Lithium battery safety box

[pabloalvinGC600]

Hello,

I've been thinking for a while about replacing my AGM battery with a larger lithium (LiFePO4) one, but I always hesitate when I read about the risks associated with these types of batteries. To feel more at ease, I've looked into safety boxes for this kind of battery, and in addition, I would install it in the sealed and ventilated compartment that I currently use for gas bottles (I plan to remove gas completely from the van).

In Australia, for example, regulations for lithium batteries require that they not be installed in the living space and that they be placed in a sealed and ventilated compartment.

Has anyone done something similar, or is this whole setup overkill for a simple battery?

Thanks,
Pablo

 

[Nand0]

@pabloalvinGC600 what are those "risks associated with these types of batteries"? just making sure you are not mixing up Lithium Ion batteries (the exploding ones in your phone) with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) which are much safer and not prone to turn into unstoppable fire balls

LiFePO4 batteries are pretty safe, by some accounts safer than your old AGM batteries

 

[pabloalvinGC600]

Thank you for your response, Nand0. From what I have read, LiFePO4 is a much safer option than lithium-ion batteries, but they are still not completely risk-free.

Here is a diagram of the safety measures required in Australia for the installation of these batteries. Thanks.

 

[Nand0]

The requirements seem to be the same as for AGM batteries. So if the location where they are currently installed is compliant, you are probably good to go



source: https://rvelectricalready.com.au/battery-installation/

 

[wildslammer22]

To echo Nand0 LifePO4 are considered safer than AGM as they contain no corrosive electrolyte (an issue if punctured) and are less prone to heat (and therefore fire) damage. You will likely have an AGM as your starter battery which I assume is housed under the floor in the 600? If so might be worth checking if that is housed in a battery box. In the Transporter based Cali’s the AGM starter battery is located under the bonnet which is a more vulnerable and hostile environment than the leisure battery so I think you are being overly cautious. That said if you have mandatory Australian regulations to follow I guess the point is moot!

 

[Nand0]

That said if you have mandatory Australian regulations to follow I guess the point is moot!

Definitely. Although my point above is that at first glance the regulations seem to be the same as for AGM batteries, in which case the current location would already be compliant.

I'm driving a left hand drive California, and have an AGM sitting right under my butt. No way I'd put a LiIon battery in there, but LiFePO4 should be fine

I'm not aware of any purpose built LiFePO4 battery cases though. Would be interested to see them if they are available