UL Solutions Introduces Certification Programs to Combat Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks
As lithium-ion battery-powered devices like e-bikes and micromobility products surge in popularity, so do concerns about their safety risks, particularly thermal runaway events. To address these growing hazards, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, has launched two innovative certification programs: one for battery containment enclosures and another for micromobility charging equipment. These initiatives aim to mitigate the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, including fires, toxic emissions, and explosions.
The Growing Need for Safety Measures
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used due to their efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. However, improper handling, manufacturing defects, or damage can lead to thermal runaway—a dangerous self-heating reaction that generates intense heat, flames, flammable gases, and toxic smoke. Such incidents pose significant risks to public safety and property, especially in urban areas where e-bike usage is rapidly increasing.
Battery containment enclosures—cabinet-like structures designed to safely store and charge batteries—are becoming more common in apartment buildings, offices, and even on city sidewalks. These enclosures are engineered to contain fire, explosions, and hazardous gases during a thermal runaway event, protecting people and property nearby. Fire departments, including the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), have endorsed these solutions as effective tools for reducing the spread of battery-related fires.
UL Solutions’ new certification programs for battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging equipment provide rigorous testing and evaluation processes to ensure these products meet stringent safety standards. By certifying such equipment, UL Solutions helps reduce the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries while fostering safer environments for users and communities.
Testing and Certifying Battery Containment Enclosures
UL Solutions evaluates battery containment enclosures according to UL 1487, the Standard for Battery Containment Enclosures—a binational standard for the United States and Canada. This standard was developed with input from key stakeholders, including the FDNY Hazmat Command, to address real-world safety challenges.
The testing process assesses an enclosure’s ability to withstand thermal runaway events, which may involve fire, explosions, shrapnel, and toxic gas emissions. Certified enclosures must demonstrate they can effectively contain these hazards, preventing them from spreading and causing further harm.
“Having third-party experts test and certify battery containment enclosures ensures they meet critical safety benchmarks,” said Chief of Fire Prevention Thomas Currao of the FDNY. “For example, certified enclosures can contain dangerous situations like thermal runaway, helping to stop fires or explosions from escalating.”
These enclosures are particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas, where the improper storage or charging of lithium-ion batteries can endanger entire buildings. By choosing certified equipment, property owners and managers take proactive steps to safeguard occupants and first responders alike.
Advancing Micromobility Charging Safety
In addition to battery containment enclosures, UL Solutions has introduced certification services for micromobility charging equipment under UL 4900, the Standard for Micromobility Charging Equipment. This binational standard addresses the unique electric shock and fire risks associated with charging infrastructure for devices like e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility products.
As cities worldwide embrace sustainable transportation options, the demand for safe and reliable charging solutions is rising. However, improperly designed or maintained charging stations can increase the likelihood of electrical faults or overheating, leading to fires. UL Solutions’ testing protocols ensure that micromobility charging equipment adheres to strict safety guidelines, minimizing these risks.
Dr. Robert Slone, senior vice president and chief scientist at UL Solutions, emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “The use of e-bikes and similar products continues to grow, with new innovations entering the market daily. Our engineering evaluation, testing, and certification services for battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging equipment play a crucial role in reducing the risks tied to lithium-ion battery storage and charging.”
A Collaborative Approach to Safety
The development of these certification programs reflects UL Solutions’ commitment to collaboration with industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and emergency response teams. For instance, the FDNY’s involvement in crafting UL 1487 highlights the value of integrating practical expertise into safety standards. This partnership ensures that the resulting certifications address real-world scenarios and provide meaningful protection against battery-related hazards.
Chief Currao added, “Whether it’s in an apartment building, office, or industrial space, using certified equipment makes a tangible difference. It shows we’re taking smart, informed steps to prevent accidents and protect our communities.”
Why Certification Matters
Choosing certified battery containment enclosures and micromobility charging equipment offers peace of mind to consumers, businesses, and municipalities. Certified products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle extreme conditions and contain potential hazards. This level of assurance not only reduces the risk of catastrophic events but also enhances public confidence in adopting sustainable technologies.
Moreover, these certifications align with broader efforts to promote safety in urban mobility and energy storage systems. As cities strive to become greener and more efficient, ensuring the safe integration of lithium-ion batteries is essential. UL Solutions’ programs provide a robust framework for achieving this goal, supporting the transition to cleaner, smarter transportation and energy solutions.
About UL Solutions
A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
