Lithium-ion batteries, as used in e-bikes and mobile phones, can spontaneously ignite. The fire behavior of a lithium battery is incomparable to that of a normal solid, liquid or gas fire. Extinguishing a battery fire is challenging. LiPo pouch cells are used, which have the characteristic of absorbing a lot of energy and producing intense flames when a so-called thermal runaway occurs. A reliable fire extinguisher is of the utmost importance in such a fire.

NTA 8133

In November 2021, the Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN) published the Dutch Technical Agreement NTA 8133. The NTA 8133 describes the structure, execution and evaluation of standard fire tests on lithium batteries, intended to demonstrate the suitability of portable fire extinguishers for this type of fire. The NTA 8133 focuses on stopping the combustion process of a lithium fire. Conventional portable fire extinguishers are not directly suitable to handle these very difficult and intense lithium battery fires.

NTA 8133 is the first publication that addresses batteries with a limited capacity of up to 600 Wh. This includes rechargeable batteries for portable electronics such as smartphones and laptops, electric hand tools, household appliances, portable medical equipment, toys, remote-controlled objects, drones and bicycles.

Testing according to NTA 8133

Based on the performance requirements and test methods specified in the NTA 8133, it is assessed whether portable fire extinguishers, with a maximum capacity of 9 liters are suitable for extinguishing lithium battery fires.

During the test, a test setup is used were the cells are wedged in a metal carrier frame so they are suspended from the ground. It is therefore not possible to completely submerge the lithium cells and thus stop the combustion process. There are 24 Lithium pouch cells in sets of 4. The third set is ignited by overcharging. Ignition takes place between the 7th and 9th minute.

At the first appearance of flames, the extinguishing attempt may begin. The operator has three minutes for this attempt. After the extinguishing attempt, there may be a brief flare up of five seconds, which will extinguish without any external action. No reignition may occur for twenty minutes after the last extinguishing attempt. If this test is successfully passed twice, the test is considered successful. A fire test consists of a maximum of three attempts.
If the fire extinguishers are found suitable, a logo may be used on the extinguisher. This logo indicates that the NTA 8133 test has been successfully passed. Kiwa, as an independent certification body, ensures the observation of the test, documentation and the final report in which the result of the fire test is recorded.

Why Kiwa FSS?

Kiwa Fire Safety & Security (Kiwa FSS) is a leading testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company, focusing on products, installations and companies in the field of fire and burglary protection. Kiwa FSS provides services in an expert, flexible, customer-oriented and innovative manner. These services include conducting inspections, certifying (fire) security companies, testing products and providing training from a fully independent, objective and integral position. Kiwa FSS is the only certifying institution in the Netherlands that is allowed to carry out the Dutch Approval Mark (Dutch: Rijkstypekeur). The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations has mandated Kiwa to issue proof of type approval for portable fire extinguishers.