Less than 13 days after we first reported a blaze attributable to an electric bike battery failing, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a additional safety warning after coping with another home fireplace attributable to what its investigators consider was a failure of lithium-ion batteries for a transformed e-bike.
Five folks have been taken to hospital affected by smoke inhalation following the hearth at mid-terraced home in Walthamstow, East London earlier this week.
In June, 60 firefighters have been referred to as to another very severe e-bike (opens in new tab) blaze in West London.
At the time of the West London fireplace, Charlie Pugsley, the LFB’s assistant commissioner for fireplace safety, said: “It’s extremely regarding that we are persevering with to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters” .
“When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious.”
The LFB says it is already attended over 30 fires linked to electric bikes in 2022.
So, does this imply that every one electric bikes pose a fireplace danger and that e-bike riders want to fret? We sought out some skilled opinions.
Firefighters have issued another e-bike safety warning right now after 5 folks have been hospitalised following a home fireplace in #Walthamstow The blaze is believed to have been attributable to a transformed e-bike’s battery https://t.co/0hqKKwRQqr pic.twitter.com/iBvo6jA50HJuly 4, 2022
Are lithium-ion batteries actually hazardous?
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are extraordinarily widespread. As properly as in e-bikes you will discover them in on a regular basis digital gadgets similar to cameras and, after all, smartphones.
Over the years, there have been a variety of stories of fires attributable to defective telephone batteries and chargers, so does that imply they’re harmful? The reply is, within the majority of circumstances, no. But there’ll be exceptions.
“Lithium-ion batteries are a good option for e-bikes because they can store a lot of energy within a small space with an energy density of up to 100 times higher than other battery alternatives,” says Oscar Moyo BEng Msc MINCOSE MIET, lead techniques engineer at TT Electronics.
“The batteries are essentially made up of rechargeable cells with interposed lithium compound or electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, with the electrolyte allowing electrons or ions to flow from electrode/anode [charging port] to the other cathode.
“When most of these batteries explode, it is primarily as a result of move of the ions changing into irregular or unstable and this may be attributable to a number of of issues, for instance broken cells, contaminants inside the battery as a consequence of poor manufacturing in addition to overheating, with overcharging the standard issue right here.
“Any of these situations could lead to what’s known as ‘thermal runaway’ where the organic electrolyte within the battery is vaporised and pressure starts to build up within the battery casing.
“The results of this may be very unpredictable – it might probably be a fast explosion, or a gradual smouldering with occasional flare-ups. To get round this safety problem most costly batteries have safety vents constructed into the case as a strain releasing mechanism.
(Image credit score: Future)
How do you make sure that batteries are secure?
So all lithium-ion batteries must be handled with respect. However, it seems that lots of the reported fires have been attributable to merchandise that did not come from reliable and identified manufacturers.
“We are predominantly seeing fires [in converted e-bikes] which have been purchased from online marketplaces and batteries sourced on the internet which may not meet the correct safety standards,” says LBF’s Pugsley.
So what are the proper safety requirements?
According to Bosch, thought-about the trade gold commonplace of electric bike motor and battery techniques, and discovered on lots of the finest electric bikes (opens in new tab) and finest electric-cargo bikes (opens in new tab): “Rechargeable batteries must generally satisfy the requirements of EN50604-1 and UN-T 38.3 if they are to be transported commercially.
“The take a look at schedule in keeping with UN-T 38.3 entails varied safety assessments on a prescribed variety of rechargeable batteries that push the take a look at specimens to their limits. These embody e.g. overload assessments, affect assessments, quick circuit assessments, vibrations, thermal assessments and so on”
This test regime concludes with a UL 2849 safety standard being met.
Bosch states that “shopping for an e-bike or conversion equipment with a battery that meets the UL 2849 certification signifies that an impartial rigorous safety commonplace has been met.
“Compliance is ensured by third-party field reps conducting periodic, unannounced on-site inspections of certified products at the manufacturing locations worldwide.”
Bosch can be eager to impress that: “It is important the entire e-bike system is certified and not just the battery. When factoring safety in your purchasing decision ask for confirmation that the complete system is certified to UL 2849.”
Do your homework
“It’s vital that people purchase an electric bike, or e-bike battery, from a reputable source – if it’s a cheap option and seems too good to be true, it probably is,” says Adam Sebes, proprietor and head mechanic of ATS Cycles, and on-call firefighter for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“Same goes for e-bike conversion kits,” he continues. “Make sure the conversion is carried out by a professional mechanic who knows what they are doing.
“Even then it is nonetheless actually essential, when charging your electric bike, you achieve this safely to keep away from a danger of beginning a fireplace. Simple steps embody not charging them through an extension cable the place plenty of different plugs are connected, as this may overheat the circuit.
“Ideally you want to charge it where you have a heat and smoke alarm, and be present when charging the battery. I know some people charge their bikes in an external garage, so it’s worth having a wifi heat and smoke alarm in there so you will get notified via your phone when you’re not in earshot of the source alarm.
“Ultimately you might be coping with electrical energy, which may result in disastrous outcomes, as sadly skilled by the family of the latest fireplace”.
The aftermath of an e-bike fire at home
(Image credit: London Fire Brigade)
Moyo’s advice is similar: “People can shield themselves from these e-bike fires/explosions by not utilizing generic or third-party chargers. Only use the charger equipped by the producer, and the cables and energy adapter made particularly for the machine.
“Avoid leaving charging lithium-ion batteries unattended, or overnight, and avoid placing the batteries near a heat source – including intense sunlight – for extended periods to minimise the chances of overheating.
“Reputable manufacturers will spend a lot of time and cash in creating a charger,” says Moyo. “This could have a built-in good sensor, which is temperature regulated, so it cuts the cost as soon as the battery is full.
“Bad or cheap chargers don’t do this. Without the smart sensor to reduce the charge into the battery, it will just continue to get hotter and hotter, which can cause the battery to ignite or explode.
Protect yourself
The take-home messages are ultimately, protect yourself and household by taking sensible measures when purchasing and then owning an e-bike.
“Always following the Fire and Rescue service suggestions will be sure to are shielded from fireplace danger as a lot as doable,” says Sebes.
E-bikes and e-scooters fire safety guidance (opens in new tab) can be found on the National Fire Chiefs Councils website, as well as regional fire and rescue websites, and includes, among others, the following recommendations:
- Follow the producer’s directions when charging and all the time unplug your charger when it’s completed charging.
- Ensure you’ve got working smoke alarms. If you cost or retailer your electric bike in a storage or kitchen make sure you set up detection, we suggest warmth alarms slightly smoke detectors for these areas.
- Charge batteries while you might be awake and alert so if a fireplace should happen you possibly can reply shortly. Don’t go away batteries to cost if you are asleep or away from the house.
- Always use the producer authorised charger for the product, and if you happen to spot any indicators of damage and tear or injury purchase an official substitute charger on your product from a respected vendor.
- Do not cowl chargers or battery packs when charging as this might result in overheating and even a fireplace.
- Do not cost batteries or retailer your electric bike close to flamable or flammable supplies.
- Do not overcharge your battery – verify the producer’s directions for cost occasions.
- Do not overload socket shops or use inappropriate extension leads (use un-coiled extensions and make sure the lead is suitably rated for what you might be plugging in to it).
- In the occasion of an electric bike or lithium-ion battery fireplace – don’t try to extinguish the hearth. Get out, keep out, name 999.