Field Evaluations and Fire Prevention: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Each year, Fire Prevention Week serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that fire safety plays in protecting lives and property. Established to raise awareness and promote proactive safety measures, this week encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to stay vigilant about fire prevention practices.

This year’s theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” brings special attention to the rapidly growing use of lithium-ion batteries in everyday life. From electronics and vehicles to large-scale energy storage systems, this topic sheds light on just how important safeguarding is when dealing with lithium-ion batteries. As these technologies continue to advance, so does the need to confirm their safe installation, operation, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.

NFPA Global Solutions plays an active role in the testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) industry, supporting safety and confirming compliance across a wide range of systems and technologies. In light of Fire Prevention Week ending, this blog explores the vital role that field evaluations can play in fire prevention for lithium-ion battery systems . We’ll discuss the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, the role field evaluations can play in battery energy storage systems (BESS), and share best practices for preventing fire hazards linked to these rapidly evolving energy storage technologies.

Fire Risks Associated with Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries present specific hazards that require careful management. A primary risk is thermal runaway, where a battery can overheat, potentially causing a fire or explosion. Once thermal runaway occurs, these fires cannot typically be extinguished and must be allowed to burn in a controlled manner to prevent spreading to surrounding materials. This can be particularly challenging when multiple battery energy storage systems are located near each other.

Other risks include short circuits, which can lead to fires and may trigger thermal runaway in high-voltage systems, which pose a risk of electrocution if safety protocols are not followed. Even under normal conditions, fire or explosive hazards may occur if heat sources come into contact with combustible materials during service or maintenance.

Understanding these risks is a critical first step in developing effective prevention strategies and confirming the operation of lithium-ion battery systems. Field evaluations play a key role in this process, helping to confirm that systems and batteries being distributed are properly assessed for safety and compliance before they are put into service.

The Role of Field Evaluations in BESS

Field evaluations play an important role in supporting the safety of battery energy storage systems, particularly when systems are not fully listed or certified. If a BESS is Listed to ANSI/UL 9540, Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, many potential hazards are addressed through the design and testing process. Additionally, compliance with ANSI/UL 9540A, Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation, demonstrates that the system’s design has been evaluated for safety in the event of thermal runaway.

In cases where a BESS is not Listed, a Field Evaluation can provide a way to confirm the compliance of a system. It is important to note that a Field Evaluation is not intended to replace or circumvent certification programs. Instead, it allows for confirmation that the equipment has been tested and evaluated to relevant codes and standards, showing acceptable results have been achieved.

When a BESS is in compliance with ANSI/UL 9540 and is operated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s operations manual, the batteries may continue to operate safely throughout their intended lifecycle. At the end of their service life, the batteries can then be properly replaced and disposed of, maintaining safety and compliance throughout the system’s use.

Best Practices for Fire Prevention with Lithium Batteries

To minimize fire risks and support safe operation, it is important to follow established best practices when using lithium-ion battery systems:

• Verify certification or evaluation: Verify that the battery energy storage system is either Listed to ANSI/UL 9540 (and tested to ANSI/UL 9540A) or has undergone a Field Evaluation with supporting reports that provide objective evidence of test results.
• Operate and maintain properly: Use the BESS according to its intended purpose, avoiding overloading, and follow the manufacturer’s operations and maintenance manual for proper care and upkeep.

Following these practices helps maintain the safety and compliance of lithium-ion battery systems throughout their lifecycle.

Conclusion

Fire Prevention Week serves as an important reminder of the role proactive safety measures play in protecting lives and property. Although the week has come to an end, it's message and purpose remain vital as ever. With the growing use of lithium-ion batteries in homes, vehicles, and large-scale energy storage systems, understanding the associated fire risks is more important than ever.

Field Evaluations, alongside proper certification and adherence to manufacturer guidelines, play a critical role in confirming that battery energy storage systems are compliant throughout their lifecycle. By following best practices such as verifying compliance, operating systems as intended, and maintaining them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, organizations can significantly help reduce fire risks and support safe energy storage solutions.

As Fire Prevention Week closes, we recognize that combining awareness, evaluation, and proper maintenance is key to preventing fires and protecting communities in a world increasingly powered by lithium-ion technology.