Battery fires prompt safety focus on certified lithium-ion devices

UL Solutions warns on thermal runaway in personal electronics

UL Solutions has reported that lithium-ion batteries used in personal devices may pose a fire risk if they have not been certified for safety.

The company said lithium-ion batteries are widely used in products such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops, but some lack independent certification.

According to UL Solutions, batteries that are not properly tested may enter thermal runaway, which can result in high temperatures, smoke, fire or even explosion.

The organisation said battery fires linked to consumer devices have occurred recently on passenger flights, in homes and on vehicles.

Sherry He, vice president and general manager of Consumer, Medical and Information Technologies at UL Solutions, said: “When consumers shop for devices that use lithium-ion batteries, it is critically important that they understand the safety hazards associated with faulty, malfunctioning or uncertified products.

“Consumers should always look for the UL Mark when buying batteries or devices.

“A UL certification demonstrates that the product has met the applicable safety standards.

“Our commitment to safe, innovative battery technology is essential to our mission of working for a safer world.”

Reported fire incidents linked to battery failures

UL Solutions said several recent incidents involved lithium-ion battery fires.

On 29 May, a Southwest Airlines flight was diverted when smoke came from a passenger’s battery charger.

The day before, the airline had introduced a new policy requiring passengers to keep portable battery packs visible during flights.

The company also reported that a resident in Massachusetts suffered a minor burn when a charging phone exploded and set fire to their bed.

In another case, a portable power bank was identified as the likely cause of a fire that destroyed a South Korean airliner and injured several people.

These incidents were cited by UL Solutions as evidence of the need for proper battery evaluation and testing.

UL certification and the UL Mark

UL Solutions said third-party certification helps manufacturers confirm that battery products meet established safety and performance criteria.

The company said its services include evaluation, testing, inspection and certification of various battery types, including standby, primary and secondary models.

It added that its expertise in lithium-ion battery chemistry allows for more accurate identification of risk.

UL Solutions recommended that consumers always check for the UL Mark on devices and batteries to confirm safety compliance.

The company said its Product iQ® database is free to use and helps consumers and businesses identify certified products.

Air travel and battery fire containment

UL Solutions noted that lithium-ion batteries pose a particular concern in aviation settings.

The company said most airlines now carry battery fire containment bags on board to isolate any devices that may catch fire in flight.

To support the safe use of these containment bags, UL Solutions conducts testing against UL 5800, its Standard for Safety for Battery Fire Containment Products.

These assessments are designed to confirm that containment bags can manage the extreme conditions caused by thermal runaway events.

The company said its testing covers temperature resilience, pressure handling and fire suppression capabilities.

Policy change and battery safety in e-bikes

UL Solutions said faulty batteries in e-bikes have also caused fires in urban areas.

The company highlighted Local Law 39 in New York City, which mandates third-party certification of e-mobility devices and batteries in line with UL standards.

According to UL Solutions, early data suggests the regulation has been associated with a drop in fire-related deaths and injuries.

It added that applying similar certification rules across a wider range of products could have public safety benefits.

Consumers are advised to purchase only products that display the UL Mark.

Battery fires prompt safety focus on certified lithium-ion devices: Summary

UL Solutions has warned that uncertified lithium-ion batteries may cause fires.

The company cited recent incidents involving phones and portable chargers.

It said thermal runaway can lead to high temperatures, smoke or explosions.

UL Solutions provides testing and certification services for battery safety.

It advised consumers to look for the UL Mark when purchasing electronics.

In aviation, airlines use fire containment bags for battery-related incidents.

UL Solutions tests these bags against UL 5800 safety standards.

In New York City, Local Law 39 requires certification for e-bike batteries.

Preliminary data links the law to reduced fire-related injuries and deaths.

The company offers a public database to check product certifications.