Lithium-ion (commonly referred to as Li-ion) batteries are a cornerstone of 21st century civilisation, necessitated by the ever-increasing demand for dense energy storage – particularly for EVs, scooters, bikes, tools; virtually all consumer electronics.

Consequences

Data has shown that while Li-ion battery fires are no more probable than fires caused by other sources, the consequences of fires involving this technology are several fold and it boils down to one key difference: water does little to extinguish the fires. This is because lithium battery fires undergo ‘thermal runaway’ and are self-oxidising. Side effects of such fires include highly toxic fumes and the risk of self-reignition after seemingly being put out.

Precautionary Measures

Whilst the building code was written for a time when such types of batteries were less common, fire engineers and building owners nevertheless have a responsibility to ensure the safety of occupants and protection of property. Minimising the risk of Li-ion battery fires can be achieved by:

• Only buying compliant, certified devices & charging equipment
• Charging and discharging the batteries sensibly (avoid charging in extreme temperatures or if it has suffered trauma)
• Charging and storing devices away from dedicated safe egress routes.

Developers can consider constructing carparks out of concrete, with ample ventilation and sprinkler protection if feasible.

Elderly care facilities should consider enforcing where mobility scooters can be parked and charged.

Electric vehicle owners should consider parking their vehicles outside or in a fire rated garage.

In regard to any future building code regulations, it is early days in the advent of EVs and no doubt regulations will be modified given time  –  watch this space.

If you have any questions please contact Dallen, Michael or Ian from our Fire Engineering Team.
Dallen Chan: 022 122 4752 or dallen.chan@covekinloch.co.nz

Michael Leung: 022 677 0312 or michael.leung@covekinloch.co.nz 

Ian McKenzie: 029 520 9593 or ian.mckenzie@covekinloch.co.nz

For more information on our Fire Engineering services click here.