LVC Companies is helping the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) promote lithium-ion battery safety during National Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 5-11.
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from consumer electronics and electric vehicles to industrial machinery, backup power systems, and renewable energy storage solutions.
Their high energy density, long lifespan, and compact design offer major advantages over other battery options, but these popular powerplants come with risks. Damaged or improperly used lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start fires, even explode—triggering “thermal runaway” blazes of epic proportions—with the temperature of the failing battery’s electrolytes reaching over 700 degrees F.
This year’s National Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights how important it is to purchase, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely. The theme applies to consumer and commercial settings.
Hazards On The Home Front
Most electronics in our homes—smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few—are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.
To reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and just about everywhere,” says LVC Director of Fire Suppression Brian Andes. “This year’s campaign highlights the importance of using these batteries safely.”
Andes’ tips include:
Buy only listed products.
• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
Charge devices safely.
• Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly.
• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
Commercial and Industrial Fire Risk Mitigation
Thanks to their scalability and efficiency, lithium batteries are commonplace across commercial and industrial sectors. However, lithium batteries pose fire risks, especially in high-demand environments. Thermal runaway—a chain reaction triggered by overheating, overcharging, or physical damage—can lead to fires or explosions. Where batteries are used in large arrays or harsh conditions, these risks are amplified.
To mitigate these dangers, companies are adopting advanced battery management systems (BMS), proper ventilation, and fire-resistant enclosures. One of the most effective solutions is real-time monitoring, which can detect early signs of failure before thermal runaway occurs.
A leading technology in this space is Li-ion Tamer, a gas-detection system that identifies off-gassing events—early indicators of battery cell failure. By integrating Li-ion Tamer into battery installations, operators can receive alerts and take preventive action before a fire starts. It provides battery sensor and gas-detection technology that enhances the safety of all lithium-ion batteries used in stationary energy storage and EV applications. Early warnings of impending battery failure enable mitigating actions to be taken before the failure progresses into a thermal runaway fire.
This proactive approach—sold and serviced by LVC Companies—enhances safety, reduces downtime, and protects valuable assets.
As lithium battery use continues to grow, especially in energy-intensive industries, combining smart monitoring with robust safety protocols is essential. These measures ensure that the benefits of lithium technology are realized without compromising safety.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety in the home, visit the NFPA website. To learn more about commercial monitoring and suppression options, contact LVC Companies today.
About LVC Companies
LVC Companies is headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota, with a national security division and regional offices in northern and southeast Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and Phoenix, Arizona.
LVC is a full-service technology provider, with diverse offerings including fire protection such as pre-engineered fire suppression and fire sprinkler systems, portable fire extinguishers, fire alarms and life safety systems, security systems, structured cabling, and communications products including DAS, intercoms, audio-visual systems and more.