I think I saw on insta that Trey’s boat burned on the trailer…he seems to be blaming the Li batteries. Anyone know anything more? Just when I was dipping my toe into the Li situation…
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It did, and thankfully he was able to get it out from under the house before more damage was done to their home (or anyone was hurt or killed). One friend (highly qualified to comment) suggested most likely due to poor wiring or over/improper charging and insufficient fuse/breaker protection. He has worked with many lithium battery manufacturers and even the DOW (formerly DOD) undergoing testing under some very extreme conditions. Told me the common factor is that these batteries don’t just spontaneously combust without outside factors involved.
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I saw that as well. I’ve considered switching to lithium for my trolling motor batteries when my lead acid batteries die. The handful of fires that have occurred have made me hesitant. Maybe I’ll get a couple more years before I need to make a change.
A 50A breaker near the source is a must. I would bet money he had one - it doesn’t prevent a fire, but limits how much can ignite.
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I would like to hear more on this horrible occurrence.
1.) Was it the battery? or…
2.) Was it the charger that overheated and caused the battery to catch on fire…
What type of battery ? Name brand if known.
What type of charger? Name brand if known.
Was there a loose connection on the charger leads…that may have arc’d?
DC
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It wasn’t his boat but good questions!
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It’s not just lithium’s that catch fire it happens with others also.
I know Trey and will ask him what he can share.
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The one thing with the lithium’s is they are light enough to take in and out of the boat and that alone can decrease the chances.
I’d lean that this was the charger as those things get hot when charging.
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Battery was not on the charger and he believes it was battery not the TM or anything else.
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Made in a chinese sweat shop like most other lithiums…what could go wrong?
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There are a myriad of Lithium battery manufacturers, but when I called Rhodan to ask if they had any recommendations for Lithium batteries, they only recommended one brand.
Part of me wonders how many issues are related to batteries that may not have strict quality control.
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It’s not just batteries.
Even worse…now it’s important to understand the battery manufacturer…
I’ve heard of spontaneous battery fires on boat using Lithiums…but, I can remember it always being on the water underway and maybe the alternator heated up the Lithium…
But, based upon the “newer” batteries, from my research, the BMS - Battery Management System is supposed to trip and shut this type of short or action off.
For a battery to be sitting in the house, not on a charger, and ignite is truly scary…I’ve heard of this with Tesla’s…
Thanks for any further information…
I’m currently using the Brunswick batteries - Relion and Impulse Lithium for the 36 V battery.
DC
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I’m obviously no expert, but there have been multiple stories of the same thing happening with golf carts. We had one local last year. No idea on the specifics, but it essentially spontaneously combusted, burning the house down with it. Usually when it happens to the vehicles it’s blamed on flooding and salt bridging.
Just FYI, a lot of boats have caught fire while charging the batteries. Make sure you have a cutoff switch to the trolling motor, a size appropriate breaker within 7” from the positive terminal on battery (that is the standard), and use the recommended (or larger) gauge wire determined by the length of and amperage of the charging cables.
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The standard as you said but sound advice. I’ll be overdoing the saftey aspects when rigging times comes on skiff delivery for me.
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Quick PSA from your resident arson investigator.
These Lithium-ion batteries require extra care when it comes to use, charging, and storage.
They have to have proper ventilation to allow heat to dissipate during both charging and discharging. While almost impossible in the environment we use them in, they really should not be stored in extreme heat. Of course we almost exclusively store them in closed hatches and run the skiffs in hot, humid, and sunny conditions. The actual recommended storage for lithium ion batteries, while unrealistic, is 40–70°F…
Unlike your standard lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are more fragile and sensitive to damage. Even a short drop can harm internal components and create short circuits. Every now and then you should check in on them and look for discoloration, swelling, or unusual odors, all of which can indicate a failing and dangerous battery.
When charging, avoid overcharging and while inconvenient, you should not leave batteries connected overnight. Extremely important to charge in a well-ventilated area, free from clutter and away from any combustible materials. The greatest amount of heat is produced while actively charging.
As you can see in the aftermath in Trey’s video, once these batteries start the thermal runaway process, they burn FAST and HOT.
Just wanted to share some tips and tricks from the field.
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That would be very helpful so we all can gain more insight and perhaps comfort in a decision to use lithium batteries.
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Is this a concern with AGM batteries? I usually leave mine connected to the charger in the garage as a trickle charge to maintain the batteries. All this talk about the CHARGER being the problem does give me some concern…
@Heretotherenback - this is great info and appreciate the fact that you have some background here (might add your info to the “Member street Cred” thread., btw).
It does make a good case for having a removable system and a place outside to charge these things. This is what keeps me from going Lithium yet.
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