Charge safely!
Lightweight, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries power an increasing number of devices around the home. You can find them in many electrical devices from mobility scooters and e-bikes to phones, laptops, cameras, and even e-cigarettes.
Unfortunately, they are under scrutiny again following a devastating fire that killed a woman and two young children in Cambridge. According to the Fire Service, an e-bike had been left charging, and that’s what started the fire.
Millions of people use them every day. Lithium-ion batteries can be perfectly safe, but they can present a fire risk when they are over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water, or if they are damaged.
Advice from the London Fire Brigade
The London Fire Brigade recently issued some very useful advice about safely charging your devices powered by Lithium-ion batteries.
- You should always use the charger that came with your phone device.
- If you need to buy a replacement, you should always choose a branded, genuine product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference.
- You should avoid storing, using, or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures.
- You should protect batteries against being damaged – e.g., that’s crushed, punctured, or immersed in water.
- Don’t leave items on charge after the charge cycle is complete – it’s best not to leave your phone plugged in overnight for example.
- Never cover chargers or charging devices – that includes using your laptop power lead in bed.
- When you travel, avoid keeping all your items containing Lithium-ion batteries together, especially on a plane. Check with your airline for additional information or advice.
- Don’t overload your sockets.
Did you know?
Counterfeit electrical chargers can be deadly – many fail to meet UK safety regulations leading to fires and injury. What may seem like a bargain at the market isn’t worth the risk when you consider that it could cost a family member’s life
Envirograf manufacture covers for mobility scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards. Our covers are able to contain the fire and prevent smoke as well as flames from spreading. We use a silicone cloth material, capable of withstanding temperatures of 1000 °C for more than 60 minutes, allowing time for the safe evacuation of building occupants.
