A fire-resistant charging cabinet is a safety cabinet tested to EN 14470-1 with integrated charging infrastructure, in which lithium-ion batteries are spatially separated from the building, electrically secured, and, in the event of an incident, kept securely enclosed for at least 90 minutes during the charging process. The charging process is considered the most operation-critical phase in the life cycle of a lithium battery, because malfunctions, overcharging, and aging effects here create the highest probability of fire. LionCare offers fire-resistant charging cabinets exclusively in the highest protection class Type 90 – tailored to the needs of industry, logistics, workshops, automotive operations, and the public sector. The cabinets combine tested fire protection with a secured power supply, sensors, and optional extinguishing technology, and can be integrated into existing fire protection concepts.
Fire-resistant charging cabinets differ fundamentally from pure storage cabinets and simple battery charging boxes: they are designed for continuous active operation, keep chargers permanently powered, and must also handle electrical risks in the event of an incident. The selection of the appropriate model is therefore both a fire protection and an electrical engineering decision.
Why the charging process is the most critical phase
During charging, energy is actively flowing into the battery. Faults in the battery management system (BMS), damaged cells, unsuitable chargers, or ambient temperatures that are too high can trigger overcharging, overheating, and ultimately a thermal runaway. Statistically, lithium battery fires in commercial operations occur disproportionately during or shortly after charging.
A fire-resistant charging cabinet reduces these risks on two levels: it limits the probability of an incident through defined charging infrastructure, monitoring, and emergency-stop functions – and it limits the impact by isolating an emerging fire from the building for at least 90 minutes. Background information on the origin of battery fires can be found in the Info Center under Defect, Fire and Explosion.
When a fire-resistant charging cabinet is required
The obligation to use a fire-resistant charging cabinet arises from the risk assessment according to TRGS 510 in conjunction with DGUV Information 205-026 and the recommendations of the GDV. As soon as charging is performed regularly, commercial quantities are processed, or property insurers require specific requirements, a fire-resistant charging cabinet is considered industry-wide as state of the art.
Typical use cases are:
- Charging of warehouse forklift, AGV, and pallet truck batteries in intralogistics
- Charging of battery-powered tools, measuring devices, and notebooks in production
- Charging of e-bike and pedelec batteries in workshops, fleets, and municipal operations
- Charging of diagnostic and service batteries in the Automotive environment
- Charging of spare and replacement batteries in Industry and Logistics
Whether your specific use case requires a fire-resistant charging cabinet is clarified by an individual risk assessment. LionCare supports this in a consultative and manufacturer-independent manner.
Distinction: charging cabinet, storage cabinet, and charging box
Fire-resistant battery cabinets can be functionally clearly differentiated. The choice depends on whether charging, storing, or both should be combined.
| Solution |
Use case |
Charging technology integrated? |
| Fire-resistant charging cabinet |
Active charging operation in the tested Type-90 cabinet |
Yes (sockets, protection, emergency stop) |
| Storage cabinet |
Storage of intact, non-charging batteries |
No |
| Charging box |
Mobile or compact individual charging solution |
Yes (more compact than cabinet) |
| Emergency container |
Quarantine of defective or swollen batteries |
No |
In many operations, a combination is sensible: fire-resistant charging cabinet for active charging operation, storage cabinet for spare and replacement batteries, and an emergency container for incidents.
Fire resistance class and standards
The fire resistance duration of fire-resistant charging cabinets is tested according to EN 14470-1, in conjunction with the Uniform Temperature Curve (ETK) according to EN 1363-1. The building code classification is regulated by DIN 4102, the insurance assessment by VdS 3103. Additionally, BAM and DGUV provide professional recommendations for handling energy-dense cells.
LionCare offers fire-resistant charging cabinets exclusively in the highest protection class Type 90 – 90 minutes fire resistance duration according to EN 14470-1. This eliminates discussions about minimum classes already in planning: Type 90 is practically accepted by property insurers, fire services, and supervisory authorities and protects both from outside against a room fire and from inside against a cabinet fire.
Equipment features of fire-resistant charging cabinets
Fire-resistant charging cabinets combine structural fire protection with specialized electrical equipment. High-quality models differ mainly in protection, sensing, and connectivity.
| Equipment feature |
Function |
| Fire resistance duration |
Type 90 according to EN 14470-1 (90 minutes) |
| Power strips |
Protective contact, partly with individual protection per socket |
| Cable protection |
Circuit breakers, RCD protection, possibly AFDD (arc fault protection) |
| Emergency stop / power separation |
Manual and automatic shutdown in an incident |
| Air intake and exhaust connection |
Removal of heat and flammable gases during charging |
| Monitoring systems |
Temperature, smoke, and gas sensors (CO, H2) |
| Extinguishing systems |
Aerosol extinguishing generators, Pyrobubbles, extinguishing granules |
| Catch tray |
Containment of electrolyte and extinguishing agent |
| Door locking |
Self-closing doors, emergency exit function, magnetically held open when needed |
| Alarm |
Potential-free contacts, connection to fire alarm or control center |
Sockets and protection
The quality of charging infrastructure is decisive. High-quality fire-resistant charging cabinets feature individually protected sockets that, in case of a fault, only shut down the affected charging station – the rest of the charging operation remains. An AFDD (arc-fault circuit breaker) detects series and parallel arcs in the wiring and interrupts the power supply before thermal damage occurs. The maximum output power is listed on the nameplate and must not be exceeded.
Extinguishing technology in the charging cabinet
During charging, the importance of integrated extinguishing technology increases, because thermal runaway is more likely here than in pure storage. Used are aerosol extinguishing generators for rapid interruption of the combustion chain, Pyrobubbles for heat absorption, and extinguishing granules for fire suppression. Other extinguishing solutions can be found in the Active Fire Protection section.
Selection criteria – which fire-resistant charging cabinet fits which application?
Choosing a fire-resistant charging cabinet is not just a matter of volume. The decisive factor is the combination of battery type, charging infrastructure, and architectural conditions.
- Number and type of batteries: E-bike, tool, notebook, or forklift batteries differ significantly in form factor, charging current, and charging time.
- Charging power and sockets: The number, protection, and adapter capacity of sockets are crucial – not only the cabinet volume.
- Energy content in watt-hours (Wh): The accumulated Wh amount influences sensor design, ventilation, and required extinguishing technology.
- Continuous charging vs. shift operation: Continuous charging requires different requirements for cooling and monitoring than pure shift operation.
- Room situation and installation location: Floor height, escape routes, electrical connection, and exhaust ducting limit model selection.
- Integration into the fire protection concept: Connection to fire alarm systems, control centers, and building automation should be planned from the start.
- Extensibility: Modular cabinet systems allow later expansion of charging stations without re-planning the location.
Manufacturers of fire-resistant charging cabinets in the LionCare range
asecos
asecos offers fire-resistant charging cabinets in Type 90 with integrated power strips, sensors, and optional extinguishing system. The cabinets are designed for continuous charging operation. See details in the category asecos charging cabinets.
Düperthal
Düperthal manufactures fire-resistant charging cabinets with a focus on industrial and laboratory environments. The BATTERY series covers storage and charging in one cabinet in Type 90. More information is in the category Düperthal charging cabinets.
Priorit
Priorit specializes in actively monitored charging cabinets with integrated flame detection and extinguishing technology. Type 90 models are designed for particularly demanding applications. An overview is in the Priorit charging cabinets.
CEMO
CEMO offers robust fire-resistant charging cabinets in Type 90 for workshop and industrial use, focusing on cost-effectiveness and ease of handling. The range is available in the category CEMO charging cabinets.
Other manufacturers
Additionally, LionCare offers fire-resistant charging cabinets from Ecosafe, KLW Karl Lutz, and Loxxer. The respective models cover different emphases – from compact cabinets for workshops to large system solutions for intralogistics centers.
Installation, electrical connection, and recurring inspections
A fire-resistant charging cabinet only provides protection if properly installed and electrically connected. Industry-standard principles:
- Location choice: Level, load-bearing surface; maintain the distances to walls and other cabinets as specified by the manufacturer.
- Electrical connection: Performed by an electrical specialist; protection as per manufacturer specifications and valid VDE regulations.
- Ventilation connection: Intake and exhaust connections per manufacturer instructions – for charging operation regularly mandatory.
- Inspection of fixed installations: Electrical inspection according to DGUV Regulation 3 at the applicable intervals.
- Annual visual inspection: Seals, door closure, sensors, cable routing, catch tray.
- Functional testing of safety elements: Emergency stop, thermal triggers, extinguishing systems, and signal transmission as per manufacturer instructions.
- Documentation: Maintain an inspection log; proofs are regularly requested by property insurers and supervisory authorities.
Insurance, compliance, and economic aspects
Property insurers scrutinize, in lithium battery charging operation, in detail which protective measures have been implemented. A Type 90 fire-resistant charging cabinet according to EN 14470-1 is often a prerequisite for insurance coverage or leads to more favorable conditions. GDV publishes industry-wide recognized recommendations. At the same time, landlords of commercial properties increasingly require a suitable charging cabinet as part of the authorization capability in contracts.
Economically, the fire-resistant charging cabinet is part of an overall concept: property damage, business interruption, and liability risks are reduced, and auditability under internal and external compliance requirements improves.
Advantages of LionCare fire-resistant charging cabinets
- Exclusively Type-90 cabinets according to EN 14470-1 – highest protection class
- Integrated, secured charging infrastructure with emergency-stop function
- Models for tool batteries, e-bike batteries, and forklift batteries
- Manufacturer-independent advice for selection according to TRGS 510
- Optional extinguishing systems and sensors for early incident detection
- Delivery, installation, and training nationwide on request
- Support with risk assessment and fire protection concept
Frequently asked questions about fire-resistant charging cabinets
Why isn’t it allowed to simply charge lithium batteries at a normal socket?
Charging at unsuitable sockets is not universally prohibited, but it increases fire risk. In commercial environments with multiple batteries, high charging currents, or defective devices, cumulative risks arise. A fire-resistant charging cabinet with secured sockets, sensors, and fire containment significantly reduces these risks and is often part of the risk assessment according to TRGS 510.
What is the difference between a fire-resistant charging cabinet and a storage cabinet?
A storage cabinet stores intact, non-charging batteries and has no charging infrastructure. A fire-resistant charging cabinet additionally has integrated, secured sockets, an emergency stop function, and enhanced sensing. Both cabinet types at LionCare achieve the protection class Type 90 according to EN 14470-1, but differ clearly in electrical equipment.
How many batteries may be charged simultaneously in a fire-resistant charging cabinet?
The maximum number is determined by the manufacturer’s approval, the number and protection of sockets, and the accumulated Wh. Modern charging cabinets limit power electronically and document limits on the nameplate. Exceeding limits jeopardizes the EN-14470-1 test and increases thermal runaway risk. Independent expansions of the charging infrastructure are not permitted.
Must a fire-resistant charging cabinet be vented?
Fire-resistant charging cabinets typically require active or passive ventilation via inlet and outlet fittings. During charging, heat is generated; defective units may release flammable and toxic gases. The ventilation design depends on the manufacturer’s specifications, room size, and fire protection concept. For continuous charging operation, technical ventilation is usually mandatory.
Is an extinguishing system in the fire-resistant charging cabinet mandatory?
There is no general legal obligation. Risk assessment according to TRGS 510, fire protection concepts, and insurer requirements can prescribe or recommend an extinguishing system – for example aerosol extinguishing generators, Pyrobubbles, or extinguishing granules. In charging operation, LionCare generally recommends cabinets with integrated extinguishing technology because thermal runaway is statistically more likely there.
Can a fire-resistant charging cabinet operate unattended overnight?
Unsupervised charging is common in many operations and is generally possible for Type 90 fire-resistant charging cabinets. Prerequisites are integrated monitoring systems, potential-free alarm contacts to the fire alarm system, and clear rules in the risk assessment. Without these prerequisites, insurance coverage may be reduced in case of damage. LionCare advises on the appropriate equipment for unattended charging.
Which batteries may be charged in a fire-resistant charging cabinet?
In general, intact lithium-ion, LiFePO4, and LiPo batteries may be charged, provided they are compatible with approved charging devices. Damaged, swollen, or visibly defective batteries must not be charged and belong in quarantine cabinets or emergency containers. The concrete suitability depends on the charging cabinet model and manufacturer approvals.
Must the fire-resistant charging cabinet be connected by a qualified electrical professional?
The electrical connection of a fire-resistant charging cabinet must be performed by a qualified electrical professional in accordance with applicable VDE regulations. This also includes integration into fixed installations with regular DGUV Regulation 3 inspections. This is necessary to maintain insurance coverage and manufacturer warranty. If desired, LionCare can connect you with qualified partner companies.
Can a fire-resistant charging cabinet be expanded with additional charging stations later?
Many models offer modular extensions for sockets, sensors, and extinguishing technology within the manufacturer-approved configuration. Unauthorized modifications to the cabinet shell, power supply, or ventilation are not permitted, as they void EN-14470-1 certification and warranty.
How often must a fire-resistant charging cabinet be serviced?
Typically, an annual visual inspection of all safety-relevant components and a functional check of any extinguishing systems according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, an electrical inspection of fixed installations according to DGUV Regulation 3 at the applicable intervals. Inspections and results must be documented in the inspection log – insurers and supervisory authorities regularly request these proofs.
Consulting on fire-resistant charging cabinets
Which fire-resistant charging cabinet in Type 90 suits your use case depends on battery type, charging power, usage profile, installation location, and your fire protection concept. LionCare provides independent guidance – from risk assessment to cabinet selection and installation planning to integration into existing fire and building management systems. Contact us via the LionCare Consulting or by phone so we can define the right charging solution for your operation together.
