Do lithium-ion batteries have fire protection standards?

In October, FM released a first-of-its-kind loss prevention guide – or data sheet – to manufacturing and storing lithium-ion batteries. For years, even as the drive to greener energy solutions sparked a surge in lithium-ion battery adoption, the industry lacked comprehensive fire protection standards. Now it has them.

Does NFPA 13 cover lithium-ion batteries?

The following is a summary of the lithium-ion battery hazards and the prescriptive sprinkler criteria currently available for each. Since NFPA 13 does not cover fire protection for lithium-ion batteries, the available criteria for fire protection design are limited.

Are lithium-ion batteries a fire risk?

There is a high fire risk related to the storage, processing and use of Lithium-ion batteries. In this article, guest author Neeraj Kumar Singal talks about best practices for fire detection and control in Li-ion battery pack manufacturing and testing facilities. Cell failures of lithium-ion batteries lead to fire or explosion.

How to protect lithium ion batteries from fire?

Packaging of lithium-ion cells and modules is a key consideration in terms of protection. With cartoned batteries, the aim of fire protection is for the sprinklers to be activated by the cardboard packaging fire and limit the lithium-ion cell involvement.

How many lithium-ion batteries were stored in a sprinkler protected warehouse?

A fire broke out in a sprinkler protected warehouse storing more than 12,000 used, large format lithium-ion batteries. The batteries were stored in racks to a storage height above 25 ft (7.5 m). The sprinkler protection was inadequate for lithium-ion battery rack storage and was not able to control the fire.

Are lithium-ion battery fires a'resilience challenge' for commercial property insurers?

But lithium-ion battery fires are nonetheless an emerging resilience challenge for global businesses. Commercial property insurer FM is working to help address that challenge. In October, FM released a first-of-its-kind loss prevention guide – or data sheet – to manufacturing and storing lithium-ion batteries.