Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers for Class L Fire Risks
Lithium-ion batteries are now used throughout modern workplaces – from laptops, tablets and mobile phones to power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, forklifts, battery storage systems and other rechargeable equipment.
While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when correctly manufactured, used and charged, a damaged, defective or overheating battery can develop thermal runaway, creating an intense fire with the potential for rapid heat release, flammable gases, cell-to-cell propagation and re-ignition.
Kings Fire supplies specialist lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers for commercial and industrial premises throughout Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, the Home Counties and London.
Class L Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
The introduction of BS ISO 3941:2026 represents an important change in the way lithium-ion battery fires are recognised.
The standard now identifies Class L fires as fires involving lithium-ion cells and batteries where no lithium metal is present.
This distinction is important because a lithium-ion battery fire behaves very differently from many conventional fires.
When thermal runaway occurs, heat is generated internally within the battery cells. Simply removing visible flames may therefore not eliminate the hazard, and there remains a risk of further heating, propagation and re-ignition.
This is why lithium-ion battery risks require careful assessment rather than automatically relying on the conventional extinguishers already installed within a building.
Specialist Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers
Kings Fire can supply and install specialist extinguishers designed for use where lithium-ion battery risks have been identified.
Rather than recommending an extinguisher simply because a building contains rechargeable batteries, we look at the actual battery risk within the premises.
This can include:
- The type of lithium-ion batteries present
- Battery capacity and size
- The number of batteries being used or stored
- Where batteries are charged
- Whether batteries are charged unattended
- Proximity to combustible materials
- Location in relation to escape routes
- Potential for fire to spread to additional batteries
- Manufacturer and independent test evidence for the proposed extinguisishing equipment
The correct solution for a small office containing laptops and handheld devices may be completely different from the protection required for an e-bike charging area, warehouse, workshop or commercial battery storage location.
Where Are Lithium-Ion Battery Extinguishers Used?
Lithium-ion battery fire protection may be appropriate in a wide range of workplaces, including:
Offices & Commercial Buildings
Laptops, tablets, mobile phones, portable battery packs, cleaning equipment and other rechargeable devices are now commonplace within offices.
Schools, Colleges & Universities
Educational premises can contain significant numbers of laptops, tablets and rechargeable devices, often with multiple units being charged simultaneously.
Warehouses & Logistics
Warehouses increasingly use rechargeable handheld scanners, powered handling equipment, forklifts, pallet trucks and other battery-powered equipment.
Workshops & Construction
Power tools and rechargeable battery packs can create concentrated charging and storage risks, particularly where numerous batteries are charged within one location.
E-Bikes & E-Scooters
Businesses storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters should specifically consider the lithium-ion battery risk within their fire risk assessment.
EV & Battery Technology
Electric vehicles, battery-powered machinery and energy storage systems can involve substantially larger batteries and require a more detailed fire safety assessment.
Choosing the Correct Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher
There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for lithium-ion battery fires.
Extinguisher selection should be proportionate to the particular risk and supported by appropriate manufacturer information and credible fire test evidence.
Kings Fire can assess the location and recommend suitable fire extinguisher provision based upon the batteries and equipment actually present.
For larger battery installations, energy storage systems or significant EV battery risks, portable extinguishers may form only one part of the overall fire safety strategy.
Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Areas
The location and management of battery charging is just as important as the fire extinguisher provided.
Businesses should consider:
- Keeping battery charging away from escape routes
- Avoiding charging close to combustible storage
- Using the correct manufacturer-approved chargers
- Removing damaged, swollen or overheating batteries from service
- Keeping charging areas controlled and appropriately supervised
- Preventing large quantities of batteries being unnecessarily concentrated together
- Suitable fire detection and warning
- Clear emergency procedures for staff
Any significant lithium-ion battery risk should also be considered within the premises fire risk assessment.
What Should You Do If a Lithium-Ion Battery Starts to Fail?
Warning signs can include unusual heat, swelling, hissing, popping noises, smoke, vapour or an unusual smell.
The priority must always be life safety.
Staff should raise the alarm and follow the premises emergency procedures. Portable fire extinguishers should only be used where it is safe to do so, by somebody who understands how to use the equipment and where there remains a safe means of escape.
No member of staff should put themselves at risk attempting to fight a developing lithium-ion battery fire.
Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguisher Supply & Installation
Kings Fire provides a complete service rather than simply supplying an extinguisher.
We can:
- Survey your lithium-ion battery risks
- Recommend suitable extinguisher provision
- Supply and install specialist lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers
- Correctly position and commission the equipment
- Add equipment to your digital fire equipment asset register
- Provide ongoing servicing and maintenance
- Review provision as your battery risks change
Existing Kings Fire customers can have lithium-ion battery extinguishers incorporated into their normal fire extinguisher servicing programme and digital asset register.
Do I Need a Class L Fire Extinguisher?
Not every workplace containing a mobile phone or laptop automatically needs additional specialist extinguishers.
The correct approach is risk based.
Where substantial quantities of lithium-ion batteries are being used, stored or charged – particularly e-bikes, e-scooters, power-tool batteries, industrial equipment, forklifts or other higher-capacity batteries – the risk should be specifically reviewed.
Kings Fire can carry out a survey and advise whether additional lithium-ion battery fire protection is appropriate for your premises.
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety from Kings Fire
Lithium-ion technology is continuing to develop rapidly, and fire safety provision needs to develop with it.
Kings Fire combines specialist fire extinguisher knowledge with fire risk assessment, fire alarm, emergency lighting and wider fire safety expertise, allowing us to consider the complete risk rather than simply selling another extinguisher.
If your organisation uses, stores or charges lithium-ion batteries and you are unsure whether your existing fire protection is suitable, speak to our team.
Call Kings Fire on 01462 337037 or contact us for advice, a site survey or a quotation.