What to do if a lithium battery catches fire？ How to choose a good quality battery?

First, to address the issue of lithium battery fires, we must first understand the causes behind lithium battery combustion.

1. Principle of Lithium Battery Combustion

(1) Causes of Thermal Runaway

Lithium battery fires are usually triggered by the following factors:

• Overcharging or over-discharging: Excessive voltage (e.g., due to poor-quality chargers) or deep discharge damages the internal structure.
• Short circuit: Internal separator damage (e.g., from punctures or crushing) or external short circuits (e.g., water exposure, metal contact with electrodes).
• High-temperature environments: Prolonged exposure to heat or charging in hot conditions accelerates chemical reactions.
• Physical damage: Impacts or drops causing internal structural deformation.
• Poor-quality batteries: Manufacturing defects, such as impure electrode materials or low-quality separators.

(2) Combustion Process

1. Internal short circuit → Local temperature rise → Electrolyte decomposition (releasing flammable gases like hydrogen and methane).
2. Separator meltdown → Direct contact between anode and cathode → Intense heat generation (above 300°C).
3. Electrolyte ignition → Ejection of flames and release of toxic gases (HF hydrogen fluoride, CO carbon monoxide, etc.).
4. Chain reaction → Adjacent battery cells undergo thermal runaway, leading to full battery pack combustion or even explosion.

To address these issues, the Rattan team has upgraded the battery system. Both the charger and battery now feature overcharge and over-discharge protection, significantly enhancing battery safety.

The built-in BMS (Battery Management System) panel effectively prevents short circuits while incorporating temperature control to protect the battery from thermal impacts. Our batteries utilize an aluminum alloy casing, which not only provides physical protection but also acts as a flame retardant in case of combustion. Additionally, the aluminum shell helps mitigate secondary hazards caused by potential explosions.

(1) Emergency Measures

✅ Evacuate immediately: Lithium battery fires can explode or shoot flames—maintain a distance of at least 10 meters.
✅ Cut off power: If safe, unplug the charger or disconnect the battery (but do not risk touching a burning battery).
✅ Use the correct fire extinguishing methods:

• ABC dry powder fire extinguisher: Can temporarily suppress flames but cannot fully cool the battery.
• Class D fire extinguisher (for lithium metal): Most effective but rarely available in households.
• Large amounts of sand or soil: Cover the battery to cut off oxygen supply.
• Water (only for large fires): Firefighters may use water to cool the battery, but individuals should avoid it as water can worsen small lithium fires.

❌ Do not pour water directly (for small fires): Water reacts with lithium metal, potentially intensifying the fire.
❌ Avoid foam extinguishers: Ineffective against lithium battery fires.

(2) Prevent Reignition

• Lithium batteries may reignite multiple times—monitor for at least 1 hour after extinguishing.
• Cover the remains with a fire blanket or sand to prevent oxygen exposure.

(3) Alert Authorities and Evacuate

• If the fire is uncontrollable, call emergency services (e.g., 119) and specify it’s a "lithium battery fire."
• Burning releases toxic gases (hydrogen fluoride)—evacuate upwind and avoid inhaling fumes.

(4) Post-Fire Handling

• Cooled batteries remain hazardous: Do not touch directly—residual high voltage or corrosive chemicals may be present.
• Professional disposal: Contact fire departments or environmental agencies—do not discard casually.

• Use original batteries/chargers—avoid low-quality products.
• Avoid overcharging or deep discharging—supervise charging when possible.
• Do not charge or store in high-temperature or humid environments.
• Regularly inspect batteries—discontinue use if swelling, leakage, or abnormal heating occurs.
• Avoid impacts or punctures—handle with care during transport.

Summary

Lithium battery combustion is caused by thermal runaway, a violent chemical reaction. The key to extinguishing is cooling + oxygen deprivation, but standard fire extinguishers have limited effectiveness. Evacuation and calling professionals are critical. Prevention is always better than emergency response!

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