Introduction

Over the past decade, lithium batteries have become an essential part of our everyday lives. They power our phones, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, solar storage systems, and even electric cars. Their biggest advantage is obvious: they can store a large amount of energy in a small and lightweight package.

However, they also come with a serious downside: fire and explosion risks. Lithium battery fires can spread extremely fast, cause major property damage, and pose a threat to human health and safety.

? What causes lithium battery fires?

The main danger lies in a phenomenon called thermal runaway – a chain reaction inside the cell that occurs when it overheats, damaging the internal structure. Once this process starts, it can quickly spread to other cells, leading to ignition or even an explosion.

The most common causes include:

  • Overcharging or deep discharging – due to faulty chargers or missing Battery Management Systems (BMS).

  • Mechanical damage – dropping, puncturing, or bending the battery cell.

  • Manufacturing defects – poor-quality separators or errors in production.

  • High ambient temperatures – storing or charging batteries above 60 °C (140 °F).

  • Improper storage – batteries kept close to flammable materials.

? Facts and statistics

  • According to European safety reports, poor charging quality or improper storage account for 35% of lithium battery fire incidents.

  • Fires caused by lithium batteries spread 3–5Ă— faster than conventional fires and are extremely difficult to extinguish using water or foam.

  • In London alone, there were over 100 recorded e-bike and e-scooter fires in 2022, all linked to battery failures.

  • Insurance companies are increasingly demanding specific safety measures for businesses storing large amounts of lithium batteries.

?️ How to reduce the risk of fire

Fortunately, you can significantly reduce the risks by following simple safety measures:

  1. Use only certified batteries and chargers.
    Cheap, uncertified batteries are one of the leading causes of fires.

  2. Never leave charging devices unattended.
    Avoid charging your e-bike or e-scooter overnight in a closed room.

  3. Check the condition of your batteries regularly.
    Stop using them immediately if they appear swollen, hot, or damaged.

  4. Avoid exposing batteries to heat.
    A parked car in the sun or an unventilated garage can become a fire hazard.

  5. Invest in fire protection systems.
    Modern solutions such as LiGUARD aerosol fire suppression devices automatically activate at high temperatures and quickly suppress the flames.

? The biggest risks in daily life

  • E-bikes and e-scooters: often charged indoors without supervision.

  • Solar storage systems: contain dozens or even hundreds of cells that can trigger a chain reaction if one fails.

  • Warehouses and logistics centers: large stockpiles of batteries present a major fire safety challenge.

  • UPS and data centers: battery fires here can disrupt entire businesses and cause costly downtime.

âś… How does LiGUARD work?

LiGUARD is an advanced aerosol fire suppression system designed specifically for lithium batteries.

  • Activates automatically at 175 °C (347 °F).

  • Suppresses the fire in less than 3 seconds.

  • Requires no maintenance and lasts 10–15 years.

  • Fully certified (EN 15276, CE, RoHS).

  • Available in various sizes – from small battery box protection to large-scale storage facilities.

? The key advantage is that LiGUARD works completely automatically, without requiring electricity or human intervention.