Fortunately, there are not many fires that start in electrical products during charging. Fires that occur unattended or at night can still have major consequences. With an increasing number of electrical products in Norwegian homes, the likelihood of unwanted incidents occurring. Children and young people are also frequent users of electrical products and chargers. It is a good idea to incorporate good charging sense early on.
Charge in rooms with smoke detectors
It is a good idea to charge where there is a smoke detector nearby. Then the smoke detector will tell you if it starts to smoke, smolder or burn in the battery.
Charge when you are awake and present
Battery fires develop quickly and have a lot of heat generation. Then it is important that you are awake and present in the house, so that you can handle the situation that arises - or get out quickly. Fires in larger batteries, for example in an electric scooter, can develop very quickly and you have a short time to evacuate.
Follow the instructions and use the correct charger
It is important to read and follow the safety instructions and operating instructions provided with the product. Preferably use the original charger, or one recommended by the manufacturer. The battery must be marked with the manufacturer, type number and have its own CE mark. Together, this gives an indication that the battery complies with all safety requirements and that it is safe to use.
Charge on a surface that cannot easily burn
Battery fires have a lot of heat generation and can therefore spread quickly. Therefore, avoid charging near flammable and flammable materials. You can charge on most surfaces that are hard, such as kitchen counters, tables and so on – and clear away leaves, papers and other things that can easily catch fire.
Do not charge in soft furniture such as the bed or sofa. Soft materials mean that there is less ventilation around both the product and the charger. Then it quickly becomes very hot, which in turn can trigger fires and toxic smoke. If you have also fallen asleep, then this is a very dangerous combination.
Ensure free escape routes
It can be tempting to charge e-scooters and larger electrical appliances in corridors or stairwells, to avoid them taking up space inside. If a fire starts here, your and other residents' escape route will be dangerous to use. Therefore, remember: do not charge in corridors or stairwells. They must be able to be used as an escape route in the event of a fire.
Replace damaged equipment
Both electrical appliances and batteries can become worn or damaged. If you discover visible damage, you should repair or replace the product. If you suspect that the equipment or battery is damaged, for example if you have dropped it on the ground, it is best to have the dealer take a check.
Also keep an eye on whether the charger or battery becomes abnormally hot during charging. This may indicate that there is something wrong. If you notice any sounds, smells or abnormal heat during charging: stop charging.
Batteries that are not charging can also catch fire. The reason is usually that the battery has been damaged in the past.
Call the fire department on 110
If a fire starts, unplug the charger from the wall outlet and remove the product from flammable environments if possible. A fire in the battery can be kept at bay by adding water to cool it down. Many lithium batteries contain a flammable liquid that, when sufficiently heated, emits a flammable gas. The battery will therefore catch fire again if it is not cooled down.
If a fire occurs that you have no control over, you must call the fire service on 110.