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Imagine this: A teen is watching a movie when suddenly, her portable phone charger explodes, catching her bed on fire and leaving her with burns. This terrifying situation unfolded no too long ago in Massachusetts, where a lithium-ion battery in a charger malfunctioned, causing a fire that could have been far worse if the occupants hadn’t acted quickly. While it might seem like an isolated incident, it highlights the hidden dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which are also commonly found in solar energy systems. Many homeowners aren’t aware that the same risks apply to their solar setups, and without the right equipment, a fire could quickly spiral out of control. Here's why it’s crucial to take fire safety seriously with your solar system—and how you can protect your home.
The Silent Danger of Lithium Battery Fires
Solar energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and electricity bills. But behind the scenes, lithium-ion batteries play a critical role in storing the power your system generates. While these batteries are safe when used properly, they can pose a unique fire hazard.
If a lithium battery ignites, it burns at extremely high temperatures and can continue to burn without stopping. The problem is that regular fire extinguishers, the kind you probably have in your home, aren’t designed to handle these types of fires. In fact, using a standard extinguisher could worsen the situation, potentially spreading the fire and causing even more damage.
Why Standard Fire Extinguishers Won’t Cut It
Most fire extinguishers you’ll find around the house are great for tackling everyday fires, such as those caused by grease, wood, or electrical issues. However, lithium battery fires are a different beast entirely. When lithium-ion batteries catch fire, they react chemically in ways that a regular fire extinguisher simply can’t handle. A typical fire extinguisher can’t cool the battery enough to stop it from reigniting, meaning the fire can keep burning until it's extinguished with the proper equipment.
Enter the Lithium Fire Extinguisher
If you have solar panels installed at home, it’s crucial to have the right fire extinguisher on hand—one that’s specifically designed for lithium battery fires. Lithium fire extinguishers are specially formulated to put out lithium-ion fires safely, preventing them from reigniting and causing further damage.
These extinguishers use a unique chemical agent that works by cooling the battery down and putting out the fire, preventing a dangerous, endless burn. Lithium fire extinguishers are classified as Class D—the category specifically for fires involving metals like lithium. Without one of these in your home, you're risking your safety and your property.
Safety for Any Kind of Fire
To truly safeguard your home, it’s essential to have the right equipment on hand. Olitronoffers Brigit® Fire’s GreenMist Lithium Fire Extinguishers, which are specifically designed for lithium-ion fires. These extinguishers use BerkiCold—a biodegradable foam premix that cools fires gently without causing thermal shock. The GreenMist extinguisher’s low-pressure mist system makes it safe and effective for tackling Class A, B, C, D, and F fires, providing a robust solution for comprehensive fire safety.
In addition to the GreenMist extinguishers, Olitron’s fire safety package includes:
• Detect: The Ajax FireProtect2RB, a standalone, wireless fire detector with smoke, heat, and CO sensors.
• Prevent: Reliable, safe Uniross Lithium-ion batteries that offer long-lasting energy.
• Empower: Holistic power and fire detection solutions from Olitron, designed to protect your assets from every angle.
MORE INFO? Don’t Leave Safety to Chance
For more information on fire safety and the right equipment for your home, visit our shop at Kogelberg Park, 1, 4 Derrick Dr, Somerset West Business Park, Cape Town, 7129 or contact us here: (Link to contact page)
Don't wait for a disaster—be prepared and stay safe.
