At Ecospill, we’re helping our distribution partners and their customers understand the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and identify appropriate storage and charging solutions.
Since announcing our partnership with LOXXER, one question has come up regularly: “How many minutes of fire resistance does a cabinet provide?”
It’s an understandable question. Ratings such as 60 or 90 minutes are familiar measures of fire protection. But when a lithium-ion battery enters thermal runaway inside a cabinet, the time rating alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Here, we explain why LOXXER looks beyond minutes, and what businesses should consider when comparing lithium-ion battery cabinets.
LOXXER explains that traditional classifications, such as EI60 and Type 90, address specific fire scenarios, including fire outside an enclosure. They measure performance over a defined period.
A lithium-ion battery fire can start inside the cabinet. Thermal runaway can spread between cells, cause repeated ignitions and continue for hours, with the possibility of reignition.
The distinction matters: a rating for exposure to an external fire does not, by itself, demonstrate how a cabinet will manage an internal battery incident.
LOXXER highlights the VDMA 24994 methodology, which tests cabinet performance during lithium-ion battery thermal runaway.
The assessment examines whether:
LOXXER explains that testing continues until the process is under control and temperatures decline. The focus is therefore on the cabinet’s behaviour throughout the tested incident, rather than simply reaching a set number of minutes.
LOXXER develops products specifically for lithium-ion battery storage and charging. Selected cabinets are certified to VDMA 24994.
Depending on the product and specification, features can include smoke and temperature detection, active ventilation, automatic charging shutdown and connections to existing fire alarm systems. Optional aerosol suppression and external monitoring are also available on selected products.
When comparing cabinets, we encourage customers to look at the evidence behind the specification. What fire scenario was tested? Does the certification apply to the model being considered? Which safety features are included?
These questions help turn a headline rating into a more useful conversation about workplace protection.
Our partnership with LOXXER gives Ecospill’s trusted distribution partners access to specialist and dedicated battery safety products, backed by practical knowledge and ongoing support.
It builds on our commitment to protect and care for the environment, industry and its people, helping customers address emerging workplace risks.
To discuss lithium-ion battery storage and charging requirements, contact your Ecospill Regional Business Development Manager or email sales@ecospill.org.uk.
Sources
LOXXER: Why we do not talk about “xx minutes fire resistance
Ecospill’s partnership with LOXXER
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