How to limit the risk of a lithium-ion battery fire in your home

Whether it’s your smartphone or laptop, e-bike or cordless drill, you probably have at least one thing in your home that is powered by a lithium-ion battery.

Other common devices and products containing these chargeable batteries range from mobility scooters to e-cigarettes, smartwatches and toys.

Lithium-ion batteries are small, light and powerful, and most of the time are used and charged safely by millions of people every day.

However, there are simple things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire involving lithium-ion batteries in your home:

Charging guidance

• Use the original battery and charging equipment. If you need to replace a charger or a battery, don’t buy an alternative from an unofficial third-party provider, as this could potentially lead to dangerous overheating of the battery. Check for the CE or UKCA safety marking.
• Follow the original manufacturer’s instructions, especially when charging or if there is a fault.
• Regularly inspect charging equipment for any signs of damage, such as exposed or frayed wires, loose connections at the plug or adapter, or scaling, melting, or discoloration around the point where the cable connects to the battery. If any damage is identified, stop using and replace it with new, proprietary, manufacturer-supplied equipment.
• Only charge on hard flat surfaces, so that heat can dissipate, and away from any combustible materials or hazardous substances.
• Never charge lithium-ion batteries near heat sources or in high temperatures. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures, as they can cause batteries to overheat, resulting in damage or potential fire.
• To prevent the risk of over-charging, unplug your device once it is fully charged and do not leave them charging while you are asleep or away from home.
• If the battery is warm, allow it to cool down before charging.

Charging safely

• Regularly inspect your device to check for damage to the batteries such as swelling, leaking or punctures. If any such damage is found, the device should no longer be used and should be replaced.
• Any damaged batteries or devices should be disposed of at a certified recycling centre and not disposed of in general household waste.
• Don’t overload electrical sockets or use inappropriate extension leads.
• Ensure that smoke detectors are provided to areas where lithium-ion batteries are being charged and ensure that the detectors are tested regularly.
• Don’t charge larger items such as e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked, such as hallways. Instead, where possible, charge them in an outbuilding away from combustible materials such as wood, plastic, flammable liquids and gases.
• Ensure any repairs, replacement of batteries or inspection is carried out by a repairer approved by the original equipment manufacturer.
• Do not modify or tamper with your device for performance gains.
• Ensure everyone in the property is aware of the escape routes.

Warning signs to recognise

• Temperature - the battery or device will become hot to the touch.
• Deformation - the battery will become misshapen or developing leaks; it may also leak if the casing is breached.
• Sound - hissing or cracking sounds coming from the battery.
• Odour - a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery or smoke issuing from the casing.
• Performance - the battery takes longer than usual to charge or will not retain charge.

Emergency action to take

• If the battery or device seems to be failing or showing any of the above warning signs, then unplug it from the power source immediately and, if safe to do so, remove it from the premises.
• If smoke starts to issue from the device or it starts to catch fire, follow your evacuation procedure and call 999 immediately.