Class L Fires: The Hidden Danger of Lithium-Ion Batteries – And the Extinguishers Built to Stop Them
Class L fires were formally introduced in the January 2026 edition of ISO 3941:2026 to address a growing global risk: lithium-ion battery incidents without metallic lithium. This classification recognises that lithium-ion battery fires behave differently from traditional fire classes (A, B, C, D and K) due to their electrochemical characteristics and thermal runaway potential. Lithium-ion batteries power electric vehicles, e-bikes, laptops, power tools and energy storage systems. While efficient and compact, their high energy density can result in rapid escalation, toxic emissions and re-ignition risks. For businesses and property owners assessing Fire Extinguishers Perth suppliers, understanding Class L risk exposure is now essential. Standard ABC extinguishers may assist with small, post-runaway fires by treating them as Class A combustion (burning plastics). However, active lithium-ion battery events require specifically designed Class L Fire extinguishers . ...