6 tips for buying lithium-ion battery cabinets

Ordinary fire-rated cabinets are designed to withstand fires that start on the outside. These cabinets will not withstand a fire with lithium-ion batteries starting from within. This is an important distinction. You should ensure all storage cabinets for lithium-ion batteries are rated for fires beginning from inside the cabinet. Without this, the protection is inadequate. The cabinet must withstand an internal fire for at least 90 minutes and be tested and approved to SS-EN-1363-1 for inner fire.

Lithium-ion batteries must be stored and charged in the correct conditions to avoid thermal runaway and subsequent fire risk. Hot air should be vented constantly to prevent overheating. Integrated ventilation is essential as it removes any heated air generated. The gases from thermal runaway and lithium-ion fires are highly toxic.

If the storage cabinet is likely to be used as a charging station, it should be built explicitly for this purpose and include all the critical safety measures needed from the outset. It can be more expensive and dangerous to connect charging facilities yourself at a later stage. A purpose-built lithium-ion cabinet has high-specification features, including metal-encased and grounded electrical outlets. The socket strip should be ready for use and mounted on the cabinet's rear wall.

Lithium-ion battery powered bikes, tools and other electronics are often used during the day and charged at night. This explains why most fires occur at night. Make sure you have a cabinet that has a proper alarm system that is wired with electronic controls, including a potential-free alarm contact for building control. There are different alarm modules where alarm indication can be via an overall alarm system or SMS. A unique fire suppression system inhibits the development of the fire and gives those in the surroundings time to react and take action.

Place the cabinet near an exit so it can be easily moved outside in case of a fire inside the cabinet. Purpose-built lithium-ion battery storage cabinets are heavy, about 500 kg, so make sure you have an integrated base to evacuate the cabinet with a forklift in case of a fire and if the cabinet needs to be moved for other reasons. If you have a cabinet without a base, which is directly on the ground, you cannot evacuate or move the cabinet without a great deal of difficulty.

The market is exploding with battery cabinets, and sometimes, suppliers are moving too fast. Therefore, it is essential to carefully check what certificates are available and how long the cabinet can withstand a fire. Ask verification questions of suppliers so that you are fully protected. To be sure, request documentation and certificates of tests and approvals carried out.