Lithium Batteries Explode On Plane-Risks and Solutions

If you look at the charts, you’ll find out that every year, several accidents happen on planes related to Lithium batteries. There is no denying that the scientists and researchers are trying to make these batteries safer to carry. However, the situations on a plane are very different as compared to the land.

Involving the flight-accidents, various laws and regulations are made that restricts the transportation of lithium batteries to ground and sea. We all know that these batteries have slightly sensitive chemistry. And if they are damaged or short-circuited, they can explode. So, in this guide, we will go through the regulations of carrying lithium batteries on a plane and what could happen if you do. Moreover, we will also learn some precautionary actions in order to prevent lithium batteries from exploding.

Can You Take Lithium Batteries On A Plane?

Right now, you must be wondering that you take your mobile phones, laptop, and other devices on a plane, and nothing happens. Well, that’s right; you can carry lithium batteries along with the device they power on a plane. However, you are notified to turn them off during the flight.

We mostly rely on some type of lithium battery for many tasks. So, it is apparent that every now and then, someone would want to take a spare battery for their devices. So, yes, you can take a lithium battery on a plane. However, the spare or uninstalled battery must be kept inside a carry-on suitcase only.

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When you enter the airport for boarding, your luggage will be checked, and you have to remove the spare batteries from the bag. They are kept in the aircraft cabin so that major accidents can be avoided. Alongside this, the terminals of the battery must also be protected carefully to ensure that they don’t short circuit. This rule is applicable to all sorts of lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries that are often used for electronics such as cameras, tablets, watches, calculators, etc.

You are also obliged to keep the battery chargers containing lithium batteries away. There is an entire chart created to carry the items that operate or contain lithium batteries. Take a look at the chart here. Other restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries are applied according to the following criteria.

• Size Limits:

The non-rechargeable lithium metal battery size must not exceed 2 grams per battery. For lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the overall rating of a single battery is limited to 100-watt hours. On the plane, you can carry two spare lithium-ion batteries with a rating of 101-160 watt-hours, which is the same as the size of a laptop battery or audio/visual equipment.

• Quantity Limits:

There are no quantity limits of carrying a lithium battery on a plane. Still, it is ensured that the batteries are used by the passenger. If a person is caught carrying several batteries with no device to put them in, then they will be taken for further questioning. Batteries carried for sale or distribution is entirely restricted. Hence, if you are carrying more than two spare batteries per person, they can be captured by the airport authority for protection.

Will Lithium Batteries Explode On A Plane?

Generally, there are not many impending risks of carrying a lithium battery on a plane. But they are a know safety risk to the airline industry. Unless the battery is already damaged or suffering from a malfunction, it will be safe to carry on the planes.

When the battery malfunctions, the membrane that separates the charges inside the battery is breached. It creates short-circuit in the battery, which releases a huge amount of energy. The violent burst of chemical energy destabilizes the batteries nearby as well. Hence, it will lead to a thermal runaway condition.

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If a small lithium-ion battery catches fire, then it can be handled like any other combustible fire. You can use a fire extinguisher, ABC dry chemical, soda, copper powder, or powdered graphite to take out the fire. In planes, it is recommended that soda pop or water is used to take care of the fire. There are potential risks of lithium battery catching fire and exploding. But if you follow the regulations carefully, the situation can be avoided.

What Should You Do To Prevent Your Lithium Batteries Exploding?

Now that we know that lithium batteries could explode due to minor damage, we must know how to prevent that from happening. We wouldn’t want a plane going down and taking many lives just because we couldn’t pack a battery properly. So, here are some things that you must go through before you decide to take a lithium battery on the plane.

• Some common electronics items are considered hazardous materials if they are not packed properly, and you might face a penalty for that.

• Check out the restrictions laid down to carry lithium batteries on a plane.
  

• Keep both terminals of the battery sealed so that under no circumstance they come in contact with any metal surface during the transport.
  

• Don’t keep the batteries plugged inside the device they power. Take them out and place them in a container which is insulated properly.
  

• Never carry electronic cigarettes or vaping devices on the planes as they banned.
  

• Make sure that the battery pack is not damaged at all. A small fault in the battery chemistry could lead to bigger issues.
  

• Don’t carry the recalled batteries on the planes or keep them in the checked baggage.
  

Some final words:

There is no such thing as being extra cautious when it comes to lithium batteries. So, the next time when you plan to take a lithium battery on a plane, follow all the rules and regulations appropriately. If you fail to comply with the regulations, then either you’ll have to face severe penalties, or it might lead to a bigger accident. Your safety is in your own hands. Be aware of the risks and know the solutions so that you can avoid an explosion.