Why do lithium batteries explode?

If it's a Smartphone, a laptop, a battery charger, or something like that, most of the problems come from the charger or the battery. Modern rechargeable batteries store a lot of power in a small space. Most of the time, the battery operates as intended, slowly delivering power in a controlled manner, and there is a risk of an explosion or fire if a cause causes the power to be released quickly.

I've seen batteries catch fire a few times, some deliberately, some unexpectedly, and I'm pretty impressed that we carry so much "power" in our pockets and backpacks.

Don't get me wrong, defective lithium-ion batteries are dangerous. They can explode. An explosion is not a light noise, like a party firework, that makes an adult jump and a child scream with excitement. A battery explosion would make a loud, heavy sound, and the shell surrounding the device would shatter, creating a glass shock wave.

There was a bang, a splash of glass, and we had other concerns besides that, sometimes molten lithium would get splashed on us, and it would release a pungent, toxic gas.

If you are outdoors, well ventilated and away from combustible materials, you are less likely to experience violent chemical reactions. Unfortunately, explosions are often unexpected. We may have our devices in our pockets when it explodes, or we may be charging our cars while we're driving on the highway, or we may be sleeping with our phones by our heads in the middle of the night.

Thank you. Explosions and fires are not very common

-- manufacturing defects: poor batteries in a particular batch (as with the Note7), assembly line problems, component damage, or the use of the wrong components can cause problems with the device. While the media likes to blame the manufacturing for the fires and recalls, manufacturing rarely causes such problems, as established manufacturers have a rigorous safety program.

Design flaws or counterfeit products: generally speaking, only cheap, poorly made equipment has this problem. Some manufacturers are less skilled than others and still others are opportunistic. Look at eBay and Amazon, such products are everywhere, which products are well made and which are not, it is hard for ordinary people to tell them apart, many times the equipment has been labeled with false signs, so people cannot tell them apart. Most cheap and fake products are poorly made and have little safety technology, and well-known manufacturers have safety features.

-- product damage during use: why does the product become unsafe? Improper use by end users is the main cause. Throwing equipment around, getting wet, charging it with the wrong charger, and exposing it to the sun should all be avoided.

A good device will have a safety function, which can prevent the device from overheating, overcharging, discharging too much, preventing short circuit, and cannot be charged with the wrong charger. With these technologies, the damaged device will not become a dangerous device, but it is not 100% safe.

I wouldn't expect you to spend thousands of dollars on test equipment. Still, you can spot most threats. In fact, I can identify 90% of insecure devices by visual inspection.

There are some reasons that may cause the equipment to catch fire and explode. We can exclude these factors. Here are some methods:

1. Purchase products of well-known brands from well-known retailers. You may pay a little more for a good quality charger or cable, but it's worth it because it will save your life and keep your family safe. It's best not to buy from eBay or Amazon, and if you suspect you're getting a cheap, low-quality device, don't use it.

2. Do not use if the equipment is damaged or shows any signs of overheating, expansion or deformation. The same is true for chargers and power cords. Some of the equipment is unsafe and I can't find it, mainly because the damage is hard to detect. I suggest you check the equipment once a year and replace the damaged products in time.

3. Don't make the device too hot, especially when charging. Don't charge your Smartphone in your pocket or sports bag. Don't put it on your dashboard to charge while you're in the sun.

4. Do not charge the device when no one is looking. Most people don't do this, and I recommend that you at least keep rechargeable devices away from combustibles. Small lithium batteries can quickly ignite a wooden table, or bedroom furniture, causing disaster.

5. If the equipment is recalled by the manufacturer, please follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If in doubt, ask a professional for help.

Don't underestimate the danger of lithium batteries catching fire quickly. If you look at the video below, you can see that the lithium battery is terrible. It was on the remote control plane. It was fine.

If you're really unlucky and your device catches fire, do this:

-- don't put water on the fire: watering only makes things worse. Use a Classed dry powder extinguisher or a fire blanket.

Don't breathe in the smoke.

Don't be a hero. Call the fire department.

Again, electronics are extremely safe in general, and if you're too worried to sleep, there's no need. Buy well-known brand products from reliable places, do not misuse or damage the equipment, generally there will be no problem.

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