Form good tech habits with these lithium-ion battery safety tips

Posted in General, Home

woman in her office working by computer looking at images

 

You may be surprised by the number of devices you own that have lithium-ion batteries. Creating good habits for handling devices with lithium-ion batteries can help you reduce the risk of injury or damage to your property. If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in luck. We’ve created a shortlist of safety tips to reduce your risk of lithium-ion battery fires, leaks, short circuiting and more.

How to spot a lithium-ion battery

Before we can tackle the safety tips, let’s define what a lithium-ion battery is. According to the Clean Energy Institute at the University of Washington, lithium-ion batteries have the following distinctions:

  1. They are rechargeable, unlike lithium batteries which cannot be recharged.
  2. They have the highest energy densities of any commercial battery technology.
  3. They have a low self-discharge rate, meaning they store power for long periods on a single charge.
  4. They are great for high-power applications like transportation, which is why they’re common in e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards.

Popular devices that use lithium-ion batteries

You’ll find rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries in consumer products like:

  • Smartphones
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets and e-Readers
  • Laptops
  • Bluetooth headphones
  • Power tools
  • Electronic accessories
  • Cleaning devices
  • Children’s toys
  • Hoverboards, e-scooters and e-bikes

How lithium-ion batteries can create risk for injury or property damage

Now that you know a bit more about lithium-ion batteries and the devices you own with them, let’s dive into the risks of owning these products:

  1. Batteries can become a fire hazard if damaged, overcharged or exposed to extreme heat.
  2. Thermal runway, where batteries rapidly overheat and explode, can happen to damaged or overused batteries.
  3. Batteries can swell or leak if they’re left plugged in for too long or exposed to extreme temperatures.
  4. Short circuiting can happen if internal components are damaged, the batteries are exposed to water, or overheating occurs.

Have you ever noticed most rechargeable devices typically come with their own charging cable? There’s a good reason for that. Using the charger that comes with the device is essential for reducing the risk of overcharging or overheating the device, because it is specifically made to power your device efficiently and safely. If you lose the original cable, consider purchasing an MFI Certified cable for Apple devices or an USB-IF certified cable for non-Apple devices.

 
Learn about our
Auto Insurance

Good habits to start for charging and storing your lithium-ion battery products

It can be safe to store lithium-ion batteries in your home if you follow the correct steps for use, charging and storage. Here are some of our favorite lithium-ion battery safety tips:

  1. Don’t leave devices charging unattended or charging overnight. A good way to get around overnight charging for smartwatches and smartphones is to charge them during mealtimes at home.
  2. Use safe-charging features where applicable. Check your device to see if it has a safe-charging feature that would slow charge the device over an extended period of time. This feature allows for safer overnight charging.
  3. Always charge devices on countertops or tables. Soft surfaces like couches and beds can contribute to overheating, so stick to countertops to prevent the risk of overheating.
  4. Use the right charger. As we mentioned earlier, the right charger can protect your device from overheating and increase longevity.
  5. Shop reputable brands. When you’re ready to purchase a product with lithium-ion batteries, opt for manufacturers and brands that follow safety standards.

What you need to know about home insurance coverage if you have a lithium-ion battery fire

You should review your home insurance policy for applicable coverage for the peril of fire, including those caused by battery-related property damage. If you’re wondering if you have the right coverage, you can check your policy for verbiage about fire, and specifically anything related to lithium-ion battery coverage. If you still have questions or want to add coverage to your policy, talk to your agent and request assistance.


References  
U.S. Department of Energy 
USB 
Clean Energy Institute, University of Washington 
Check Fire 
Powertron Battery Company 
Recycle Nation 

 

Coverages described herein may not be available in all states. Please contact a local independent Integrity agent for complete details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions herein conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. The material provided above is for informational, educational, or suggestion purposes and does not imply coverage. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE HEREIN ADVERTISED. Integrity Insurance policies are underwritten by Integrity Insurance Company, an affiliate of Grange Insurance Company, and Integrity’s subsidiaries. Integrity companies not licensed in Pennsylvania. Not all Integrity companies are licensed in all states.


Related resources