On January 31, 2018, a cell phone charger pack burst into flames on a Russian airplane, setting fire to a chair and causing thick smoke to fill the cabin.
Luckily the plane had already landed and no one was injured. The cause of the fire was identified as the Li-ion batteries in the charger pack, an increasingly common occurrence. In 2017, the US Federal Aviation Authority reported 46 similar incidences, up from 31 in 2016. This begs the questions: why are these batteries so dangerous, and what can be done to prevent accidents?
Li-ion battery related issues have become familiar over the last few years. While there is no single recognized cause for ignition in Li-ion batteries, common themes have been associated with these incidents.
One common theme linking these incidents has been the use of unapproved or aftermarket batteries. It has become easy to purchase backup batteries from third party operatives via the internet. These batteries may not, however, have the necessary third-party certification, and some may even be counterfeit. These batteries may lack the testing and verification required to ensure that they are properly manufactured and meet all current standards and safety regulations. Even if the battery is manufactured to a safe standard, it may not be certified for use with the intended device and will therefore be unsafe.
Manufacturing is another common theme associated with incidents of Li-ion battery combustion. Most manufacturers of electronic devices use a supplier to provide the Li-ion batteries they use. The device manufacturer needs to ensure the battery manufacturer maintains robust quality control systems to ensure the battery is properly constructed, is not contaminated, and is stored and shipped at the proper temperatures. Rigorous monitoring needs to be maintained along the whole supply chain to ensure cells and other components adhere to appropriate safety standards.
PREVENTING LI-ION BATTERY ISSUES: THE END-USER
End-users can protect themselves and their property with a few simple steps:
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