Fire Prevention Q&A

Do you have any commentary around what to do in case of fire? Particularly if a boat is on the water. Any extinguishers that can be recommended?

Answer: Carry a marine/vehicle-rated ABC fire extinguisher for general fire hazards, and add an AVD lithium-specific fire extinguisher near the battery area for LFP battery systems.
 • Select extinguisher sizes appropriate for the battery capacity and installation.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are generally considered safe with a low fire risk compared to other lithium-ion batteries, thanks to their stable chemistry and built-in safety features. 

Safety Features

Thermal Stability: higher thermal runaway threshold, requiring temperatures exceeding 270°C (518°F) to trigger thermal runaway, unlike other lithium-ion batteries that can fail at much lower temperatures. This stability significantly reduces the risk of combustion under normal operating conditions.

•            Non-Combustible Electrolyte: The electrolyte used in LiFePO4 batteries is less prone to ignition, further enhancing their safety profile.

•            Built-in Protection Circuits: Most LiFePO4 batteries come equipped with Battery Management Systems (BMS) that monitor voltage, temperature, and current to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits.

(Lower likelihood of ignition and slower fire growth, compared to other type of lithium-ion batteries) 

 Conditions Leading to Fire Risks

While LiFePO4 batteries are safer, they are not entirely fireproof. Fires can occur under extreme conditions, such as:

•            Overcharging: Charging beyond the battery's capacity can generate excessive heat, potentially leading to thermal runaway.

•            Physical Damage: Punctures or crushing can compromise the internal structure, increasing the risk of internal short circuits and fires.

•            Environmental Stress: Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures (above 60°C) can degrade safety and increase fire risk.

•            Poor Quality Components: Using low-quality batteries without proper safety features can elevate risks.

Mitigating Fire Risks

To ensure the safe use of LiFePO4 batteries, consider the following precautions:

•            Use Compatible Chargers: Always use chargers that are compatible with LiFePO4 battery match‍es to prevent overcharging.

•            Avoid Physical Damage: Handle and store batteries carefully to prevent punctures or crushing.

•            Monitor Temperature: Keep batteries away from extreme heat and direct sunlight to maintain optimal performance.

•            Regular Maintenance: Ensure that the BMS is functioning correctly and that the battery is regularly checked for any signs of damage or wear.

Recommended Firefighting Techniques

Use Appropriate Extinguishers:

•            Class D Fire Extinguishers: These are specifically designed for metal fires and are the best choice for LiFePO4 battery fires. They typically contain sodium chloride or copper-

based agents that effectively suppress fires without causing further reactions.

Marine/vehicle-rated ABC fire extinguisher is good.

Class D metal fire extinguishers — intended for reactive lithium metal, not modern lithium-ion / LFP batteries.  According to my research, Class D seems to be over-kill. 

•            ABC Dry Chemical Extinguishers: These can be used as a secondary option but may leave corrosive residues that require cleanup after use

Yes. 

Eg: LITHIUM Battery Fire Extinguisher LiCELL AH500 500ml