Our Total Guide on Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers
With the growing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in electronics, energy storage solutions, and other advanced technologies, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise in recent years.
This is why it’s important for property owners to ensure they are protected by having the right equipment in place to combat these unique fire events.
In this blog post, the fire protection experts at Kauffman Co. provide a comprehensive guide on lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers and why they are the best line of defense against these unique fire threats.
What Makes Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Dangerous?
While lithium-ion batteries might be an innovative technology, they can pose significant safety threats to your property. When they combust, lithium-ion batteries can produce thermal runaway and even have the potential to cause explosions.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are characterized by extreme heat and intense flames, producing toxic fumes and gases that can have lasting health effects.
Why Traditional Fire Extinguishers May Not Be Effective
A traditional fire extinguisher might be ideal for suppressing the average fire event; however, these systems are not sufficient for combatting a lithium-ion battery fire.
Traditional fire extinguishers are not equipped with the specialized fire suppression required to mitigate flames caused by lithium-ion batteries, and using these systems during such an event may even exacerbate the issue. This is why it’s critical for properties where lithium-ion batteries are prevalent to be equipped with the proper fire extinguishers.
Introduction to Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers
Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers are specialized fire suppression systems that are specifically designed to counteract the liquid electrolytes in the battery that create conductive pathways. There are several different types of lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers available, including aerosol extinguishers and F500EA extinguishers.
Each type is uniquely capable of halting the propagation of thermal runaway and encapsulating toxic flammable off-gases to mitigate flame damage and ensure total safety.
Spotlight on the F500EA Extinguisher
Powered by fluorine-free encapsulator technology, the F500EA extinguisher is exceptionally capable of combatting lithium-ion battery fire events. With the power to safely extinguish Class A, B, D, and lithium-ion battery fires, the encapsulation technology used in these state-of-the-art systems helps to:
- Separate fuel from oxygen
- Absorb thermal energy through rapid heat reduction
- Ensure free radical interruption
These unique features provide greater confidence in incident response, preventing reignition and decreasing downtime caused by unexpected fire events.
Where Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers Are Needed
Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers are recommended for use in environments where advanced technologies like EV batteries, smartphones, laptops, drones, e-bikes, and other systems using lithium-ion technology are commonly stored.
Data centers, energy storage facilities, EV charging stations, and IT facilities are all great examples of environments that would benefit most from having a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher installed.
Using Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers Safely
It’s important to ensure your employees, staff, and building occupants are properly trained in how to use a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher so they can combat a fire event at your property. Provide regular trainings and ensure the manufacturer guidelines are clearly legible and easy to follow for first responders.
Maintenance & Inspection
Not only is it important to ensure employees are adequately trained to use lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, but it’s equally critical to adhere to a regular maintenance schedule. Routine inspections will help ensure your system is prepared to handle an emergency, keeping you protected from the unexpected.
Fire Extinguisher Services in Houston
Houston business owners with concerns about lithium-ion battery risks at their properties will find the solutions they seek at Kauffman Co. Our team of trustworthy, experienced, certified technicians are committed to your complete safety, offering top-of-the-line F500EA lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher systems designed to combat special hazards.
With 24-hour emergency service availability and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, there’s no better team to help keep you safe from the next fire event than Kauffman Co.
Contact us to request more information about our lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher services today!
