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Laptop battery ban threat in US worries firms
by Steve Bush
Wednesday 11 July 2007
The US Portable Rechargeable Battery Association is calling for restraint in possible legislation restricting the carriage of lithium-ion batteries on public transport.
“PRBA’s goal is to ensure that both US and international regulatory authorities understand that unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations will inhibit innovation and advancements in lithium-ion technologies,” said the organisation’s executive director George Kerchner.
In contrast to NiCd and NiMH cells which are not inherently inflammable, Li-ion batteries contain flammable liquid and store more energy.
According to Kerchner, at least 19 different agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the US Department of Transportation, and China’s Civil Aviation Authority, are working to address lithium-ion battery issues.
While safe in normal use, serious overheating of Li-ion cells promotes thermal run-away, resulting in combustion and even explosion.
As part of its campaign to prevent the banning of Li-ion technology on aeroplanes, the PRBA is endorsing US Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines released last year which include advice not to use laptops on soft surfaces which restrict airflow, particularly in hot weather, and not using laptops and batteries that have been dropped without consulting the manufacturer.
“PRBA’s goal is to ensure that both US and international regulatory authorities understand that unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations will inhibit innovation and advancements in lithium-ion technologies,” said the organisation’s executive director George Kerchner.
In contrast to NiCd and NiMH cells which are not inherently inflammable, Li-ion batteries contain flammable liquid and store more energy.
According to Kerchner, at least 19 different agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the US Department of Transportation, and China’s Civil Aviation Authority, are working to address lithium-ion battery issues.
While safe in normal use, serious overheating of Li-ion cells promotes thermal run-away, resulting in combustion and even explosion.
As part of its campaign to prevent the banning of Li-ion technology on aeroplanes, the PRBA is endorsing US Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines released last year which include advice not to use laptops on soft surfaces which restrict airflow, particularly in hot weather, and not using laptops and batteries that have been dropped without consulting the manufacturer.
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