Li-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers

Primary cell lithium batteries are non-rechargeable and mostly use lithium metal as their anode. For fires involving primary cell lithium batteries, a Class D L2 Powder Fire Extinguisher should be used, this is a specialist powder extinguisher designed specifically for use on combustible metal fires which includes lithium metal. It is important to note that water extinguishers should not be used on primary cell lithium batteries, as the water reacts with lithium metal which will make the fire significantly worse.

Secondary cell lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and use a combination of different materials as their anode. For fires involving lithium-ion batteries, the most effective fire extinguishers contain an AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) solution such as the Lith-Ex range. However, unlike primary cell lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries use lithium salts which contain only a very small volume of lithium metal, therefore you can effectively douse these fires with water.