Firerisks of batteries and chargers explained
How safe is your bedside table? Do you pop your phone on to charge before bed? Maybe you love to watch TV on your laptop or tablet in bed – plugged in to keep thescreen bright, of course? Let's take a closer look at how many of us use everyday electricalitems – and the fire risks many of us leave ourselves open to without realising it. But first let's start at the beginning...
What is aLithiumbattery?
Lithium batteries are the lightweight, rechargeable batteries that power our phones, laptops and cameras. They're found in many electrical devicesfrom mobility scooters to e-cigarettes, and are used safely by millions of people every day. However, there are some things you need to know when it comes to fire safety, chargers and batteries.
Are batteries dangerous?
When used properly, no. Butbatteries can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or if they are damaged. It's really important to charge them safely too.
Firefighter safety tips for charging your devices
- Always use the charger that came with your phone,tablet, e-cigarette or mobile device.
- If you need to buy a replacement, always choose a branded, genuine product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference.
- Avoid storing, using or charging batteries atvery high or low temperatures.
- Protect batteries against being damaged – that's crushed, punctured or immersed in water.
- Don’t leave itemscontinuously oncharge after the charge cycle is complete – it's best not to leave your phone plugged in overnight for example.
- Never cover chargers or charging devices – that includes using your laptop power lead in bed.
- When you travel, avoid keeping all your items containinglithium ionbatteries together, especially on a plane. Check with your flight carrier for additional information or advice.
- Don't overload your sockets – learn more about how much is too much on the fuses and power load page.
Did you know?
Counterfeit electrical chargers can be deadly – many fail to meet UK safety regulations leading to fires and injury. What may seem like a bargain at the market isn't worth the risk when you consider that it could cost a family member's life
FAQs
Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable. Charge larger devices (such as eBikes) away from your exit path and outside your home if possible. Do not charge larger devices overnight.
Is it a fire hazard to leave chargers plugged in? ›
Can a charger also get too hot? So a device that is charging can overheat, but that's not all. Even when you are done charging and you leave the plug in, you create a potential fire hazard. The charger can get hot, causing a fire.
Are battery chargers a fire hazard? ›
The chargers can ignite or cause a connected battery to ignite. CPSC has received 32 reports of fire or other thermal incidents involving the HTRC C240 chargers, including five reports of significant property damage and one report of injury.
Can you leave rechargeable batteries plugged in overnight? ›
Avoid leaving your batteries in a charger for more than 24 hours. Whilst most intelligent chargers are set to a trickle charge once the rechargeable battery is fully charged, to avoid damage to the battery, it is still best to take the batteries out of the charger once they are charged.
Are rechargeable batteries a fire hazard? ›
These batteries are safe during normal use, but present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged. They are a main cause of waste fires, and can be extremely dangerous when thrown away with general rubbish, or mixed with other recyclable materials like card, metals and plastics.
Is it bad to leave a charger plugged in all the time? ›
One of the biggest dangers of leaving your phone charger plugged in is the risk of fire. If your charger overheats, it could potentially catch something on fire. This is especially dangerous if you leave your charger plugged in overnight, as you may not be around to notice if there is a fire.
Is it OK to leave things plugged in overnight? ›
Other than having a higher electric bill, leaving your appliances plugged in can cause all sorts of hazards in your home, including increased fire risks.
Can batteries catch fire when charging? ›
Lithium-ion batteries are highly energy-dense and contain electrolytes that are highly flammable. There are several situations that can lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire, including: Overcharging or use of non-compliant charging equipment. Overheating or exposure to heat or extreme temperatures.
Can leaving something plugged in cause a fire? ›
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , “Unattended, plugged-in appliances may create an unnecessary risk of fire”.
Can you leave a portable charger plugged in all night? ›
Overall, it is safe to leave your power bank charging overnight as long as you follow the proper precautions. Be sure to keep your power bank in a cool, dry place and turn it off once your devices are fully charged.
Disconnect chargers and devices with rechargeable batteries after the battery reaches full charge. Overcharging occurs when the device or battery is plugged into a charger after full charge has been reached and may reduce battery life.
What happens if you leave rechargeable batteries charging for too long? ›
The excess energy leads to heat generation. “In the worst case, this can lead to a so-called 'thermal runaway'. This means that the temperature in the cell continues to rise and chemical reactions start from it, which proceed exponentially. These reactions can no longer be stopped,” explains Dr.
Can batteries start a house fire? ›
9-volt batteries power our smoke alarms, household items and toys. They can be found in most homes. But did you know that these batteries can be a fire hazard if not stored safely or disposed of with care? The CSFD urges everyone to follow a few simple 9-volt safety tips to prevent a fire in your home.
What causes rechargeable batteries to catch fire? ›
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 throughout residential and retail premises.
What batteries keep catching fire? ›
Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are energy-dense and contain material that is highly flammable. The risks and hazards associated with LiBs include fire and explosion, radiation, heat, chemical and electrical.
Is it OK to leave a power cord plugged in? ›
Namely, every device you own that is kept plugged in poses some safety threats. Fire risk, device malfunction or damage due to the power surge are real risks that you should consider, especially if leaving your home for a longer period. Some electronic devices may prove to be riskier in certain situations.
Is it okay to leave a USB cable plugged in? ›
A charger disconnected from a device but left plugged in to a wall outlet will still use a tiny amount of electricity and may heat up slightly as a result. However, this will only present a risk if: you're using the charger in extreme heat or moisture—which could cause the transformer inside to short-circuit and spark.
Is it okay to leave the charger plugged in without a laptop? ›
Yes, it is best to unplug your laptop charger when not in use. This will help reduce the risk of any damage that can occur from overcharging or excessive heat exposure. Additionally, you should avoid keeping the laptop plugged into an outlet while unattended.
