As the issues surrounding lithium-ion batteries continue to grow, more and more solutions for storage and charging are appearing on the market. Given the urgency of the situation, one can no longer wait for European standardization. Therefore, efforts are being made to develop national guidelines, standards, and certifications to ensure the safe operation of these solutions. But what do these guidelines mean exactly and how do they differ?
Let’s take a look at some of the key standards and certifications:
VDMA 24994 (German standard)
The VDMA 24994 focuses on the fire safety of storage cabinets for lithium-ion batteries, specifically for portable batteries weighing 25 kg or less. It establishes testing requirements that must be followed to ensure the safety of the storage cabinets in the event of a battery fire.
PGS 37-2 (Dutch standard)
PGS 37-2 is a guideline for the storage of hazardous substances in the Netherlands, including lithium-ion batteries. The standard sets specific requirements for storage in cabinets and containers, depending on the weight of the batteries. The aim is to ensure safe charging and storage conditions, preventing fires and minimizing the risks of toxic pyrolysis products in the event of a fire.
Kiwa Certification (Dutch Certification)
Kiwa is a recognized certification company that ensures strict testing of products according to national and international standards. Kiwa conducts tests to ensure that storage cabinets meet the requirements for fire safety and other risks, thereby guaranteeing that products can be safely used for the storage of lithium-ion batteries.
Future European Standards
In the future, a new European standard will surpass the current national standards such as PGS 37-2 and VDMA. This standard will provide a uniform approach for the safe storage of lithium-ion batteries in Europe, helping companies to meet the highest safety requirements in the region.
LOXXER’s safety efforts
At LOXXER, we are proud to say that our products comply with the Kiwa certification, which aligns with the PGS 37-2 standard. Our fire-resistant storage cabinets for lithium-ion batteries have been tested with batteries in thermal runaway and proven to withstand fire for at least 90 minutes. LOXXER is also currently taking the necessary steps to conduct the required tests to comply with the VDMA 24994 standard.
