Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Take a quick look around your home, and chances are you are surrounded by lithium-ion batteries.
They power our smartphones, laptops, tablets, cordless tools, cameras, lawn equipment, e-bikes, scooters, portable chargers, and many other everyday devices. They are convenient, rechargeable, and capable of storing a significant amount of energy in a relatively small package.
But that stored energy also means lithium-ion batteries need to be used, charged, and stored properly.
While most lithium-ion batteries operate safely, a damaged, defective, or improperly charged battery can overheat and potentially cause a serious fire. Understanding the risks and following a few basic safety practices can help protect your home, family, and property.
Why Can Lithium-Ion Batteries Be a Fire Risk?
One of the primary concerns with lithium-ion batteries is something called thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway occurs when a battery begins generating heat faster than it can release it. This can create a chain reaction that results in extremely high temperatures, smoke, fire, flammable gases, or even an explosion.
A battery may become damaged or unstable because of:
- Overcharging or using an incompatible charger
- Exposure to excessive heat
- Physical damage from being dropped, crushed, or punctured
- Manufacturing defects
- Improper storage
- Aging or deterioration
- Using replacement batteries that are not designed for the device
Lithium-ion battery fires can also behave differently from many traditional household fires. They can develop rapidly and may reignite even after the initial fire appears to have been extinguished.
Know the Warning Signs
A failing lithium-ion battery will sometimes give you warning signs before a serious problem develops.
Stop using or charging a battery if you notice:
- Unusual or excessive heat
- Swelling or bulging
- A change in the battery’s shape or color
- Leaking
- An unusual odor
- Hissing, popping, or crackling sounds
- Smoke or visible gases
- Damage to the battery or its casing
Never continue charging a battery that appears damaged or is becoming unusually hot.
Charge Your Devices Safely
Where and how you charge battery-powered devices matters.
Whenever possible, charge devices on a hard, stable surface away from combustible materials. Avoid charging phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices on beds, couches, pillows, or other soft surfaces where heat can build up.
Use the charger supplied by the manufacturer or one specifically approved for the device. Cheap or incompatible replacement chargers may not provide the proper charging controls.
It is also a good idea to unplug devices once charging is complete rather than leaving them connected unnecessarily for extended periods.
For larger batteries, including those used in e-bikes, scooters, and power equipment, pay particular attention to the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
Store Batteries in the Right Place
Proper storage can significantly reduce the risk of battery damage.
Keep batteries in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid leaving battery-powered equipment or spare batteries inside extremely hot vehicles or other areas where temperatures can rise significantly.
Spare batteries should also be kept away from combustible materials.
When storing removable batteries, protect the terminals from contact with metal objects such as coins, keys, tools, or other batteries. Contact between terminals and conductive materials can cause a short circuit.
Whenever practical, keep spare batteries in their original packaging or an appropriate protective container.
Be Careful With Power Tools and Lawn Equipment
Cordless drills, saws, leaf blowers, trimmers, lawn mowers, and other equipment increasingly rely on large rechargeable batteries.
These batteries can take considerable abuse during normal use, so inspect them periodically.
If a battery has been dropped, crushed, or damaged, don’t assume that it is safe simply because it continues to work. Internal battery damage may not always be immediately visible.
Also avoid leaving batteries charging indefinitely in garages, workshops or sheds, particularly around gasoline, paint, cardboard, chemicals or other combustible materials.
E-Bikes and Electric Scooters Deserve Extra Attention
E-bikes and electric scooters contain considerably larger battery packs than phones or laptops.
Only use batteries and chargers specifically designed for your equipment. Avoid modifying battery packs or using questionable aftermarket replacement batteries.
Whenever possible, do not charge an e-bike or scooter where it blocks an exit from your home. If something goes wrong, you don’t want a burning battery between you and the safest way out.
Buy Quality Products
Price should not be the only consideration when purchasing rechargeable batteries, chargers, or battery-powered equipment.
Look for products that have been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL Solutions. Be particularly cautious with inexpensive replacement batteries or chargers from unfamiliar manufacturers.
A replacement battery should always be compatible with the device it is intended to power.
Don’t Throw Lithium-Ion Batteries in the Trash
Lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in household trash or regular recycling bins.
Even a battery that appears dead may retain enough energy to start a fire if it is crushed or damaged during trash collection or processing.
Instead, take used batteries to an appropriate battery recycling or household hazardous waste collection location. Follow your local municipality’s requirements for safe battery disposal.
What Should You Do If a Battery Catches Fire?
If a lithium-ion battery begins smoking, burning, or showing signs of a serious failure, your priority should be getting everyone to safety.
Do not put yourself at risk trying to handle, move, or extinguish a battery that is already involved in a significant fire. Leave the area and call 911.
Lithium-ion battery fires can release hazardous gases and may reignite, which is why these incidents are best handled by trained firefighters.
A Few Simple Habits Can Make a Big Difference
Lithium-ion batteries aren’t something we need to be afraid of. They are simply another part of modern life that requires some basic safety precautions.
Use the correct charger. Inspect your batteries. Keep them away from excessive heat. Charge larger devices in appropriate locations. Properly recycle old or damaged batteries. Most importantly, never ignore a battery that is swelling, overheating, leaking, or making unusual noises.
Taking a few minutes to think about battery safety today could help prevent a much larger problem tomorrow.
Protecting Your Home Means Preparing for Today’s Risks
The technology inside our homes continues to change, and so do some of the risks homeowners face.
At KVCW, we’re here to help our clients understand their coverage and make sure their insurance continues to meet their needs as their homes and lifestyles change.
Have questions about your homeowners insurance or want to review your current coverage? Contact the KVCW team. We’re always happy to help.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace manufacturer safety instructions or guidance from your local fire department.
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