Are lithium batteries safe? This is a common question that often arises when we hear stories of phones catching fire or laptops overheating. The truth is lithium batteries are generally safe, but they come with their own risks. LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are the safest batteries, with iron phosphate acting as the cathode material. They are more resilient, chemically stable, and have a long lifespan compared to other types of batteries.
Jackery Solar Generators feature LiFePO4 batteries with higher safety standards. The industry-leading BMS technology protects the battery from overcharging and discharging. The 12 layers of protection in Jackery's BMS protect the portable solar generator from internal short circuits and manage cell protection, temperature, current, voltage, and charge balancing. The highly safe LiFePO4 battery will help you safely charge up to 99% of appliances anytime.
Key Takeaways
- LiFePO4 is the safest lithium-ion battery used in many portable power stations to charge appliances.
- Lithium-ion batteries power different appliances like phones, laptops, and smart wearables.
- Overheating is one of the common reasons for lithium-ion battery failure, while physical damage can also cause problems.
- Correct usage and monitoring of the battery will help mitigate the problems associated with the safety of lithium-ion batteries.
What is a Lithium Battery
A lithium battery, sometimes called a Li-ion or lithium-ion battery, is a rechargeable battery that usually utilizes lithium to store and release energy. It is light in weight, has a high energy density, and can safely handle many charge and discharge cycles. Lithium batteries can take many forms, ranging from tiny single-cell button batteries that act as a power source for watches to multi-cell batteries that can charge electric vehicles.
The term “lithium battery” typically refers to the family of batteries that can be divided into two main categories:
Primary: The primary category includes lithium metal, non-rechargeable batteries with a coin or cylindrical shape. These batteries have a higher specific energy, less weight, and longer shelf life than other batteries. They are generally found in digital cameras, calculators, and emergency appliances.
Secondary: The secondary category includes lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries that can be recharged after depletion. They have a high energy density and are lightweight compared to nickel-metal hybrid and nickel-cadmium batteries. Such batteries are typically found in laptops, cell phones, and other handheld devices.
Jackery Portable Power Stations have high-quality lithium batteries that charge most indoor or outdoor appliances for hours. They also feature advanced BMS (Battery Management System) technology and state-of-the-art temperature sensors to ensure safety when charging appliances. You can use these portable power stations to charge appliances during an unexpected power outage or take them to outdoor locations where power access is scarce.
How Does a Lithium Battery Work
Lithium batteries combine one or more lithium cells. Like other batteries, lithium cells have a positive electrode, an electrolyte solution, a separator, and a negative electrode. But how does a lithium-ion battery work? The lithium battery works when the atoms or molecules with a net electric charge are transferred from a positive to a negative electrode via an electrolyte solution.
With the help of lithium ions or lithium metal, the lithium cells store and release power by converting chemical potential energy into electrical energy. The electrolyte solution helps ions to flow freely between electrodes. One important thing to note is that lithium-ion batteries use lithium (iconic form) instead of lithium (solid metallic form). They are rechargeable and do not require any removal.
Lithium-metal batteries are non-rechargeable and feature lithium-metal electrodes. They are generally used to power multiple devices, such as temperature data loggers, watches, flashlights, calculators, car key fobs, and defibrillators.
Applications of Lithium Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are common in most households. For example, laptops, smart wearables, and mobile phones are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Some power tools, which are common in trade industries, as well as camping appliances and gardening equipment, run on lithium batteries. Electric vehicles, electric scooters, hoverboards, and e-bikes also use lithium batteries.
Here's a list of appliances and devices that use lithium batteries:
Portable Electronics
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Camera
Smart Devices
- Smart home devices
- Wearables
- Other internet-based gadgets
Power Tools
- Drills
- Saws
- Other cordless tools
Medical Devices
- Pacemakers
- Defibrillators
- Other critical medical equipment
Unlike traditional batteries, lithium batteries are designed to last longer and have a high energy density. They can withstand extremely low temperatures to provide reliable power in freezing climates. Hence, they are preferred for powering appliances and devices. Some of the other key reasons why lithium batteries are important, include:
Long Life: Lithium batteries are designed to last longer than other batteries, making them a good choice for devices where changing the battery is inconvenient.
Temperature Tolerance: Lithium batteries can withstand extremely low temperatures, so they can work in freezing climates.
Efficiency: Lithium batteries are efficient, especially in high-stress situations, and temperature fluctuations and energy depletion have little effect on their power delivery.
Energy Density: Li-ion batteries have a high energy density compared to other types, which means they can easily store a lot of energy in a small, lightweight design. This makes them ideal for portable devices where space and weight are important.
Are Lithium Batteries Safe
Yes, lithium-ion batteries are safe and unlikely to fail, but only if there are no defects or damage. If the lithium batteries are damaged or fail to operate safely, they may cause a fire or explosion hazard. In addition, damage from storage, improper use, or charging can also pose a safety threat.
Lithium-ion batteries can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. They are energy-dense and contain flammable materials. They can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged, charged inappropriately, or exposed to heat.
When overheated or on fire, these batteries can create toxic vapor clouds that are difficult to extinguish with water or a fire extinguisher, and fires can reignite even if they appear to be out. Let's check out some hazards of lithium-ion batteries:
Fire: Physical damage to the battery cell can cause the electrolyte inside to leak, which can cause fires.
Thermal Runaway: Excessive heat creates a chemical reaction that produces more heat and more chemical reactions, which lead to fire and explosion.
Toxic Gases: Fire, explosion, and thermal runaway can produce corrosive or poisonous gases, leading to irritation.
Explosion: When ignitable vapors or gases are released in a confined space, it can lead to explosions.
Here, we will reveal certain factors that can cause damage to lithium batteries:
- Physical impacts, such as dropping, puncturing, and crushing, can damage the battery.
- High temperatures (above 130°F or 54.4°C) and external heat sources, such as heaters and open flames, can accelerate battery cell failure.
- When the battery is charged below freezing (32°F or 0°C), it can lead to permanent metallic lithium buildup on the anode.
- Charging the battery without following the manufacturer's instructions might also damage the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Compared to other batteries, lithium batteries have a high energy density, a low self-discharge rate, and fast charging. They also have a long lifespan, are lightweight, and can tolerate low temperatures more efficiently.
What is the Safest Lithium Battery
LiFePO4 is the safest lithium battery compared to other battery types available. They have superior safety standards due to their unique chemistry. Unlike other lithium batteries, LiFePO4 batteries use iron phosphate as a cathode to provide inherent stability. Here's why LiFePO4 is better than lithium-ion or other battery types:
Thermal Resilience: LiFePO4 is highly resilient to thermal runaway, which is a safety concern with lithium-ion batteries. The LiFePO4 batteries remain stable at higher temperatures, which reduces the risk of fires and explosions.
Improved Tolerance: The LiFePO4 battery can handle short circuits, overcharging, and physical impacts without compromising safety.
Chemical Stability: The iron phosphate cathode in LiFePO4 is more chemically stable compared to the lithium-ion chemistries. The high chemical stability means LiFePO4 is less likely to release oxygen, which is a major factor that helps prevent battery fires.
Longer Life Cycles: The LiFePO4 battery can withstand more charge cycles without the risk of degradation, which enhances long-term safety. When these batteries age, they become more prone to safety issues, though their longevity mitigates the risk.
Small and Lightweight: LiFePO4 batteries are almost 50% lighter than other lithium manganese oxide batteries, which are 70% lighter than lead acid batteries. They are almost compact in size, which frees up space on boats, RVs, scooters, and industrial applications.
Jackery Portable Power Stations have high-quality batteries that are known to be safer, lightweight, and suitable for charging various electronics. For example, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station and Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station feature safe and stable LiFePO4 batteries that can charge most indoor or outdoor appliances. The stable LiFePO4 battery chemistry combined with advanced BMS technology ensures safe appliance charging.
How to Mitigate Lithium Batteries Risks
If you want to mitigate lithium battery risks, there are two things you want to focus on: correct usage and storage. Here, we will reveal the safety tips to minimize the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries:
Keep Batteries at Room Temperature: You should store the lithium-ion batteries at room temperature whenever possible. This is because they are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and flammable.
Avoid Overcharging: One simple way to mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries is to avoid overcharging. Overcharging can cause the battery to heat up, which can affect its performance and lifespan.
Provide a Cool, Dry Environment: Once the lithium batteries are fully charged, remove them from the charger and store these devices in a cool and dry place.
Stay Out of Heat: Lithium batteries operate safely in temperatures that are comfortable for people. So, make sure to keep them away from the areas that receive direct sunlight or near windows. Store the battery in a well-ventilated area so it remains unaffected by excessive heat and humidity.
Use the Correct Charger: Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged. However, charging these batteries can spark serious incidents like fire and thermal runaway if there's an issue with overcharging or the battery. For improved safety, you should use a certified charger suitable for the battery type and capacity.
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many electronic devices ranging from small cell phones to large electric vehicles. They are very useful, as they are lightweight, can be recharged quickly, and can hold large amounts of energy. However, storing or using these batteries improperly can lead to toxic gas generation and pose significant harm to health. The following are some considerations to keep in mind when using, storing, and charging the battery:
Usage Considerations
It's important to handle the lithium batteries carefully. For example, do not throw, tamper with, or modify them. You should also check for any damage before using these batteries. You should not use them if they are swollen, dented, torn, or show any other signs of wear or damage.
Storage Considerations
Keep the lithium batteries away from children's reach. If you plan to carry them with you when traveling, make sure to keep them in a protective, non-metal case. Store batteries in a dry place at room temperature. It's advised not to leave the batteries under the sun or in an extremely hot or cold car. Do not let moisture form on the ends of the terminals.
Charging Considerations
When charging the lithium battery, make sure not to charge the battery longer than the recommended charging time. This is because frequent overcharging can cause the battery to overheat, which can lead to explosions or fires.
You should charge the battery at room temperature and not on soft surfaces like a couch or bed, which can trap heat around the battery and cause overheating.
Always charge the lithium battery before the charging level drops below 30%. It will help the battery last longer and work safely. You should not keep the battery plugged in at 100% for long periods.
Battery Management Systems (BMS) in lithium batteries protect them from overcharging, over-discharging, thermal runaway, and overheating. It's important to look for batteries with advanced BMS technology to ensure the complete safety of the charged appliances.
Jackery Solar Generators are built with advanced BMS technology to prevent overcharging and overheating. The state-of-the-art temperature sensors ensure an additional safety layer to improve battery lifespan and performance.
Jackery Solar Generators with BMS
Jackery is a well-known manufacturer of solar generators, foldable solar panels, and portable power stations. The Jackery Solar Generators have two parts: Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, which collect solar panels and convert the sun's rays into DC electricity, and Jackery Portable Power Stations, which convert DC to AC electricity to charge household or outdoor appliances.
The solar generators are built with 12 layers of BMS technology to offer safety while charging the appliances. The multiple ports ensure you can charge multiple devices simultaneously during power outages, blackouts, or outdoor adventures. The LiFePO4 batteries in the portable power station ensure the safe charging of the appliances without the risk of overheating, overcharging, or over-discharging.
Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
The compact Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is suitable for outdoor adventures such as hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, etc. With a weight of only 11 lbs and a foldable handle, the solar generator is easy to carry during outdoor adventures. It can charge portable fans, freezers, lights, drones, etc., so you don't have to worry about finding a power outlet in a remote campground. It's also ideal for a remote office where you would need power for smartphones, laptops, lamps, etc.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable Fan (50W) = 4.8H
- Lights (10W) = 24.4H
- Freezer (150W) = 1.6H
- Laptop (80W) = 3.0H
- Drone (20W) = 12.2H
Customer Review
“This is a nice lightweight generator. Perfect for a day's use only. I ran my lights off it, and it lasted only a day before needing to be recharged. I imagine this is perfect for charging cell phones or computers.” — Brenda Olsen.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a large solar-powered generator built with the safest LiFePO4 battery. Its large capacity can charge 99% of household or off-grid appliances. Whether you want a safe battery backup for power outages or wish to remain independent from the electrical grid, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus would be an ideal solution. If you want more power, the battery capacity can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus.
Appliances Running Time
- Refrigerator (600W) = 2.8H
- Coffee Maker (500W) = 3.4H
- TV (150W) = 11.5H
- Microwave (1000W) = 1.7H
- Induction Cooktop (1700W) = 1.0H
- AC (1000W) = 1.7H
Customer Review
“This generator has been a great addition to my tools and has the power to run miter saws, table saws, and paint sprayers, all the while charging batteries for my power tools. Solar panels are easy to install and keep us in power all day long. Also, it's nice to have it at night to run fans and keep us somewhat cool as we sleep on the property. Excellent product!” — Redge Hudson.
Are Lithium Batteries Safe FAQs
What size solar generator do I need?
The exact size of the solar generator needed will depend on the appliances you want to charge and their operating hours. If you are charging a refrigerator (600W), light (10W), and a portable fan (50W) during an RV living with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, the running time can be calculated as follows:
Running Time = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 2042.8Wh × 0.85 ÷ 660W = 2.6H
Note: The battery capacity is multiplied by 0.85 because some power loss will happen when charging the appliances.
Are there any lithium battery safety myths?
Yes, it's a myth that lithium batteries are prone to explosion. In fact, these batteries are built with stringent quality control and safety features that make explosions quite rare.
What is the biggest problem with lithium batteries?
One of the major issues with lithium batteries is overheating or thermal runaway. In this process, the heat promotes the chemical reaction, which helps the battery work but creates even more heat and chemical reactions.
Is it safe to have lithium batteries in the house?
Yes, lithium batteries are safe if used and stored correctly in the house. If the lithium batteries are overheated, they can catch fire or explode.
How common is lithium battery fire?
According to the Department of Fire Services in Massachusetts, an average of 19.4 lithium-ion battery fires per year were reported from 2019 to 2023.
Final Thoughts
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices, appliances, and systems that can be used daily. But are lithium batteries safe? Well, the short answer directly depends on the type of lithium battery and its applications. You can keep lithium batteries safe in the long run with the proper handling and management of lithium batteries.
If you are looking to choose a safe power station with a LiFePO4 battery to charge the appliances, you may consider going ahead with Jackery Solar Generators. The LiFePO4 battery with intelligent BMS and state-of-the-art temperature sensors offers the highest level of safety. The large battery capacity can charge up to 99% of appliances during power outages or outdoor adventures.
Do you have a lithium battery? What precautions do you take when using and storing it? Let us know in the comment section below!
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