Fire Hazard Assessment of Lead-Acid Batteries

Fire Protection Research Foundation report: “Fire Hazard Assessment of Lead-Acid Batteries"
Authors: Trent Parker, Larissa Obeng and Qingsheng Wang, PhD, PE, CSP
Date of issue: July 2020

Report

Fire Hazard Assessment of Lead-Acid Batteries*

In this work, fire hazards associated with lead acid batteries are identified both from a review of incidents involving them and from available fire test information. From this, it is determined that lead acid batteries present low fire risks.

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In recent years, lead acid batteries have been replaced by lithium ion batteries in many applications. This is a result of the lithium ion batteries having a greater energy density, efficiency, and lifespan as compared to lead acid battery chemistries. These batteries, however, are capable of storing large amounts of energy and often utilize a volatile or combustible electrolyte and thus are prone to fires and explosions. As a result, significant testing has been conducted to identify the fire hazards associated with lithium ion batteries. However, little testing has been performed on the lead acid battery chemistries.

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