Regulations for the safe storage of lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have become an essential part of modern business operations. But they also pose significant risks. Overheating, damage or a fall can cause internal faults – potentially leading to spontaneous battery fires. This can result in:
That's why it's important not only to store lithium-ion batteries safely, but also to understand and comply with applicable regulations. Want to know what your organisation needs to comply with?
Insurers and regulations: stricter requirements for safe storage
The number of lithium-ion battery fires continues to rise – and with it, the associated damage. Insurers are taking notice and are introducing increasingly strict requirements for how batteries are charged and stored. In many cases, a fire-resistant battery safe is even mandatory. Risk expert Bart van de Broek explains more in our blog: Lithium battery fire | Insights from Nationale-Nederlanden
With a battery cabinet like the Batteryguard XL – tested in accordance with the safety requirements of VDMA 24994 and certified by ECB·S – you meet strict safety standards. This reduces the risk of fire damage and aligns with the expectations of many insurers.
Curious if your organisation is at risk? With the risk check, you’ll get insight into your situation in under a minute – and learn how to prevent a battery fire.
Why existing guidelines are insufficient
Not every cabinet or storage solution offers sufficient protection against battery fires. Many manufacturers refer to existing guidelines, such as EN 14470-1. But these do not address the specific risks of lithium-ion batteries.
EN 14470-1 cabinets are designed for storing chemicals. They primarily protect against external fire sources. But with lithium-ion batteries, the danger comes from within, the fire starts inside the battery itself.
Want to know what your organisation needs to comply with? Then read our blog What you need to arrange for a safe working environment with lithium-ion batteries
A battery fire that could have been prevented
At a grocery delivery company in Lelystad (the Netherlands), two batteries caught fire while charging inside a EN 14470-1 based cabinet. The fire brigade had to respond twice, and nearby residents were evacuated. The damage was significant.
What stands out? The batteries were stored in a cabinet compliant with EN 14470-1– and yet it went wrong. This clearly shows that a chemical cabinet does not address the specific risks of lithium-ion batteries. Want to learn more about the risks of battery fires and what they mean for you? Then read more on our page about battery fires.
| EN 14470-1 chemical cabinet | Batteryguard safe |
|---|---|
| Battery fire breaks out of the cabinet | Battery fire is kept inside the safe |
| Doors burst open | Doors remain shut |
| Cabinet is hot on the outside | Safe is cold on the outside |
Differences between EN 14470-1 and VDMA 24994
Are you planning to purchase a battery safe? Pay close attention to the differences between EN 14470-1 and VDMA 24994. Not all storage solutions provide the same level of safety, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference for the protection of your employees and business continuity. We've summarised the key differences below. Read our blog: How to choose a safe battery safe.
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