FAQ

What is the difference between Lithium and Lithium-Ion batteries?

The biggest difference between Lithium batteries and Lithium-Ion batteries is that Lithium batteries feature a single cell construction, meaning that they are single-use and cannot be recharged once empty. On the other hand, Lithium-ion batteries can be used time after time, they are rechargeable and can be charged and emptied hundreds of times; hence why they are so popular.

Although Lithium-ion batteries might seem much better, especially from a waste point of view, there are still some properties that make Lithium batteries incredibly useful. They have a much higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, meaning they hold more charge in comparison to their size. Lithium batteries can provide power from a single charge, even if it’s the only charge they’ll ever have. Unfortunately, there is no safe or effective way to recharge Lithium batteries, which is why Lithium-ion batteries were invented in the first place. Additionally, Lithium batteries are cheaper and easier to manufacture, and don’t degrade as quickly as a Lithium-Ion battery, making them a suitable choice in products such as smoke alarms, watches, pacemakers, calculators to name a few.

Ultimately, both Lithium and Lithium-Ion batteries pack a lot of punch for their size, comparatively against other battery types, making them an incredibly popular option in a huge array of uses. And even more so where products need to be recharged frequently, such as phones, laptops, power backups, vehicles, boats, solar storage systems, industrial equipment, power tools, e-scooters and e-bikes, and so much more.

What products commonly contain lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-Ion batteries are widely used in electronic devices, including Tablets, Mobile Phones, Laptops, Power Tools, Electric/Hybrid Vehicles, Caravans/Motorhomes, Marine Vessels, Emergency Lights, Public Transport, Mining Vehicles & Solar System Batteries, etc.

Lithium-Ion Batteries; why do they catch fire?

Referencing Fire + Rescue NSWYs website (https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9389): “Lithium-ion batteries are highly energy-dense and contain electrolytes that are highly flammable. There are several situations that can lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire, including:

• Overcharging or use of non-compliant charging equipment
• Overheating or exposure to heat or extreme temperatures
• Physical abuse (e.g. dropping, crushing, piercing, and/or vibrations)
• Short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions or system faults
• Defects or contamination introduced during manufacture

When lithium-ion batteries fail they can undergo thermal runaway. This involves violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, hissing and release of toxic, flammable and explosive gases, and an intense, self-sustaining fire that can be difficult to extinguish.”

Where do Firebox come into this? And who is Li-Ion Fire Solution?

Firebox Australia have been manufacturing Portable and Mobile Extinguishers and other fire safety equipment for the Australian market for over 15 years. Since April 2019, Firebox have been working with F-500 Encapsulator Agent (EA) as a water additive to a custom-made extinguisher which has been extensively tested in putting out Lithium-Ion battery fires without reignition.

Recognising that industries need more than just portable extinguishers to help provide protection against Lithium-Ion battery fire risks, we developed our new brand, Li-Ion Fire Solution, to be a brand that offers a broad-spectrum approach to Lithium-Ion battery fires. So, when you see Li-Ion Fire Solution out there, you can trust its performance knowing that it has been rigorously tested for use on Lithium-Ion battery fires.

The Fire extinguisher has an A rating and is suitable for use on Lithium-ion battery Fires?

Our 4L and 9L fire extinguishers have been certified by BSI Australia, who are a JAS-ANZ accredited certifying body. The FB4LF-500 model has achieved a 2A rating as per AS1850.

The FB9LF-500 model has achieved a 3A rating as per AS1850.

These extinguishers have been certified and tests conducted have been witnessed by BSI, one of the largest certification bodies in the world. Approval certificates are attached.

Do Li-Ion Fire F-500EA Extinguishers hold an ActivFire certificate?

Our 4L & 9L Li-Ion Fire Solution F-500EA extinguishers are now ActivFire listed as a water-type extinguisher only.

Does the Li-Ion Fire F-500EA Extinguisher range contain PFAS or other toxins?

The Li-Ion Fire F-500EA Solution is fluorine free, non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-hazardous, and fully biodegradable. The TOFA test report has been attached, which details the clean nature of F-500EA. We have developed a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) which can be downloaded at: https://www.lithium-ionfireprotection.com.au/documentations/

Do the Li-Ion Fire F-500EA Extinguishers comply with Australian standards?

• Currently there is no Australian Standard for Lithium-Ion battery fires, however, our 4L and 9L F-500EA fire extinguishers meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS1841.2 – 2007 (current mandatory Australian Standard for Water-type fire extinguishers). Please find the BSI Benchmark certificate 520107 here.  
• Our fire extinguishers have been tested to Class A as per the requirements of AS1850 Standard. Our 4L Extinguisher has been tested on a 2.4kWh Li-ion battery fire which has an A rating, our 9L Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguisher has been tested on a 4.8KWh which has an A rating. Both are suitable for use on Lithium-Ion batteries fires. They also perform extraordinarily well on combustible materials that output extremely high temperatures.
• We have conducted multiple tests on Lithium-Ion battery fires, which BSI Australia have witnessed. Our 4L F-500EA fire extinguisher has successfully extinguished 2.4kWh li-ion battery fires, without reignition. Our 9L F-500EA fire extinguisher has successfully extinguished 4.8Wh li-ion battery fires, without reignition.
• F-500EA solution has been tested extensively by independent, third-party testing organisations, including Kiwa, Dekra, Daimler, Dutech, Bosch, Fraunhofer University and TU Clausthal. This testing has been controlled, scientific and highly instrumented, documenting fire suppression, control and elimination of thermal runaway and encapsulation of both flammable electrolyte and other explosive off-gases, rendering them nonexplosive. Encapsulator Technology reduces the toxicity of HF gas exposure to humans.
• F-500EA solution is UL Listed for use on Class A.
• Encapsulator Agent is listed in the new NFPA 18A standard Section 7.7 and Annex 4.3.

Can I use an ABE Extinguisher on a Lithium-Ion battery fire?

You can use an ABE Extinguisher on a Lithium-Ion battery fire. It will help control the spread of the fire to other fuel sources nearby, but it will fail to stop reignition and thermal runaway. Please see below video which compares the performance of ABE vs Foam vs F-500EA on a Lithium-Ion battery fire.