So far there is no fixed rule book or public-law regulations / laws on the storage of lithium batteries or Li-Ion batteries. The Gesamtverband der deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft – GDV e.V. – has compiled a information sheet that collects recommendations for damage prevention, which is currently often used as a reference work.
Important to note: The GDV statements on the storage of lithium-ion batteries are not laws or regulations, but recommendations for damage prevention from an association. We are happy to advise you in choosing the right battery cabinets or storage boxes in which you can securely store and transport Li-Ion batteries.
Recommendations for storage by battery power classes
The measures recommended by the GDV for safe storage are oriented to the power of the Li-Ion batteries to be stored. A distinction is made here between batteries with low, medium, and high power. Below are the specifications of the three power classes, which depend on capacity and weight of the batteries:
Li-Ion batteries with low power have a capacity of less than 100 Wh
Li-Ion batteries with medium power have a capacity of more than 100 Wh and a gross weight of less than or equal to 12 kg
Li-Ion batteries with high power have a capacity of more than 100 Wh and a gross weight of more than 12 kg
Examples of batteries with low, medium, and high power according to GDV
According to the above classification, for example, e-bike batteries belong to the batteries with medium power, a smartphone or notebook battery to the low-power batteries, and the battery of an electric car to the high-power class. If you store several medium-power batteries in one place, you must meet the requirements for high-power batteries when the gross weight exceeds 12 kg, so you always have to consider the total individual amount.
Rules for safe battery storage according to GDV
The GDV safety rules apply to the storage and provisioning of lithium batteries and Li-Ion batteries in production areas and storage sites to minimize the hazards that can arise from improperly stored batteries. Building on some basic recommendations that must be observed regardless of power, the damage-prevention recommendations are explained with increasing battery power.
Basic rules for the storage of Li-Ion batteries
For the storage of all Li-Ion batteries, basic rules apply that must be observed regardless of the stored quantity/power. For example, manufacturer specifications should be observed, external short circuits should be prevented by appropriate cap covers, and internal short circuits by mechanical damage should be prevented. Also high temperatures (e.g., from direct sun exposure) should be avoided. Damaged or defective batteries should be removed from the storage area or stored in a fire-protected separated area.
Storage of Li-Ion batteries with medium power (> 100 Wh capacity; < 12 kg gross weight)
Storage areas for batteries with medium power should be structurally fire-resistant (e.g., by storage in an appropriate battery safety cabinet) or physically separated, with a distance of 5 m to be maintained. Mixed storage with other products that may have a fire-accelerating effect should be avoided. A suitable fire alarm system should be installed in the storage area that works with suitable battery extinguishing agents. For large quantities/storage areas (area > 60 m2 and/or height > 3 m), the following provisions apply to high-power batteries.
Storage of Li-Ion batteries with high power (>100 Wh capacity; > 12 kg gross weight)
The GDV comments on damage prevention for these Li-Ion batteries are very limited and refer to case-by-case examination. Possible measures here—as with medium-power batteries—include quantity limits and separation, as well as storage in fire-resistant separated areas or ensuring minimum distances.
Further information on the storage of special battery types
In addition to the general GDV statements listed here, we have provided more information on the safe storage of special battery types. You can find them here:
The GDV guidelines primarily relate to the storage of Li-Ion batteries, e.g., in suitable battery cabinets or corresponding battery storage boxes. At the same time, the GDV mentions a suitable fire alarm system with an appropriate extinguishing agent. In addition to this system, it may also be sensible and advisable for companies to have manual extinguishing agents ready for initial, fire-containment measures in case there are problems with the stored batteries.
Fire extinguishers and fire-protection blankets for batteries
Besides battery extinguishers, it is particularly important to mention extinguishing blankets for batteries, with which problematic Li-Ion batteries can be covered to bridge the period until the arrival of the fire brigade. This is also useful for private individuals who frequently use and store e-bike batteries; in addition to appropriate storage options, there are aids available to assist in extinguishing an e-bike battery and thus mitigate the damage. Important to note: In the event of a battery fire, especially with larger batteries, the involvement of the fire department is necessary. Private individuals should not try to extinguish or contain such fires themselves.
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