We can’t put lithium-ion battery fires out easily, because that’s a job for an expert. The best we can do is move an over-heating battery (or device) to a safe area, and call for assistance. Fire resistant battery bags can help contain the heat, although we should remember that our personal safety comes first.
Why Bother With Fire-Resistant Battery Bags?
Lithium-ion batteries may be almost everywhere in modern life, but this does not alter the fact that their chemistry can become unstable. When this happens, lithium-ion batteries may overheat, swell, and start giving off fumes.
At this point, fire resistant battery bags can come in handy, because lithium-ion fires burn extremely hot and spread fast. This is why interest is trending in favor of heat resistant battery bags.
Do These Bags Work in an Emergency?
Battery bags do not extinguish lithium-ion battery fires, because these generate their own oxygen. Their job is to contain that heat, so it cannot spread beyond the battery or small device.
Battery bags are made of durable, heat-resistant materials, such as silicone-coated fiberglass. Some models include multiple layers that help contain flames, sparks, and hot gases if a battery malfunctions.
But no bag can guarantee complete protection from a severe battery fire. That said, quality bags may greatly reduce the risk of flames spreading to furniture, carpets, or other flammable items.
Fire-Resistant Battery Bags Bring Peace of Mind
Charging a lithium-ion battery, or a device containing one, can be quite unnerving if we are safety conscious. Charging a battery inevitably warms it slightly, and we may not know the level at which the heat becomes dangerous.
Charging a lithium-ion battery in a fire resistant battery bag with the charger cable slipped through, adds a layer of protection. But we should never become over-confident. We should still place the bag on a non-flammable surface, and monitor the outside temperature of the bag regularly.
More Information
Towards Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries
