Lithium-ion battery safety: ask the experts

With recent caravan and motorhome fires linked to lithium-ion battery powered devices, tools and toys, Let’s Go Caravan Insurance interviewed a range of independent experts and asked them to share important lithium-ion battery safety advice. It is an issue all owners, dealerships and holiday-park operators need to be aware of.

"As the popularity of caravans continues to rise, ensuring that lithium battery systems are installed and maintained properly has never been more critical to the safety of both caravan users and park operators," says Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. Understanding the risks — such as overheating or improper charging — gives owners peace of mind on the road.

How safe are lithium-ion batteries?

CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Dr Adam Best — co-author of the CSIRO’s "Lithium-ion Battery Safety" report — notes that lithium-ion batteries are statistically a very safe technology, safer for example than internal combustion engines. While battery fires are a rare event, the problem lies in the scale and intensity of these fires once sparked, and the difficulty in putting them out.

Buying a van with a battery installed

Lithium batteries installed in caravans and motorhomes are now required to meet the minimum certification requirements of IEC 62619, which covers quality, performance and safety. Installed batteries must be mounted within a vented box so the habitable area is truly separated from a faulty battery — venting any toxic gas to the open air and containing a possible thermal event.

• Look for sturdy box construction and evidence that best practice has been applied.
• Ask for total battery certification.
• Where possible, push for an externally mounted battery that truly separates the battery from the occupants.

Charging safely

Always maintain oversight while charging so you can spot warning signs early. If you see any warning sign, immediately disconnect the charger from the power if it is safe to do so. If there is any sign of smoke, evacuate and call 000.

Smoke alarms and extinguishers

Smoke alarms give early warning of fire and the vital time needed to evacuate — install them and check them regularly (each state has slightly different requirements for caravans and mobile homes). Be aware that the fire extinguishers typically found in a home or caravan are generally not effective against lithium-ion battery fires; personal safety is paramount with any type of fire.