Dangers of Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries

By Patricia Jordan

If you use a laptop computer, then you are aware that they generate a substantial amount of heat. Rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can generate enough heat to ignite a fire and cause injury. Since the early 2000s, there have been many battery recalls for millions of rechargeable batteries that power computers, cell phones and other electronic devices. As of May 18, 2011, the United States Federal Aviation Administration reports that there have been 118 air incidents involving batteries since March 20, 1991. These incidents include extreme heat, fire, smoke and explosions.

Read an FAA warning about rechargeable batteries published in May 2011.

The FAA released a training video about fighting laptop battery fires that is available for download under "training videos."



The rechargeable Li-ion battery is one of the most popular types of rechargeable batteries for portable electronic devices. Over time, the capacity of all rechargeable batteries diminishes and most will fail without incident. If Li-ion batteries overheat or are overcharged, thermal runaway and cell rupture may occur and, in severe cases, even combust. To reduce these risks, Li-ion batteries contain circuitry that shuts down the battery when its voltage is outside the safe range. While the risk with Li-ion batteries is real, I do not want to give the impression that laptop computers, cell phones and other electronic devices are unsafe to use.

In May 2011, as I was working with my laptop I heard a noise and felt the computer lift. After turning it over, I was surprised to find the battery was bulging, it had burst. Thankfully, the battery was not leaking and did not damage my computer and I was able to safely remove it. This experience alerted me to the dangers of rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Apple replaced the defective battery at no charge.



My online search for the cause of the rupture lead me to YouTube and several alarming videos of laptops in flames. Search for “Laptops in Flames.”



I now use electrical power for my laptop and only use the battery when I am away from a power source. It is important to disconnect your laptop power adapter as well, as they can also overheat and catch on fire. Cell phones and other electrical devices have also caught on fire because of rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

All rechargeable Li-ion batteries will eventually wear down and hold a charge for less time. A battery will work one day and lose its ability to maintain the charge the next day. Rechargeable Li-ion batteries usually last two to three years, even if they are unused. Check the manufacturing date on the battery to ensure it has not been sitting on a store shelf for several months.

A change in the Li-ion battery life span, such as not lasting as long as it usually does is an indication that one or more of the cells has failed. If a cell develops a short, it could damage other cells within the battery and your electronic device as well. When this occurs, it is best to purchase a new battery and recycle the used battery 
at a reputable recycle depot.

Visit How Stuff Works to learn more about lithium-ion batteries.

SeatGuru.com provides comparison charts that identify airlines and airplanes with in-seat laptop power. See “The Ultimate Guide to In-Seat Laptop Power Ports.”

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Passengers warned of lithium batteries causing fires on flights
By ANI | ANI - August 3, 2011

Melbourne, August 3 (ANI): Australian airline passengers are being told not to carry lithium batteries in their luggage, amid concerns that it may increase the danger of fire on the aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority says that the batteries - used extensively in laptops, mobile phones and music players - have the potential to short-circuit and burn under certain conditions and the preference is to have spare batteries carried in the cabin with their terminals appropriately insulated, The Australian reported.

Read the full article here.