We investigate Battery Fires and Explosions. Meier Fire offers expert investigations of fires and explosions of Lithium Ion and other battery fire, explosion or injuries. This type of accident is becoming more and more common.
Today, we use more battery powered devices than ever. Automobiles, cellphones, laptops, tablets, toys and power tools get their power from batteries.
What is a Battery?
Simply put, a battery is a device that stores energy in chemical form, then converts it into electrical energy when needed. There are many types of batteries, including alkaline (flashlight battery), lead-acid (car battery), and Lithium-ion (laptop and cellphone batteries). Some batteries are rechargeable, and some are not.
Why do Batteries Cause Fires and Explosions?
Most batteries fail benignly – without danger — the device just stops working. A small few fail with catastrophic results: fires, explosions, injuries, even deaths. Batteries are getting more powerful, storing more energy in a smaller package, which creates a greater potential for a dangerous fire and/or explosion.
Traditional Battery Failures
Older types of batteries, like the rechargeable lead-acid battery in your car, use a water based electrolyte to move ions between positive and negative terminals. During charging, the water can separate into hydrogen and oxygen, which is an explosive gas mixture.
Lithium Ion Battery Failures
Normal use and charging of a rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries creates heat. This heat usually dissipates harmlessly. However, if something goes wrong, the battery creates heat faster than it can shed it. The battery goes into what’s called a “thermal runaway”. The increased heat damages internal components, which in turn creates more heat and pressure. This can continue until there is a critical failure.
Critical Failure Types
The battery can vent, spraying hot electrolyte through a tiny hole or literally explode, tearing the battery apart and shooting out its contents. The extremely hot materials coming out of the battery may ignite nearby materials. Hot chemicals and shrapnel from a venting or exploding battery may cause severe injuries. The electrolytes from a failing Lithium Ion battery can reach 1000°F (538°C)
Types of Battery Fires and Explosions We Investigate
We investigate all types of battery fires and explosions that result in property damage or injury. These include the following devices and situations:
- Cell Phones
- Laptop Computers
- Tablets and Pads
- E-Cigarettes
- Battery Powered Toys
- Power Tools
- Batteries and Battery Chargers
- Fires and Explosions in Structures, Vehicles, and Vessels
- Fires and Explosions resulting in Personal Injury
Steps in A Battery Fire or Explosion Investigation
The process starts out like any other fire or explosion investigation. First, we confirm the where the fire started, the origin. Next we look for potential sources of ignition and fuel in the area. If one (or more) of those potential ignition sources is a battery or battery operated device, we help you identify the device and its components to properly notify all potential parties in the case. The evidence is documented at the scene, collected and preserved according to ASTM and NFPA 921 Standards.
Typically, the evidence will be examined in a laboratory. Microscopes, X-rays or CT scans can reveal information not available to the naked eye. By examining the evidence, we can often tell not just which battery or device failed, but how and why.
Finally, we’ll write a clear and convincing report on our investigation. We’ll put our findings into terms that a jury can understand. While battery failures can be complicated, the explanations don’t have to be.