric vehicles, use much bigger batteries than a smartphone, so it’s way more dangerous when a fire happens. 

The flammable materials inside the batteries can experience what’s called “thermal runaway.” This chain reaction essentially puts a battery in an uncontrollable, self-heating state, which could lead to fires and explosions.

Thermal runaway gets triggered by several things, like a battery being overheated or punctured. It can also be caused by an electrical fault, like a short circuit or manufacturing defects.

Battery safety 101

Although lithium-ion battery fires are frightening, there are ways to protect yourself and your devices from a worst-case scenario:

Laptops

• Don’t keep your laptop in hot places. Avoid leaving it in a hot car, by a sunny window or near a portable heater.
• If your laptop feels hot, it could be due to the internal processors working too hard. Shut your device down to give it a break, and pop the battery out if possible. 
• Despite their name, laptops shouldn’t be on your lap. A laptop has vents to keep things cool, and placing the device on your lap could block those vents and cause overheating.
• Consider using an app to monitor your laptop’s temperature in real time. CoreTemp and Real Temp for Windows are good options.

E-bikes

• Before buying an e-bike, make sure it’s certified by a qualified testing lab and follow the manufacturer’s charging and storage instructions.
• Only use the manufacturer’s power cord and avoid aftermarket chargers or batteries.
• Don’t leave your e-bike charging unattended or overnight.
• Store your e-bike away from building entrances and exits and children’s rooms.
• If a battery overheats, starts to smell or look funny or begins making weird noises, stop using it ASAP.
• Keep e-bike batteries out of direct sunlight.

Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Before you buy an EV, have a qualified electrician install a new, dedicated circuit for your home charging device. Your existing home wiring might not be suitable. 
• Follow your car manufacturer’s guidelines when charging your vehicle.
• Install a residual current device along with the charging unit. The device will turn off the power in an emergency.
• Keep up with your Evs’ routine maintenance.
• Avoid using a charger with signs of excessive wear and tear.
• Cover the EV charging station outlet when it’s not in use to keep water out.

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