Fire Extinguisher for a Solar Home Battery System

STAVE on 05/10/2021 - 20:03

Hi all,

I've just had solar panels and a battery installed at my humble abode, and am just thinking about if something went wrong. The battery is in my car port and, while it's got a bollard in front of it, I'm not sure I trust the kids not to miss it…would appreciate advice from anyone who has put in something similar.

Can anyone recommend a fire extinguisher for a battery system?

Further research below…

I've seen that some places offer small units for lithium ion batteries: https://www.fireextinguisheronline.com.au/9l-f500-lithium-io…

But this brochure (https://www.fln-neuruppin.de/FLN-Library/FLN-F-500-Li-Ion-fi…) suggests the hand held units are ineffective for the battery system (~5kWh). Quote in full:

"These models deliver superior fire protection for a range of lithium-ion battery applications, from mobile phones
to electric scooters. Additionally, a portable fire extinguisher with 50L content is available for enhanced user safety
(greater extinguishing agent quantity, longer discharge time).

Larger risk areas, such as solar home storage (4-5 kWh), electric car batteries (over 15 kWh), and battery warehouses,
demand the additional fire protection provided by installed F-500 extinguishing systems. These systems require sufficient
supply units for the extinguishing agent in conjunction with pressure generators (pumps, propellant gas storage) or
specific fire hose nozzles"

Home & Garden Fire Extinguisher

Comments

  • brendanm on 05/10/2021 - 20:07

    Get lifepo instead.

    • STAVE on 05/10/2021 - 20:12

      Interesting…but I've missed the boat on that, and I'm probably not going to uninstall the system I've just had installed !!

      • brendanm on 05/10/2021 - 20:19

        A liion battery won't spontaneously combust with a knock. Speak to whoever installed your battery about a fire suppression system, they should know what's required. Surprised the government hasn't mandated $20k worth of fire safety equipment with every battery install yet.

        • burningrage on 05/10/2021 - 20:32
          +1

          Coz Solar is what they are gonna tax next after EV tax. Scaring people with $20k fire safety will kill the hype for sure. lol

          • brendanm on 05/10/2021 - 21:04

            @burningrage: Have you seen the latest regulations for installing a battery in a house? They are already making things difficult, and on top of that, they, as usual, don't understand the different danger levels between different battery chemistries.

      • Richardc on 05/10/2021 - 20:34

        Get home insurance.

  • blaze45 on 05/10/2021 - 20:39

    iv been told get some sand for battery fires.dont know if correct but there is been problem with LG chem batteries.

  • burningrage on 05/10/2021 - 20:46
    +2

    Think of it this way.

    If this is a concern, then so would be thousands if not tens of thousands of garages that house EVs (Tesla) which probably have more Lithium Ion batteries than an EV.

    We probably would have heard about incidences by now given we have now clocked at least 10 summers since the beginning of PHEV/EV in Australia.

    • mskeggs on 05/10/2021 - 21:46
      +1

      I agree with this sentiment, but I also note house fires are quite rare, as are car fires of any sort. And there is no regulation to have an extinguisher in your house.
      But I still have a fire blanket in the kitchen.

      I wouldn't be too worried about a battery outside in the carport.

  • mskeggs on 05/10/2021 - 21:49

    I'd be more concerned with the warning:
    "This extinguisher is not to be used on AC Power (100V AC or higher) electrical fires."

    Considering the battery is wired to AC.
    That said, the product description does say:
    "The 9L is very popular in data centres, EV charging stations, wind farms, Tesla showrooms & industrial workplace, it is often mounted on electric cars with galvanized brackets."

  • deme on 05/10/2021 - 22:54

    It's been a long time since I studied fire suppression but I'll give it a go.

    Keeping a couple of ABE fire extinguishers at your house is a good idea.
    As for lithium battery fires they tend to happen very fast, produce immense heat and toxic smoke.
    I'd focus on reducing the spread (keep flammable shit away and put it on concrete) and teach your kids to call 000 when a fire occurs and gtfo.

    Edit: Obviously make sure your insurance covers this fire.

  • STAVE on 06/10/2021 - 09:23

    Thanks all - what I'm taking away is:

    1. This kind of fire is very unlikely to happen
      a. It hasn't happened a lot in the past (even with 10 years of summers)
      b. I'm a little unconvinced by this, given climate change means every year in the future will be hotter than the past for the foreseeable future… anyway

    2. If the home battery does ignite, the lithium iron battery will burn quickly and intensely
      a. (contrast with LIFEPO based batteries which may not)
      b. An extinguisher may not be so useful in that circumstance, but may help contain the fire spread
      c. The 9L lithium ion fire extinguisher may be helpful to stop the spread
      d. Sand (?) may be helpful (unconfirmed)

    3. If the home battery does ignite, it may be better to plan for the house burning down

    The house is insured, but obviously I'd prefer it didn't burn down! Would welcome any further views or comments!

    I followed up with the retailer, who confirmed:

    As with all liquid based extinguishers you would need to ensure you have disconnected the system from a mains power supply prior to fighting a fire on a house electrical system.

  • FPO on 01/05/2022 - 16:19

    Hi All
    we have developed an article on this subject, it covers Lithium Ion fire safety at home and is called "Lithium Ion Battery Fire Safety Explained | Electric car, smartphone, laptop…"
    We have covered some stats and some safety equipment required to tackle those.

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