There are signs of another hot summer in North America and across Europe. We need to take care not to get severe sunburn or heat stroke. We also need to be careful with batteries, because like us they can have too much of a good thing. This is particularly true of our cellphones, tablets and laptops that don’t like direct sunlight either.
Warming Requires Greater Caution With Batteries
There’s broad consensus on authority sites. We are entering a period where we need to be careful with batteries as never before. They have become our indispensable companion, but we should not allow ‘familiarity to breed contempt’. A lithium-ion battery fire is no picnic.
Aviation Direct reminds us that batteries become warm as they charge or discharge. This is particularly evident with high-performance batteries with density pushing limits. We’ve posted articles about chain reaction battery fires at e-bike stores. Direct sunlight can tip the balance too.
Take Care With Batteries When Charging and Trashing
Using the wrong charging adapter can send incorrect voltage through the battery, stress it, and make it overheat. Adapters may also fail as they age. That’s another reason not to leave charging batteries on their own on flammable surfaces, or soft ones where the air cannot circulate. Therefore:
- Never charge a damaged battery, or one that is leaking fluid.
- Don’t leave a device with a battery inside in direct sunlight.
- Especially in a vehicle where a windshield admits more heat.
- Keep your device dry to avoid corrosion and battery damage.
- Don’t damage a battery. If you do so, never use it again.
Take Care When Disposing Of Old Batteries
The municipal trash service does not treat your garbage with kid gloves, although their people do wear protective gear. There is a reasonable possibility their equipment may damage a battery, and cause it to catch fire.
Please deposit your spent batteries at official disposal points. They can recycle their materials for the sake of our planet, and that would be a good thing.
More Information
Avoiding Home Battery Fires and Accidents
