VOGT-CTE - WE DELIVER FLAME RETARDANTS
The increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, solar systems, and many electronic devices brings not only technological advancements but also new challenges in fire safety.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries pose unique risks, as conventional fire extinguishers designed for standard fire types are often not adequately effective.
This can delay extinguishment and significantly increase the extent of damage and danger. In response to this issue, “FlameBlock Lithium Black” is introduced as an innovative safety solution specifically developed for lithium-ion battery fires.
THE-FIRELAB - FLAME RETARDANTS
THE-FIRELAB
HYDRA-X
High-performance firefighting water additive for versatile use.
THE-FIRELAB
LITHIUM-BLACK
Lithium Black quickly extinguishes and controls lithium-ion battery fires
THE-FIRELAB
TITAN-ATOM
Fire protection system for the suppression of fires in electrical systems
THE-FIRELAB
MASTIC
High-performance, fire-resistant paste that creates fire protection barriers
THE-FIRELAB
FABRIC-SHIELD
Fabric Shield is an innovative, fire-retardant solution for fabric treatment.
THE-FIRELAB
NO-PANIC
No-Panic is a drop-in solution for combating pan and grease fires
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The Rising Danger of Home Battery Storage and Solar Storage - and Why Fire Safety Often Lags Behind
Home battery storage and solar storage are rapidly spreading. More and more households are installing photovoltaic systems with energy storage to become more independent from the power grid and reduce energy costs. Technically, these systems are mature and safe in normal operation. However, with the rapidly growing number, the absolute number of potential incidents also increases.
The actual risk lies less in the likelihood of a single defect, but rather in the combination of high energy density, installation in residential buildings, and often inadequate fire safety integration.
Why battery storage is particularly critical in the event of a fire
1. Thermal Runaway
Lithium-ion batteries can undergo a self-perpetuating overheating process due to a defect. An overheated cell may cause neighboring cells to overheat as well. The temperature can increase rapidly, flammable gases may be produced, and rapid fire spread within the module is possible.
2. Extremely High Temperatures
Battery fires can reach extremely high temperatures. This heat can ignite nearby components or damage structural elements.
3. Toxic and Corrosive Smoke Fumes
Dense smoke emitted in lithium battery fires poses health hazards and can permeate the entire building. Even if the fire is contained, the smoke can inflict considerable secondary damage to electrical systems, HVAC systems, controls, and household appliances. Often, the costs associated with smoke damage exceed those of the fire damage itself.
4. Risk of Reignition
After a battery fire is extinguished, there remains a risk of re-ignition. Residual energy in the system can trigger a reaction hours later, making such incidents particularly difficult to manage.
Typical vulnerabilities in the private sector
Installation in the Basement
Many storage units are installed in the basement. There, ventilation and smoke removal are limited. Smoke can quickly spread in the stairwell and block escape routes.
Combination with Other Fire Loads
It is common to find boxes, paints, tools, or other combustible materials in the utility room. These significantly increase the risk of proliferation.
Lack of a Comprehensive Fire Protection Concept
While industrial facilities often have extensive fire protection concepts, the private sector frequently lacks structural separation, specialized detection, or a coordinated emergency plan.
Underestimation of Smoke Risks
Many owners only think of flames when it comes to fire. In reality, smoke gases and their residues are often the biggest drivers of economic damage.
Why the danger is increasing socially
- The number of installed systems is increasing rapidly.
- Batteries are becoming more powerful and have greater energy capacity.
- Installs are often done in existing buildings without fire safety adjustments.
- Combining with wall boxes and other battery systems increases the total fire load.
As battery electrification of homes increases, so does the cumulative risk.
What is often missing in fire protection measures
- Physical separation of the storage area from the remaining living space
- Fire-resistant doors or isolated service rooms
- Specific smoke and heat detection in the storage area
- Coordination with the building insurance
- Clear identification for emergency services
- Documented emergency plan
The Conclusions
Home and solar storage systems are an important component of the energy transition and are generally safe. However, their increasing prevalence elevates the overall risk, especially if fire protection measures are not carefully planned. The greatest risk doesn’t stem solely from the fire itself, but also from heat, toxic smoke gases, re-ignition, and consequential building damage. A well-thought-out fire protection plan — consisting of appropriate placement, structural separation, early detection, and clear emergency procedures — is crucial to reducing the risk to an acceptable level.
Checklist - More Safety with Home and Solar Battery Storage
| Category | What to Consider? | Fulfilled? ☐ |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Storage not installed in escape routes or under stairs | ☐ |
| Separate technical room or clearly defined area available | ☐ | |
| No storage of flammable materials in the same room | ☐ | |
| Distance from heaters, inverters, and heat sources maintained | ☐ | |
| Room easily accessible for maintenance and fire department | ☐ | |
| Structural Fire Protection | Fire-resistant door to the technical room present | ☐ |
| Wall and ceiling penetrations fire-protected | ☐ | |
| Room separated from living area by smoke barrier | ☐ | |
| Adjacent components sufficiently fire-resistant | ☐ | |
| Early Detection | Smoke detectors installed in the storage room | ☐ |
| Heat detectors or temperature monitoring present | ☐ | |
| Battery Management System (BMS) active and functional | ☐ | |
| Alarm forwarding (app, smart home, etc.) set up | ☐ | |
| Electrical Safety | Installation performed by certified specialist | ☐ |
| Manufacturer specifications fully adhered to | ☐ | |
| Surge protection present | ☐ | |
| Regular maintenance documented | ☐ | |
| Smoke & Damage Limitation | Possibility for smoke removal or ventilation available | ☐ |
| Sensitive technology protected from smoke contamination | ☐ | |
| Suitable extinguishing agents within reach | ☐ | |
| Organization & Insurance | Building insurance informed about storage | ☐ |
| Insurance coverage sufficiently verified | ☐ | |
| Emergency plan known in the household | ☐ | |
| Evacuation routes clearly defined | ☐ | |
| Preparation for Action | Storage room clearly marked | ☐ |
| Shutdown option known in case of emergency | ☐ | |
| Fire department can access relevant information | ☐ |
- Vogt-CTE GmbH
- Erlenauweg 17
- CH 3110 Münsingen
- +41 33 223 72 12
- info@vogt-cte.com
- VAT CH - CHE-251.716.630 MWST
- UID CH - CHE-251.716.630
- CH ID - CH-036-4065213-9
- EORI - DE684075747272454
- ZAZ - 17790-0 Vogt-CTE GmbH
WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
At Vogt-CTE, we provide our European trading partners access to unique innovations in fire extinguishing technology. Our solutions facilitate firefighting efforts, making them faster, safer, and less resource-intensive. The products we represent are highly specialized, field-tested, and make a real difference – saving lives every day. We don’t just bring products to market; we deliver progress. Together with our partners, we ensure these innovations reach those who need them most: those on the front lines conducting rescue operations.
