A fire-resistant battery cabinet is a safety cabinet tested to EN 14470-1, a cabinet that protects lithium-ion batteries in a fire for a defined duration — in LionCare’s case continuously at the highest protection level Type 90 — both from the outside and by preventing the spread of fire from the cabinet. Thus, fire-resistant battery cabinets form the central structural element for norm-compliant storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries in industry, logistics, workshops, automotive operations and the public sector. LionCare offers independent, manufacturer-neutral cabinet solutions for storage, charging and quarantine of defective batteries — aligned with your individual risk assessment, your fire protection concept and the architectural conditions of your site.
The need for fire-resistant battery cabinets grows with the spread of e-bikes, forklifts, battery-powered tools and electric vehicles. At the same time, the requirements of property insurers, fire departments and occupational safety institutions are increasing. A norm-compliant cabinet solution measurably reduces risks — it is not only a danger protection measure, but a prerequisite for permit viability, insurance coverage and continued operation after an incident.
Why lithium-ion batteries require special cabinets
Lithium-ion cells store large amounts of energy in a small space. In the event of mechanical damage, overcharging, deep discharge or manufacturing defects, a so-called thermal runaway can occur. A cell heats up uncontrollably, releases flammable and toxic gases (including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, hydrogen) and can trigger neighboring cells in a chain reaction.
A lithium battery fire can only be limited with classical extinguishing agents to a limited extent. It is instead long-lasting and can re-ignite after superficially extinguishing. This is precisely where the fire-resistant battery cabinet comes in: it spatially separates the energy source from the building, keeps fire and smoke gases at bay and gives rescue services the necessary time to intervene in a coordinated manner. Further basics can be found in the Info Center under Defect, Fire and Explosion.
When a fire-resistant battery cabinet is required
The obligation to store lithium batteries in a safety cabinet in Germany does not stem from a single paragraph, but from several interlocking regulatory frameworks. The key references are the risk assessment according to TRGS 510, DGUV Information 205-026 and the insurance recommendations of the GDV. If the stored energy exceeds the small-quantity threshold or defective batteries are stored, a fire-resistant cabinet is industry-wide considered state-of-the-art.
Typical application scenarios include storage of intact batteries, charging operations with integrated power supply and quarantine of noticeable or damaged batteries. Common locations:
- Production halls and assembly areas of the industry
- Intralogistics, picking and charging areas of logistics
- Workshops and diagnostic stations in the automotive sector
- Construction yards, fire stations and municipal properties of the public sector
- Interim storage before return to the waste management or manufacturer
Whether your specific use case requires a safety cabinet for lithium batteries is finally clarified by the individual risk assessment — LionCare supports you in a consultative and manufacturer-neutral manner.
Fire resistance classes and standards
The classification of fire-resistant battery cabinets is based on the fire resistance duration determined in standardized tests. Tested to EN 14470-1 in conjunction with the unit temperature-time curve (ETK) according to EN 1363-1; the building regulations classification is in DIN 4102, the insurance assessment in VdS 3103. In addition, BAM (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing) provides recommendations for the safe storage of high-energy cells.
A fire-resistant cabinet protects not only from the outside against a room fire, but also prevents a fire from spreading from the cabinet to the building. Both directions are critical for lithium batteries because thermal runaway can occur inside the cabinet itself.
The standard EN 14470-1 includes the classes Type 30, Type 60 and Type 90 — the number corresponds to the fire resistance duration in minutes. LionCare exclusively offers battery cabinets of the highest protection class Type 90, because this corresponds to the current state of technology for lithium-ion batteries.
| Type |
Fire resistance duration |
In the LionCare assortment |
| Type 90 |
90 minutes |
Yes – core assortment for storage, charging and quarantine |
| Type 60 |
60 minutes |
Not part of the assortment |
| Type 30 |
30 minutes |
Not part of the assortment |
The focus on Type 90 simplifies risk assessment and fire protection concepts: The highest EN 14470-1 value meets the requirements of property insurers, fire departments and supervisory authorities with proven practicality — at the same time with manageable additional effort compared to lower classes. In addition, the recommendations of the Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) provide valuable guidance, especially in interaction with existing fire insurances.
Storage cabinet, charging cabinet or quarantine cabinet – choosing the right base type
Fire-resistant battery cabinets can be technically divided into three functional base types, each meeting different structural requirements. LionCare offers all three base types in Type 90.
Storage cabinet
Pure storage cabinets are designed for the storage of intact, uncharged batteries. They typically feature shelf boards, inlet and outlet air fittings and a spill tray. The entire product range can be found under Storage cabinets.
Charging cabinet
Charging cabinets additionally contain integrated power strips, in high-quality models with individual protection and emergency stop. They are designed for continuous charging operation and typically have extended sensor technology. An overview is available at Charging cabinets.
Quarantine cabinet
Quarantine cabinets are used for defective, swollen or critical batteries. They feature particularly robust sensors, sometimes integrated extinguishing systems as well as accident-response functions. Complementarily, mobile solutions from the area of emergency containers are recommended.
Equipment features of fire-resistant battery cabinets
Fire-resistant battery cabinets differ not only in fire protection class but especially in the technical equipment for storage, charging operation and incident management.
| Equipment feature |
Function |
| Fire resistance duration |
Type 90 according to EN 14470-1 (90 minutes) |
| Integrated charging technology |
Power strips, protective contact, sometimes with individual protection |
| Inlet and outlet air connection |
Prevents gas build-ups in case of defects |
| Monitoring systems |
Temperature, smoke and gas sensors (CO, H2) |
| Extinguishing systems |
Aerosol extinguishing generators, Pyrobubbles, extinguishing granules |
| Spill tray |
Containment of electrolyte and extinguishing agent |
| Door locking |
Self-closing doors, escape door function, magnetic open retention |
| Alarm signaling |
Potential-free contacts, connection to fire alarm or control center |
Extinguishing technology in the cabinet
Today, three technologies are used as extinguishing media inside the cabinet: aerosol extinguishing generators release fine particles into the cabinet volume and interrupt the chemical combustion chain. Pyrobubbles are ceramic hollow spheres that enclose the batteries and absorb heat energy. Extinguishing granulates work similarly and are suitable for quarantine situations. For integration with surrounding room fire protection, battery cabinets can also be included in a concept with components from the area Active Fire Protection.
Selection criteria – which cabinet fits which use?
Choosing the right safety cabinet for lithium batteries is not just a matter of volume, but a combination of energy content, usage type and architectural conditions. Since LionCare exclusively offers Type 90, the discussion about fire protection class is unnecessary — what matters is functional fit.
- Number and type of batteries: E-bike, tool, industrial batteries or traction batteries vary greatly in form factor, cell chemistry and risk profile.
- Energy content in watt-hours (Wh): The accumulated Wh largely determines the required cabinet size and the sensor configuration. Common reference thresholds discussed are 10 kWh, 20 kWh and 50 kWh.
- Charging operation versus storage only: Those who charge need a fire-resistant charging cabinet with integrated power supply; for storage-only, storage cabinets without charging technology suffice.
- Room situation and placement: Floor height, escape routes, ventilation connection and floor load capacity limit the model selection.
- Integration into the fire protection concept: Active fire detection, extinguishing systems and control center connections must be compatible with the cabinet type.
- Expandability: Modular cabinet systems allow later adaptation to changed operating sizes without redesigning the site.
Manufacturers of fire-resistant battery cabinets in the LionCare assortment
asecos
asecos is one of the best-known manufacturers of safety cabinets in the German-speaking region. The model series ION-CORE, ION-STORE and ION-CHARGE cover storage and charging operations in Type 90. Details can be found in the category asecos battery cabinets.
Düperthal
Düperthal manufactures safety cabinets with a strong focus on laboratory environments and industrial applications. The BATTERY lineup covers Type 90 for storage and charging in one cabinet. The range is listed in the category Düperthal battery cabinets.
Priorit
Priorit specializes in actively monitored battery cabinets with integrated fire detection and extinguishing technology and is available in Type 90 as well as as the PriorSafe modular system. An overview is provided at the Priorit battery cabinets.
CEMO
CEMO offers robust safety cabinets in Type 90 for workshop and industrial use with a focus on cost-effectiveness. The assortment includes storage and charging variants and is available in the category CEMO battery cabinets.
Placement, maintenance and recurring inspections
A fire-resistant battery cabinet only provides protection when correctly placed and regularly maintained. Each manufacturer specifies its own inspection intervals; generally accepted industry principles can be summarized as follows:
- Site selection: Level, load-bearing surface; observe required clearances from walls and other cabinets as specified by the manufacturer.
- Ventilation connection: Proper connection to supply and exhaust air systems, especially during charging.
- Annual visual inspection: Seals, door closure, sensors, cable routing and spill tray.
- Functional test of safety elements: Thermal triggers, extinguishing systems and signaling transmission according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Documentation: Maintain a test log; proof is regularly requested by property insurers and regulatory authorities.
Insurance, compliance and economic aspects
Property insurers increasingly audit in detail which protective measures have been implemented for lithium battery storage. An EN 14470-1 Type 90 cabinet is generally a prerequisite for maintaining insurance coverage or leads to more favorable terms. GDV provides industry-wide, recognized recommendations. At the same time, some tenants and property owners today contractually require a lithium battery safety cabinet as part of the permit viability.
Economically, the battery cabinet is not an isolated cost item but part of a comprehensive concept: material damage, business interruption and liability risks are reduced, and auditability under internal and external compliance requirements improves.
Advantages of LionCare fire-resistant battery cabinets
- Exclusively Type-90 cabinets according to EN 14470-1 — highest protection class
- Models for pure storage, charging and quarantine operations
- Manufacturer-independent advice on selection according to TRGS 510
- Optional extinguishing systems and sensors for early event detection
- Delivery, installation and instruction on request nationwide
- Support with risk assessment and fire protection concept
Frequently asked questions about fire-resistant battery cabinets
What does Type 90 mean for a battery cabinet?
Type 90 denotes the fire resistance duration of a safety cabinet according to EN 14470-1. A Type-90 cabinet withstands a standardized fire for 90 minutes. During this period, the cabinet contents and the surrounding environment remain protected. For lithium-ion batteries, Type 90 corresponds to the current state of the art because thermal runaway can be long-lasting. LionCare exclusively offers cabinets in this highest protection class.
Why does LionCare not offer Type-60 or Type-30 cabinets?
Lithium-ion batteries can release energy over extended periods during a thermal runaway. Type 90 provides the highest normatively defined fire resistance duration according to EN 14470-1 and meets the industry-wide state of the art. Focusing on Type 90 also simplifies risk assessment and is accepted by most insurers as a minimum requirement.
May lithium batteries be stored in normal hazardous substance cabinets?
Classic hazardous substance cabinets are designed for liquids and solids hazardous substances, not for energy-dense cells. For lithium-ion batteries, specially tested battery cabinets with additional features such as gas guidance, sensors and, if necessary, extinguishing systems are recommended. The risk assessment according to TRGS 510 and DGUV Information 205-026 specify the concrete requirements in each case.
Must a fire-resistant battery cabinet be ventilated?
Fire-resistant battery cabinets usually have intake and exhaust fittings. Technical ventilation is sensible or necessary when charging occurs or when defective cells are expected, as flammable and toxic gases can be generated in the event. The exact implementation depends on the manufacturer’s specification, room size and fire protection concept.
Is an extinguishing system in the cabinet required?
There is no general legal obligation to have an integrated extinguishing system. The risk assessment according to TRGS 510 and the site-specific fire protection concept can, however, require an extinguishing system — for example aerosol extinguishing generators, Pyrobubbles or extinguishing granules. Especially during charging operations and with defective batteries, an integrated system significantly increases safety and is frequently recommended by property insurers.
How many batteries may be charged simultaneously in one cabinet?
The maximum charging capacity results from manufacturer approvals, the number and protection of outlets, and the cumulative Wh amount. Modern charging cabinets electronically limit the capacity and communicate limits via the nameplate. Exceeding it jeopardizes the EN-14470-1 test and greatly increases the risk of thermal runaway.
What should be considered for defective lithium batteries?
Defective or swollen batteries should be promptly separated and stored in a dedicated quarantine cabinet or an appropriate emergency container. Further information is available in the LionCare Info Center in the Defect, Fire and Explosion section. Transport and disposal follow ADR 2025 in approved packaging and shipping pieces.
How large must the distance to walls and other cabinets be?
Manufacturers specify concrete minimum clearances to walls, ceilings and other cabinets in the respective assembly instructions. These values are part of the EN-14470-1 test and must not be undershot. Additionally, escape routes, exhaust routing and maintenance accessibility must be considered. When in doubt, LionCare will review the placement planning with you.
How often must a battery cabinet be maintained?
Typically, an annual visual inspection of all safety-relevant components — seals, door closure, sensors and spill tray — as well as a functional test of existing extinguishing systems according to the manufacturer’s specification. Inspection intervals and scope should be documented in the respective test log. DGUV Information 205-026 and insurer recommendations provide additional guidance.
Is it worthwhile to have a fire-resistant battery cabinet even for small quantities?
For small quantities, a simpler solution may be sufficient. However, if charging occurs regularly, defective batteries are generated or a property insurer requires certain standards, a tested battery cabinet is often the more economical choice compared to later requirements, building changes or a damage event.
Can a fire-resistant battery cabinet be retrofitted?
Many models offer modular expansions, such as additional power strips, sensors or extinguishing systems. Structural changes to the cabinet enclosure are not allowed, as they would invalidate EN-14470-1 and the warranty. LionCare supports you in selecting future-proof models with appropriate expansion framing.
Consulting on fire-resistant battery cabinets
Which fire-resistant battery cabinet in Type 90 fits your use case depends on energy amount, usage, placement and your fire protection concept. LionCare advises you independently of manufacturers — from risk assessment to cabinet selection and placement planning to integration into existing fire protection and central monitoring systems. Contact us via the LionCare Consulting or by phone so that we can define the right solution for your operation together.
