Isn’t it funny how two units can look so similar yet have completely distinct functions? Most companies purchase a single lithium battery storage cabinet, stick it in their warehouse, and think they have a solution for spare battery cells on a shelf and power tools that charge overnight; however, they are wrong, and it is that gap where most of the risk exists.

In comparison to charging, lithium-ion battery storage is a simpler problem. Batteries that are not connected and are not charged should be stored away from heat sources, kept apart rather than stacked, and stored somewhere that prevents high temperatures or low temperatures. A well-built lithium battery storage cabinet is designed to contain a fire. Therefore, it will buy time if a battery cell experiences thermal runaway. The cabinet is not designed to have a charger plugged into it.

Charging is risky because there is a power source on top of what you are trying to protect against overheating. A charging lithium battery cabinet creates off-gassing, which is dangerous and may detonate. Off-gassing can be prevented with adequate ventilation and constant monitoring of the charging status. Swelling, an off-putting smell, and drops are signs of a damaged battery and should never be left unattended to charge. There are legal implications for all of this and safer charging of lithium batteries should be known. Accurately assessing risk of charging lithium batteries is the responsibility of a building manager. Dangerous atmospheres from gas releases should also be assessed. HSE guidelines on the safe handling of batteries provide a framework for most insurers and fire services. While it does not prescribe a certain charging cabinet, it would defend the position take to charge a cabinet safely.

The matter of quantity can alter the level of risk more than people would expect. A few spare batteries on the shelf have a different level of risk than a bay of batteries which are charged overnight, and what cabinet would fit one would most likely not fit the other. Determining whether or not you are actually in a situation of pure storage, active charging, or a combination of the two is the decision most buyers skip over and rush to compare prices.