Lithium battery FYI

[looking45]

My brother’s friend had the lithium batteries in his boat catch on fire. I don’t know if the batteries were charging or not. He lost the boat and his garage. For those of you using lithium batteries, make sure you have the proper fire extinguisher 

[MN Fisher]

Were these LiFePo4 or the older Lithium-Ion batteries? Makes a difference.

[looking45]

I have no info other than they caught in fire

[MN Fisher]

Sounds like Lithium-Ion - those were notorious for over-heating and catching fire...and physical damage could cause this.

 

LiFePo4 batteries are MUCH safer - really takes abusing them almost to destruction to get them to 'burn'...and even then, the fire is not as hot and put out easier with a home ABC extinguisher.

[Josh Smith]

My wife works in home health and used to vape.

 

Once, she walked into a client's house -- a sweet, dementia-addled old lady -- and her vape's lithium batteries choose that time to come shooting out of her purse like rockets, landing on the floor and setting the carpet alight.

 

The little old lady got up from her knitting, grabbed a vase with water in it, and doused the fire.

 

She said, "Well, that takes care of that."

 

Then she walked back, sat down, resumed her knitting, and promptly forgot the entire episode.

 

?

[TnRiver46]

Dang. 

[GPtimes2]

I don't worry about the newer lithium's. I have 3 Ionics in my boat, 2 cell phones, 8 Dewalt, 4 solar light posts, 4 sets of perimeter alarms, 1 Stanley flash light, 1 Dyson vacuum cleaner, 1 Worx leaf blower. All lithium's, no problems with any of them.

[Crow Horse]

On 7/14/2023 at 12:01 AM, looking45 said:

My brother’s friend had the lithium batteries in his boat catch on fire. I don’t know if the batteries were charging or not. He lost the boat and his garage. For those of you using lithium batteries, make sure you have the proper fire extinguisher 

Lithium battery fires are extremely difficult to extinguish. Most times they are allowed to burn themselves out and one needs to keep the surrounding combustibles from igniting. Copious amounts of water are required to try to slow the thermal runaway. Lithium fires are self perpetuating, so depriving it of oxygen won't work as a general rule. IIRC, also be aware that the emissions from a lithium fire contains hydrogen fluoride which is HIGHLY toxic. Being that they contain a massive amount of energy, they can actually explode. They are no joke.

 

****Edit - For more information on HF, see Facts About Hydrogen Fluoride (Hydrofluoric Acid)

[MN Fisher]

^ As mentioned earlier - that's the older Lithium-Ion technology. LiFePo4 is a much safer tech, the bonding makes them much less likely to catch fire, and they do not emit the harsh chemicals Lithium Ion batteries do if they do get exposed to fire.

 

"Overall, the iron phosphate-oxide bond is stronger than the cobalt-oxide bond, so when the battery is overcharged or subject to physical damage then the phosphate-oxide bond remains structurally stable; whereas in other lithium chemistries the bonds begin breaking down and releasing excessive heat, which eventually leads to thermal Runaway."

https://www.relionbattery.com/knowledge/how-are-lifepo4-batteries-safer-than-other-lithium-batteries

[Crow Horse]

More information that might be useful.....

 

Causes and consequences of explosion of LiFePO4 battery

[MN Fisher]

^ Nothing is totally safe - but based on all information I stand by my previous statement that amounts to "LiFePo4 batteries are MUCH safer than Lithium-Ion

[WRB]

The issue with Lithium is salt water evaporating leaving a conductive current path that shorts out the terminals.

Most anglers don’t fish salt water with exposed batteries to the eliminates.

Tom

[Bankc]

I've seen lead acid, alkaline, and lithium polymer batteries explode.  I had a lithium-ion battery overheat on me, but not catch fire.  Still got hot enough to melt plastic and scorch wood.  

 

Things can happen.  But life is, at its most basic, a risk assessment exercise.  I'll take my chances with a LiFePo4 battery in a boat.  They're about the same risk as a lead acid or AGM.  I will not take a chance with a LiPO (lithium polymer) battery in a boat!  Those things are CRAZY dangerous!  Look up some videos of those exploding for fun afternoon!  

 

 

[TOXIC]

While on vacation this year in Wisconsin, I noticed the side buttons on my Samsung phone case were not working and the case fit differently.  Took it out of the case and the phone was expanding causing it to pull apart in the middle.  Quick google search and call to my carrier discovered my battery was expanding and I was to not charge it and put it In a safe place outside away from anything flammable until I could bring it in.  Took it in and confirmed the battery was expanding and not safe.  Had to replace the phone and they really didn’t  want to take the old one but they found a fireproof bag to put it in.  Likewise after this last hurricane in florida, I was reading there were a lot of ev fires due to the salt water infusion into sitting vehicles. 

[Crow Horse]

LIthium ion batteries that we might use are still common, as I just found out. I use 2 10ah Nocqua batteries on my kayak which are lithium ion. Fortunately for me they are performing flawlessly. One is on it's 6th season of service. Not too shabby.

 

While charging, I "battery sit' them. I don't trust them by themselves.