Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Lithium-ion and Lithium-polymer batteries are used widely across the MIT campus. These batteries are found in consumer electronics and power tools along with many research devices requiring portable electrical power. They are often chosen by researchers for advantages that include lightweight, higher energy density, low memory effect, and longer life span.
Unfortunately, there is a downside, the electrolyte in Li-ion batteries is often highly flammable. Even when the electrolyte is not flammable, a short can still start a fire. News reports involving devices powered by lithium-ion batteries catching fire are on the rise, and also MIT has experienced a number of fires and emergencies related to Li-ion batteries. At MIT these incidents were related to batteries left on chargers for extended times, unattended charging, incompatible chargers, cheap knock-off batteries and shorts from improperly wired or isolated connections.
Troubleshooting
- If a lithium-ion battery experiences a hard crash or is otherwise subjected to extreme forces, it is safest to pull the battery from the device and remove it from service. It might be internally damaged and might ignite or explode if used.
- If a lithium-ion battery has bulged, remove it from service.
- If a lithium-ion battery is abnormally hot to the touch, remove any electrical connections if possible and put it on a nonconductive container or surface (e.g. metal desk, concrete) away from combustible items and stay clear until the battery cools down.
- If a lithium-ion battery is on fire, use a water or ABC extinguisher. When there are no more visible flames, use water to cool down the battery to avoid reignition.
- To dispose of a lithium-ion battery, contact the EHS office for disposal of damaged batteries.
Resources
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Guidance
Lithium-Ion Battery Dos and Don’ts
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Lithium-ion and Lithium-polymer batteries are used widely across the MIT campus. These batteries are found in consumer electronics and power tools along with many research devices requiring portable electrical power. They are often chosen by researchers for advantages that include lightweight, higher energy density, low memory effect, and longer life span.
Unfortunately, there is a downside, the electrolyte in Li-ion batteries is often highly flammable. Even when the electrolyte is not flammable, a short can still start a fire. News reports involving devices powered by lithium-ion batteries catching fire are on the rise, and also MIT has experienced a number of fires and emergencies related to Li-ion batteries. At MIT these incidents were related to batteries left on chargers for extended times, unattended charging, incompatible chargers, cheap knock-off batteries and shorts from improperly wired or isolated connections.
Troubleshooting
- If a lithium-ion battery experiences a hard crash or is otherwise subjected to extreme forces, it is safest to pull the battery from the device and remove it from service. It might be internally damaged and might ignite or explode if used.
- If a lithium-ion battery has bulged, remove it from service.
- If a lithium-ion battery is abnormally hot to the touch, remove any electrical connections if possible and put it on a nonconductive container or surface (e.g. metal desk, concrete) away from combustible items and stay clear until the battery cools down.
- If a lithium-ion battery is on fire, use a water or ABC extinguisher. When there are no more visible flames, use water to cool down the battery to avoid reignition.
- To dispose of a lithium-ion battery, contact the EHS office for disposal of damaged batteries.