Considerations for Lithium Battery and Electric Vehicle (EV) Fires

Flashcards covering fire control tactics, electric vehicle safety protocols, and thermal runaway risks associated with lithium batteries.

What effect does water spray have on lithium battery fires, and what limitation does it have?

Water spray cools batteries and helps suppress and slow the release of toxic gases, but it does not stop the chemical reaction (thermal runaway).

Why can extinguishing agents such as $CO_2$ and dry chemical be problematic during a lithium battery fire?

They can trap heat instead of removing it and could result in false (lower temperature) readings.

What resource should be consulted during an electric vehicle (EV) fire to identify high voltage and medium voltage cabling?

The manufacturer's specific emergency response guide.

What critical rule must be followed regarding high voltage and medium voltage cables during an EV fire?

Do not cut these cables.

What are emergency cut loops in electric vehicles, and what is their function?

They are low voltage wire loops that can be cut to disconnect the high voltage system from the rest of the vehicle.

What is the purpose of disconnecting the 12-volt battery during an electric vehicle fire if it is safe to do so?

It isolates the power to the high voltage battery and reduces the risk of electric shock.

Why do damaged, defective, or recalled (DDR) lithium batteries pose a higher risk than non-DDR lithium batteries?

They are more likely to catch fire in a process known as thermal runaway.

What is thermal runaway?

A chain reaction that leads to a violent release of stored energy and flammable gas, which can spread to nearby batteries or combustible materials.

What are the identified signs that a lithium battery is damaged, defective, or recalled?

Leaking electrolytes, swollen or discolored battery casing, odor or corrosion, burn marks, known conditions of use or misuse, and being recalled.