Don't charge your e-scooter in the hallway or your mobile in the sofa – and keep an eye on the battery temperature. These are some of the expert tips on how to avoid starting a fire at home with your rechargeable gadgets.
The number of fires and fire incidents related to charging electric devices has increased sharply over the past five years, in line with the growing number of rechargeable products.
According to statistics from the Swedish Agency for Civil Contingency Planning (MSB), 55 fires or fire incidents that started in batteries or battery chargers occurred in 2018. In 2023, the corresponding figure was 110, an increase of 100 percent.
The lithium-ion batteries found in an increasing number of products, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, computers, and tools, do not catch fire more often than other products. However, when they do, the process is extremely rapid, and the consequences can be extensive.
This is according to Per Samuelsson, head of department at the Swedish Electrical Safety Agency, who has several tips on how to charge safely. The first is to read the instruction manual.
If you read your instruction manual, it usually says that the battery should have reached room temperature before charging. If you charge a very hot battery because you rushed home with your e-bike, for example, or if it has been left outside and become very cold, there is an increased risk of fire, says Per Samuelsson.
Increased risk
Another risk is if the battery has suffered a "mechanical injury".
Even a mechanical injury to this type of battery can cause it to start burning when you charge it. If it has been dropped or received a blow, it can increase the risk.
If a lithium-ion battery starts burning, the fire spreads extremely rapidly.
It's almost like an explosion. A chemical reaction occurs that creates a very high temperature, causing the battery to almost self-ignite, says Samuelsson.
Burning lithium-ion batteries are also difficult to extinguish, and battery fires can spread quickly.
If you charge your e-scooter in the hallway where there are clothes hanging in an apartment, you've blocked the only way out if it starts burning.
Skippa the sofa
The risk of spreading is also why you shouldn't charge your mobile phone or laptop in the sofa or bed. And when it comes to all charging, it should be done "under supervision" according to the Swedish Electrical Safety Agency.
That doesn't mean you should stand and stare at your battery while charging it, but it means you should be at home and awake. You can check on the battery to make sure it doesn't feel very hot. When the charging is complete, unplug it, says Per Samuelsson.
Beatrice Nordensson/TT
Facts: Tips for safe charging at home
TT
There are several measures to take to charge lithium-ion batteries safely at home:
1. Read the instruction manual.
2. Make sure the battery has reached room temperature.
3. Don't charge near flammable materials.
4. Charge with the right charger for the right battery. Even if another contact fits the battery, it may have a different charging voltage, which can increase the risk of fire. (Does not apply to USB charging).
5. Be aware of any mechanical damage to the battery.
6. Buy CE-marked batteries where it is clear who manufactured and sold them.
7. Charge under supervision. That is, be at home and awake when you charge.
Source: Per Samuelsson, head of department at the Swedish Electrical Safety Agency
