Educating your Community

Potential challenges

• Different types of lithium-ion batteries have varying chemistries, capacities and configurations.
• Follow manufacturer’s safety measures, including proper installation, maintenance and monitoring.
• Ensure that proper power disconnects are installed and readily accessible.
• Understand emergency response protocols for incidents involving ESSs/BSSs. Contact emergency services immediately if a problem is suspected.
• If a problem is suspected, stay at a safe distance and wait for trained professionals to assess the situation.
• If the signs of potential trouble, such as unusual noises, odors or visual indicators like smoke or heat emanating from the ESS/BSS installation are noticed, report them to the appropriate authorities.
• Collaborate with local emergency services and share information about the presence of ESSs/BSSs in their neighborhoods.

Lower the risk of fire or injury

• Older home wiring may not be suitable for use with EV supply equipment. Have a qualified electrician install a new dedicated circuit or level II charging device.
• Follow manufacturer’s charging guidelines.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for charging station component maintenance.
• Never use an extension cord or multiplug adapter.
• Follow guidelines for building smoke alarm placement.

Purchase and storage

• Consider nationally recognized testing laboratory-certified (such as UL) electric devices from a reputable retailer.
• If a lithium-ion battery fire occurs, don’t try to put it out. Evacuate and call 911 immediately.
• Use the charger that came with the device or use 1 from a reputable supplier.
• Follow proper charging and battery usage guidelines. Lithium-ion batteries should be charged and stored in a cool, dry place, and not left charging for too long.
• If a lithium-ion battery-powered device is noticeably hot while it’s charging, unplug it.
• Minimize the exposure of lithium-ion batteries to extreme temperatures, especially when charging.
• Routinely inspect lithium-ion batteries for cracking, bulging or leaking.
• When charging a large lithium-ion-powered device, such as an electric bike or scooter, do not place it in a way that blocks an exit route or a fire escape.