Is an EN 14470-1 safety cabinet suitable for storing and charging lithium-ion?

Lithium-ion batteries are being used by more and more organisations, from power tools to e-bikes and drones. As their use increases, so does the focus on the safe storage and charging of batteries. 

Many organisations use an EN 14470-1 safety cabinet for storing lithium-ion batteries. This may seem like a logical choice, as these cabinets are designed to reduce risks in the event of a fire. However, this standard protects against a different fire scenario from the situation that occurs when a lithium-ion battery catches fire inside the cabinet itself. 

Fire resistance is not always enough 

A lithium-ion battery can unexpectedly go into thermal runaway or explode due to a defect, damage or incorrect use. This generates extreme heat, flammable gases and pressure build-up. That is why it is important not only to consider the fire resistance of a cabinet, but above all to ask: has it been tested for a battery fire starting from within? 

A thermal runaway can result in: 

• Extremely high temperatures
• Flammable and harmful gases  
• Pressure build-up inside the storage unit  
• Smoke and heat that continue to develop  

What is EN 14470-1 intended for? 

An EN 14470-1 safety cabinet is often used for storing hazardous substances and lithium-ion batteries. The test assesses how the cabinet responds to an external fire. It does not test what happens if a lithium-ion battery catches fire inside the cabinet. This is precisely an important risk when storing and charging lithium-ion batteries. 

If you are looking to purchase a battery safe, it is therefore important to check how it has been tested and, above all, whether it has been tested for a battery fire starting from within. 

Why is VDMA 24994 important? 

Batteryguard battery safes have achieved VDMA 24994 certification. The testing assesses how a battery safe responds when a lithium-ion battery fire starts inside the safe itself. 

During this test, the following aspects are assessed, among others: 

• Heat development  
• Pressure build-up  
• Gases released  
• Containment of the fire inside the battery safe  

The aim is to ensure that the battery safe is suited to the behaviour and risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. The difference between an EN 14470-1 cabinet and a VDMA 24994-tested battery safe is therefore as follows: 

Choose a storage solution that matches the risk 

Do you work with lithium-ion batteries? Then you want to keep your employees safe, protect your premises and ensure that your business can continue operating in the event of a battery fire. 

That is why you should not only consider fire resistance. Also check whether the battery safe has been tested for a battery fire starting from within. This will help you make the right choice and improve safety within your organisation. 

Is your organisation properly protected? 

Take the free risk check or request advice with no obligation. This will help you discover which Batteryguard battery safe is best suited to your situation.