What Are the Causes of Battery Fires?
2 Answers
Battery fires are caused by excessive current, overheating of terminals, and casing damage. The related causes are explained as follows: Excessive Current: When the charging current or voltage of the UPS power supply is too high, it can cause the battery to overheat due to overcharging. This leads to deformation and bending of the positive and negative plates, resulting in contact heating and ultimately causing a fire. Overheating of Terminals: If the terminals are not crimped tightly or are over-crimped, it can easily lead to broken cores. If the crimping is not tight, the terminals may gradually loosen from the terminal screws during operation, resulting in poor contact. In cases of high-current discharge, this can cause overheating of the cables and terminals, leading to a fire. Casing Damage: If cracks in the battery casing are not detected in time during transportation or installation, the leakage of acid inside the battery can react chemically with the battery rack or cabinet, leading to conductive heating and causing a fire.
In my decades of driving experience, the most common causes of battery fires are short circuits, overheating, or aging. Excessive current due to damaged internal plates generates heat and raises temperature; poor ventilation in the battery case allows hydrogen gas to accumulate, which can explode upon contact with sparks. I once witnessed a neighbor's car hood ignite instantly due to untreated battery corrosion and loose wiring sparking. Regularly checking electrolyte levels is crucial to prevent leaks or terminal oxidation. Overcharging is another hazard—unstable charger voltage can cause batteries to smoke and catch fire. That's why I always remind everyone during maintenance to clean terminals, ensure proper ventilation, and use smart chargers to avoid overcharging. Safety first—a burning battery not only destroys the car but can also harm people. Don't overlook these details; regularly clear debris from the battery box.
