Do Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries Catch Fire

Published on
June 6, 2024

According to the National Fire Protection Association, ensuring the fire safety of warehouses has been a great challenge, and the interior design of a warehouse can prominently define whether and how fast a fire will spread if a fire accident happens in the warehouse.

Can Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Catch Fire?

Lithium Iron Phosphate ((LiFePO4 or LFP)) batteries are incombustible, meaning they will not burn when exposed to fire or when mishandled during rapid charges and discharges or when there are short circuit issues. Manufacturers across industries turn to LFP for applications where safety is a factor. LFP has excellent thermal and chemical stability. This battery stays cool in higher temperatures. LFP does not normally experience thermal runaway, as the phosphate cathode will not burn or explode during overcharging or overheating as the battery remains cool.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Vs Lithium-Ion

The chemistry of lithium-ion does not have the same safety advantages as LFP. Its high energy density has the disadvantage of causing the battery to be unstable, such as heating up faster during charging. Lithium-ion batteries are more prone to overheating and catching fire because they use a flammable electrolyte. LFP batteries are also considered to be safer because they use a non-flammable electrolyte. LFP batteries have gained popularity in various applications due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and enhanced safety features. Between the two types of batteries being discussed in this article, lithium iron phosphate is the obvious choice if one is looking for safety and longevity without the need for high energy density although it is not as portable as lithium-ion.

The Spike in Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

A lithium-ion fire accident in a warehouse might cause harm to both humans and the environment. Because of the disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries, like instability and susceptibility to thermal runaways, reports of fire accidents in lithium-ion battery warehouses have emerged in recent years.Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which overheating causes a catastrophic chain reaction, and can pose a significant risk in using lithium-ion batteries. Overcharging, puncturing, or excessive heat can all damage the battery’s exterior case. The electrolytes in the battery are combustible and can leak if the battery is broken. Leaks can cause spontaneous combustion, and flames can spread quickly LFP batteries are considered safer because they have a very stable chemistry and a very low rate of thermal runaway. The iron phosphate-oxide bond is stronger than the cobalt-oxide bond, so when the battery is overcharged or subject to physical damage, the phosphate-oxide bond remains structurally stable.

MPower Battery Systems: The Most Reliable, Innovative, And Safest

The LFP technology built into our MPower battery systems offers a high level of chemical and thermal stability, making LFP batteries much safer to own, operate, and store when compared to other lithium-ion batteries. DTG’s MPower LFP batteries cannot catch fire. The chemistry is non-flammable. The BMS prevents overcharging which protects against overheating. Backed by the industry leading 5-year warranty, MPower batteries are the most trusted in the industry and the safest on the planet. With more than 50,000 batteries deployed in 4 continents, DTG’s safe, reliable, and powerful 24/7 battery systems empower an array of purpose-built mobile workstations for the largest companies in the world. https://youtu.be/i86j22vQd6c?si=ZEr7snzE4GMMl36-Whether you are looking for a purpose-built system or you want to repower your existing workstations, our batteries deliver the power you need to keep productivity moving: GET OUR PRODUCT CATALOG TODAY TO SEE THE POSSIBILITIES!