Lithium-ion batteries power our modern life. You'll find them in cell phones, tablets, laptops, E-bikes, tools, vapes — everywhere a device needs battery power.
They are valued because they are lightweight, but carry a lot of energy relative to their size.
These batteries are safe, but not perfectly safe — demonstrated this May by a dog in Tulsa, OK, caught on home video chewing up a charger. The dog grabbed the charger and took it back to his bed to chew it up. The battery quickly caught fire, immediately catching the dog's bed on fire. Two dogs in the home are pictured jumping away from the sparks and fire. Along with the family cat, the dogs escaped safely through a dog door but Tulsa firefighters said there was significant damage to the home.
As the dog quickly learned, these rechargeable batteries can spark, catch on fire, and explode, especially if handled improperly.
Here are some tips for safe use of battery powered devices:
* Never remove a lithium battery from a device if it is not intended to be replaceable. It may be glued in, for example, and forced removal can cause an immediate fire or explosion.
* If you need to remove a spent battery, bag it in a clear sealable bag or tape the terminals with clear packing tape. This will prevent fires if it comes into contact with other batteries or metals.
* Do not expose devices with such batteries to extreme heat or cold. Room temperature is best. Never charge devices in direct sunlight.
* Charge devices outside when possible, and when you charge inside, place your device on a hard surface and never in a bedroom or in a location where it may block your exit from the room.
* Plug device chargers directly into a wall socket and do not use an extension cord. Use the manufacturer-recommended cords and chargers.
* Don't overcharge devices with these batteries.
