Understanding Lithium-Ion Battery Fires and Growing Hazards
Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in every-day life, powering an array of devices like smartphones, laptops, power tools, and backup power solutions. Nevertheless, their growing popularity has stirred up severe concerns regarding fire hazards. Lithium-ion battery fires differ from ordinary fires in that they burn at high heat, propagate very fast, and are difficult to extinguish using conventional methods. When lithium-ion fire breaks out, it can spread rapidly through a home or business, engulfing rooms and destroying property within minutes. This makes it especially dangerous, potentially causing irreparable damage to your personal belongings and operational business assets – resulting in costly repairs or business interruptions.
The Rise in Utilization of Lithium-Ion Batteries in South Africa
In South Africa, the adoption of lithium-ion batteries has gained momentum from 2020 to 2025, driven by several factors:
- Power Outages: Regular power outages have encouraged residential and commercial consumers to invest in battery storage systems to keep the power going during these times.
- Renewable Energy Integration: The shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has created a greater need for energy storage technology that can handle intermittent power supply.
This is amply demonstrated by the huge surge in the imports of lithium-ion batteries and cells. In the first half of 2023, South Africa imported batteries valued at $1.1 billion, a remarkable uptick from previous years.
The Dangers of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
When overheated, damaged, or improperly charged, lithium-ion batteries are prone to enter thermal runaway—a self-sustaining reaction in which the battery heats up and ignites, causing fierce explosions, toxic smoke. Traditional water-based or chemical extinguishers are typically ineffective as they fail to cool the battery or stop the re-ignition of the fire.
The Need for Professional Fire Protection
As lithium-ion batteries see increased use in South Africa, the danger of battery fires is increasing. Specially designed fire suppression solutions are required to effectively combat these dangers.
Introducing the Brigit Fire Greenmist Lithium Fire Extinguisher
At Hudaco Energy, safety and dependable energy solutions are at the forefront of what we do. Thus, we are honoured to present Brigit Fire’s Greenmist™ Lithium Fire Extinguisher, a cutting-edge fire suppression system meticulously crafted to combat lithium battery fires.
Key Features:
- Specialised for Lithium Battery Fires: It efficiently extinguishes lithium battery fires of as large as 600Wh, thus reducing damage and averting escalation.
- Multi-Class Fire Protection: It puts out Class A (wood, paper, fabrics), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (live electrical equipment), Class D (combustible metals), and Class F (cooking oils) fires.
- Advanced BerkiCold Technology: Employs a revolutionary cooling agent to quickly drop fire temperature and inhibit re-ignition, so the fire will be completely out.
- High-Performance & Long-Lasting: 9L volume, 15 Bar working pressure, and 22.5 Bar test pressure for maximum reliability and performance.
- Certified for Safety & Compliance: Complies with NTA 8133:2011 and is KIWA-certified (P000055289) for industry compliance and quality assurance.
Safeguard Your Home and Business Today with Brigit Fire Greenmist™ Lithium Fire
As lithium-ion battery use expands in residences and commercial establishments, so does the risk of fire accidents. Buying a specialised lithium fire extinguisher is not merely a precautionary step—it’s an essential safeguard against potentially disastrous losses.
At Hudaco Energy, we practice proactive safety. The Brigit Fire Greenmist™ Lithium Fire Extinguisher is your strongest line of defense against lithium-ion battery fires, keeping you, your loved ones, and your property safe.
Source: Cleantechnica. (2023, August 5). South Africa Imported $1.1 Billion (4.4 GWh) of Lithium-Ion Cells & Batteries in First 6 Months of 2023. Retrieved from cleantechnica.com