Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

SAFETY NOTICE: How to put out a laptop/battery fire...

Aug 15, 2006 11:48PM PDT

Based on my experience as a volunteer firefighter, I'd like to share some info that doesn't cost and arm or a leg...but may save both in the case your laptop/battery explodes:

Firstly, DON'T USE WATER. duh.

It's best to use a dry chemical extinguisher (type "C") on an electrical fire.

However, use a dry powder type "D" extinguisher for the dense chemical battery (NiMH, Lith-Ion, plain old alkaline, etc.). The type "D" extinguishers are designed for chemical and combustible metal fires (e.g. magnesium fires with some automobile engines). You should be able to use the "D" type extinguisher to put out electrical fires as well.

It may seem like an odd idea, but dumping sand on a chemical fire also will work to an extent. This is just a simple smothering technique. Kudos if you actually have sand nearby...

Below are a few informative websites on battery fire safety and fire extinguishers:

http://www.fireextinguisher.com/

http://www.fire-extinguisher101.com/

Energizer Lith-Ion battery material data sheet: http://www.ntsb.gov/events/2006/PhiladelphiaPA/Exhibits/350561.pdf

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution study:
http://ehs.whoi.edu/ehs/occsafety/LithiumBatterySafetyGuideSG10.pdf


*****Other related information*****

Lithium Ion battery in cars: http://www.digg.com/tech_news/Lithium_Ion

Technology Review - Lithium Ion cars: http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17250&ch=biztech

NTSB study: http://www.ntsb.gov/events/2006/PhiladelphiaPA/Exhibits/350561.pdf

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
further clarification on the h2o method
Dec 12, 2010 12:21PM PST

just wanted to clarify..unplug/pull circuit breakers/kill power source of laptop if plugged in , without a doubt , before using the halon1211 and water method..and obviously defer to firefighting professionals, but i think, if using sand or fire blanket , you still want to have laptop in a remote location, i.e. not inside home or office..

- Collapse -
Good advice but
Dec 12, 2010 12:49PM PST

this post was from nearly 5 years ago. That said, I think your disagreement is logical and informative but applying this to such an old post doesn't merit them being wrong, just ... outdated perhaps?

Either case, I found your post very interesting and informative. Airline crew member? I hate flying, gives me the willies. Fighting a fire on ground is one thing, but 35,000 up high is another. No thank you! Although you do get to travel which is nice.

- Collapse -
more specific info on faa video
Dec 11, 2010 5:13PM PST

hi, i previously said just google how to fight a laptop fire..i went back, and reviewed, it is found under the video results , under the result with the bangalore airlines .com result..the tests shown are faa. sorry for any confusion looking for that. thanks