Fire Risks of Lithium Batteries

One of the reasons why lithium-ion batteries have come up frequently in recent years and their usage area has expanded is that they can store more energy even in a small area. They are less dangerous than other batteries, but much more energy-intensive. Further storage of energy makes these batteries dangerous. These batteries, which manufacturers strive to store more energy, must also be produced safely. Particular attention should be paid to counterfeit batteries. These batteries can overheat, explode and cause a fire.

When a battery cell gets too hot, gases begin to accumulate in it, swell, and eventually open, causing oxygen to enter and ignite. Overheating occurs with overcharging, which can cause unwanted chemical reactions in battery cells. The most common cause is a short circuit, but it can also be a poor battery design and manufacturing defect. Short-circuiting can also start at the molecular level, as overcharging the battery will cause metallic lithium to build up at the anode. In the event of a short circuit, the battery discharges itself instantly and causes excess heat to be produced. Damage to the thin walls that separate the different components of the battery can also lead to short circuits and overheating.

A fire is a very big problem, and it can also harm you materially and morally. However, it should be known that the extinguishing process is not very easy in this type of fire. The reason for this is the chemicals used in making battery cells. These chemicals form gases that accumulate in batteries before they explode.

Lithium battery fires can be caused by what; It can be caused by physical impact or impact, overheating, short circuit, internal cell failure and manufacturing defects. With the increase in technology using lithium batteries, the risk of lithium battery fires is also increasing. The consequences of fires that may occur as a result of the explosion of these batteries can have serious consequences. That's why you should be very careful. Chargers specially produced for lithium batteries automatically cut off the current when the battery is fully charged and protect your battery from overcharging.

Requirements for the Use of Batteries in Appropriate and Safe Conditions

-You should keep your batteries in a safe environment in extreme temperatures. For example, do not leave your batteries on the windowsill, in the car or in direct sunlight. Otherwise, your batteries may leak. Likewise, do not keep batteries near heat emitting sources such as heaters and stoves. In addition, batteries should not be placed in places where they may be exposed to extreme temperatures during charging.

-The instructions for use should be read and the rules written there should be applied. If the batteries come into contact with liquid (water etc.), the protection circuit may be broken and the current and voltage levels during charging may rise to abnormal levels.

-You should use the chargers recommended by your manufacturer. You must place the lithium-ion batteries and batteries in the chargers correctly. During this time, you should not press or force. If the batteries are in the reverse position when inserted into the charger, it will cause the charging process to be reversed and abnormal chemical reactions will occur.

- Never throw batteries into fire under any circumstances. In such cases, the insulating material on the battery melts, the gas outlet apparatus is damaged and the protection is removed, which may cause the batteries to burn, explode and start a fire. Nothing should be done that will deform the battery. (Crushing chewing etc.)

-Do not store batteries with metals such as coins, keys, necklaces. Short circuits created by metals can lead to high currents. Batteries should not be kept close to magnetic fields. The magnetic field can create heating.