The Truth About Australian Standards for Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguishers

December 8, 2025

Are You Being Misled by Marketing Claims?

If you've been shopping for fire extinguishers to protect against lithium-ion battery fires, you've probably noticed products advertising compliance with Australian Standards. But here's a question that should make you pause: Are these claims telling you the whole story?

Consider this common product description: "This Extinguisher has been manufactured and approved to Australian Standard AS/NZS1841.2 and tested as per the requirement of AS1850 for class A, B, and F fires."

Sounds reassuring, right? But there's a critical detail missing from this marketing language—and it's one that every Australian consumer and business owner needs to understand.

The Official Position: What FPA Australia Says

According to Fire Protection Association Australia's Technical Advisory Note 09 (April 2023), the situation is crystal clear:

"Portable fire extinguishers currently available for sale and use in Australia for Lithium-ion battery risks cannot claim compliance to the Australian Fire Extinguisher Standards for use in extinguishing Lithium-ion battery fires as there are presently no standards applicable for this type of fire extinguishers."

Let that sink in. Despite the marketing claims you've seen, no lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher sold in Australia can legitimately claim Australian Standards compliance for that specific purpose.

The Standards Gap: What's Really Going On?

Here's the uncomfortable truth: There is currently NO Australian Standard specifically for lithium-ion battery fires.

The Current State of Australian Standards

AS/NZS 1841:2007 currently covers eight types of portable fire extinguishers:

Part 1: General requirements
Part 2: Water
Part 3: Wet chemical
Part 4: Foam
Part 5: Powder
Part 6: CO₂
Part 7: Vaporizing liquid
Part 8: Non-rechargeable

Part 9: Lithium-ion Battery extinguishers is under development but does not yet exist.

Similarly, AS/NZS 1850:2009 provides performance tests for:

Class A (ordinary combustibles)
Class B (flammable liquids)
Class C (flammable gases)
Class D (metal fires only)
Class E (electrical equipment)
Class F (cooking oils and fats)

There is no performance test for lithium-ion battery fires.

What the Standards Actually Cover

Let's break down what those standards mentioned in marketing materials actually mean:

AS/NZS 1841.2: Water Extinguishers

This standard covers the general manufacturing requirements and physical construction of water-based fire extinguishers. Think of it as the blueprint for how the metal cylinder, valve, and components should be made. It ensures the extinguisher won't fall apart or leak—but it says nothing about lithium-ion battery fires.

AS/NZS 1850:2009: Performance Testing

This standard covers performance testing for conventional fire classes only. It defines how to test if an extinguisher can put out wood fires (Class A), petrol fires (Class B), or cooking oil fires (Class F).

Notice what's missing? Lithium-ion battery fires.

The Legal Reality: ACCC Mandatory Standards

Since December 22, 2022, portable fire extinguishers in Australia must comply with ACCC Mandatory Standards. This regulation requires:

All portable fire extinguishers must be manufactured and tested to AS/NZS 1841:2007 and AS/NZS 1850:2009
Each extinguisher model must pass specific performance tests
Only extinguishers with tested components and formulations can claim compliance

The catch? These mandatory standards don't include lithium-ion battery fire testing because those test protocols don't exist yet in Australian Standards.

The Bottom Line

When manufacturers say their extinguisher is "manufactured and approved to Australian Standard AS/NZS1841.2 and tested as per AS1850," they're being technically accurate about the construction and conventional fire performance—but potentially misleading about lithium-ion battery capability.

The FPA Australia Technical Advisory Note is explicit: these products "cannot claim compliance to the Australian Fire Extinguisher Standards for use in extinguishing Lithium-ion battery fires."

Why Don't Lithium-Ion Fires Have Their Own Fire Class?

You might be wondering: "Why isn't there a Class L for lithium-ion fires, or something similar?"

The answer lies in the unique and terrifying nature of these fires—and the technical challenges of testing them.

They're Self-Sustaining Infernos

Unlike conventional fires that need fuel, heat, and oxygen (the fire triangle), lithium-ion battery fires are self-sustaining. Once thermal runaway begins:

They burn at extremely high temperatures (up to 1,000°C or more)
They produce their own oxygen through chemical decomposition
They release toxic and flammable gases
They can reignite hours or even days after being "extinguished"

This makes them fundamentally different from any other fire type currently classified in Australian Standards.

They're Not Just Electrical or Metal Fires

While lithium-ion batteries involve electrical components, calling them "Class E electrical fires" drastically oversimplifies the problem. These fires involve:

Flammable liquid electrolytes that behave like Class B fires
Intense heat similar to metal fires
Chemical reactions that generate their own oxidizer
Thermal runaway that can spread from cell to cell

Important distinction: This document relates to Lithium-ion batteries only, not Lithium Metal. Lithium Metal fires are Class D metal fires and are covered under different standards (FM Standard). Lithium-ion batteries fall into a gray area that current Australian Standards don't adequately address.

The Testing Challenge

According to FPA Australia, "Due to the manufacture changes in this type of battery, fire testing is extremely difficult."

Lithium-ion battery manufacturing is continually evolving, which makes developing consistent testing standards a moving target. The FPA Australia Technical Advisory Committee (TAC/3/7) is currently reviewing various global standards for testing procedures, but Australian standards have yet to catch up.

How Specialized Extinguishers Actually Work

So if there's no Australian Standard for lithium-ion fires, how do specialized extinguishers like F-500 or AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) work?

These advanced extinguishing agents are designed to:

Cool the battery below the critical temperature needed for thermal runaway
Suppress the chemical reaction at the cellular level
Contain flammable electrolytes before they can spread the fire
Provide dual-purpose capability for Class A, B, and F fires

This is why you'll see these products labelled for "Class A, B, F, and Lithium-Ion fires"—they're multi-purpose extinguishers with additional capabilities beyond traditional fire classes.

The Growing Risk: Why This Matters Now

Fire Protection Association Australia notes that "Fire investigators are seeing a rise in Lithium batteries related fires incidents where the home has been significantly damaged or completely destroyed."

Common Risk Scenarios

Lithium-ion battery fires can occur in everyday items:

Mobile phones
E-cigarettes
E-bikes and e-scooters
Portable power tools
Laptops and tablets
Power banks
Home energy storage systems

This document specifically addresses "items that are commonly and increasingly used products, used in a home, caravan, boat and office."

Why Fires Occur

FPA Australia identifies several risk factors:

Manufacturing faults
Accidents and physical damage
Design defects
Charger issues and incompatible charging equipment
Incorrect use or storage

The risk is real, widespread, and growing as more Australians adopt battery-powered devices and electric vehicles.

Can Alternative Designs Be Approved?

You might wonder: "If there's no specific standard, can manufacturers get approval another way?"

The answer is technically yes—but it's complicated.

The Clause 1.2 Provision

AS/NZS 1841.1 Clause 1.2 allows for alternative designs, materials, or procedures that don't comply with specific requirements if:

The extinguisher complies with the performance and test requirements of AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 (for conventional fires)
A JAS-ANZ registered certifying body attests in writing that it is "no less safe" than a standard-compliant extinguisher

The Critical Limitation

However, this provision still requires compliance with existing performance tests—which, as we've established, don't include lithium-ion battery fires.

The Consumer Goods (Portable Non-aerosol Fire Extinguishers) Safety Standard 2021 mandates compliance with the AS/NZS 1841 series and AS/NZS 1850:2009. Since these standards don't include lithium-ion battery testing protocols, the Clause 1.2 provision doesn't provide a pathway to Australian Standards certification for lithium-ion battery fire suppression.

What Does This Mean for Installation and Selection?

If you're a business owner, facility manager, or property developer trying to comply with AS 2444:2001 (Selection & location of portable fire extinguishers), you face a unique challenge.

Minimum Rating Requirements

AS 2444:2001 specifies minimum ratings for various fire extinguishers:

Class A: 1A rating (with no E rating)
Class B: 5B rating

But what about lithium-ion battery risks? The standard doesn't address them because the testing protocols don't exist.

The Compliance Dilemma

This creates a compliance gap for businesses with lithium-ion battery risks:

You need protection against a real and growing threat
No Australian Standard exists to guide your selection
You can't claim compliance with AS 2444 for lithium-ion battery coverage
You must rely on international standards and manufacturer testing

What Should You Look For When Buying?

Given the standards gap, how can you make an informed purchase?

Look Beyond Australian Standards Claims

Since there's no Australian Standard for lithium-ion fires, focus on:

International certifications (European EN standards, UL listings, FM Approvals)
Independent testing results from recognized laboratories
Real-world performance data from fire services and testing facilities
Manufacturer transparency about testing protocols used

Understand What You're Actually Getting

When you see "manufactured to AS/NZS 1841.2," understand this means:

✅ The cylinder, valve, and construction meet Australian manufacturing standards
✅ The extinguisher has been tested for conventional fire classes (A, B, F, etc.)
❌ It does NOT have Australian Standards certification for lithium-ion battery fires
❌ Its effectiveness on lithium-ion fires is based on OTHER testing standards

Ask Suppliers Specific Questions

Don't accept vague claims. Ask:

"What international testing standards does this meet specifically for lithium-ion fires?"
"Can you provide test results showing effectiveness on lithium-ion battery fires?"
"What battery types and sizes has this been tested against?"
"What is the recommended approach for different battery configurations?"
"Does this require special training to use effectively?"
"Can you provide the JAS-ANZ certification attestation mentioned in Clause 1.2?"

Verify Minimum Performance

FPA Australia recommends that lithium-ion battery extinguishers should still meet minimum conventional ratings:

Minimum 1A rating for Class A fires (with no E rating)
Minimum 5B rating for Class B fires

These baseline ratings ensure the extinguisher can handle conventional fires that might occur alongside or after lithium-ion battery thermal runaway.

The Critical Safety Message

Regardless of which extinguisher you purchase, here's what every Australian needs to know:

Always Call the Fire Brigade First

This cannot be overstated. Lithium-ion battery fires are:

Unpredictable and self-sustaining
Prone to reignition hours or days later
Capable of producing toxic gases (hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide)
Often beyond the scope of portable extinguisher capability

A portable extinguisher should be viewed as a first response tool to contain a small fire until professional help arrives—not as a complete solution.

Follow AS 1851:2012 Maintenance Requirements

If you're a business with fire extinguishers, you must comply with AS 1851:2012 for routine service of fire protection equipment. This includes:

Six-monthly inspections and testing
Proper documentation and tagging
Compliance with FPA Australia Good Practice Guide GPG-03

Even though there's no lithium-ion battery standard, your extinguishers must still meet maintenance requirements for the conventional fire classes they're certified for.

Understand the Limitations

Portable fire extinguishers have inherent limitations against lithium-ion battery fires:

They may not stop thermal runaway in large battery packs
Multiple cells can reignite sequentially
Toxic gas production continues even after visible flames are suppressed
Professional firefighting equipment (like immersion tanks) may be needed for complete suppression

The Path Forward: What Needs to Happen

Australia urgently needs to catch up with the reality of lithium-ion battery proliferation. As electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools, and energy storage systems become ubiquitous, the absence of specific standards creates:

Current Industry Action

FPA Australia's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC/3/7) is actively:

Reviewing various global standards for testing procedures
Working toward developing Part 9 of AS/NZS 1841 for lithium-ion battery extinguishers
Assessing the technical challenges of battery fire testing
Considering how to address the continually changing nature of battery manufacturing

What Still Needs to Happen

Standards Australia must complete and publish AS/NZS 1841.9 for lithium-ion battery extinguishers
AS/NZS 1850 must be updated to include lithium-ion battery performance testing protocols
ACCC Mandatory Standards must be updated to include lithium-ion battery requirements
AS 2444 must be revised to provide selection and location guidance for lithium-ion battery risks
Manufacturers must be held to clear, honest marketing standards about what their products can and cannot claim
Fire services need consistent national guidance on lithium-ion battery fire response
Consumers and businesses need better education about the unique risks

The 18-Year Gap

It's worth noting that the relevant standards haven't been comprehensively reviewed for 18 years. Given the explosive growth of lithium-ion battery technology during that time, this standards gap represents a significant failure to keep pace with technological change and emerging risks.

The Bottom Line for Australian Consumers

When you see marketing claims about Australian Standards compliance for lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, remember this official guidance from Fire Protection Association Australia:

✅ What's True: The extinguisher is built to Australian manufacturing standards and tested for conventional fire classes (A, B, F, etc.)

❌ What's Legally Prohibited: The extinguisher cannot claim compliance to Australian Fire Extinguisher Standards for use in extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires

🔍 What You Should Do: Research international certifications, independent testing, and real-world performance data from global standards

⚠️ Critical Safety Rule: Always call the fire brigade first, treat any lithium-ion battery fire as a serious hazard requiring professional response

📋 Regulatory Reality: The ACCC Mandatory Standards don't cover lithium-ion battery testing, so compliance claims are limited to conventional fire classes

Take Action Today

Don't wait for standards to catch up with technology. If you own electric vehicles, e-bikes, power tools, or any lithium-ion battery-powered devices:

For Homeowners

Assess your risk: Count how many lithium-ion devices you have and where you charge them
Research your options: Look for extinguishers with proven international testing (EN, UL, FM standards)
Develop a plan: Know when to fight a fire and when to evacuate immediately
Stay informed: Monitor FPA Australia updates on Part 9 development

For Businesses and Property Managers

Conduct a risk assessment: Identify all lithium-ion battery risks in your facility
Review your fire safety plan: Ensure it addresses lithium-ion battery scenarios
Train staff appropriately: Educate employees on the unique risks and response procedures
Document your approach: Keep records of risk assessments and equipment selections
Stay compliant: Continue meeting AS 1851:2012 maintenance requirements for all extinguishers

For Facility Managers and Strata Bodies

Engage with FPA Australia: Stay updated on Technical Advisory Notes and guidance documents
Review insurance requirements: Ensure your coverage addresses lithium-ion battery risks
Consider charging policies: Develop rules for where and how residents can charge e-bikes and scooters
Plan for EV charging infrastructure: Address fire safety concerns proactively

The absence of Australian Standards for lithium-ion battery fires doesn't mean you're powerless—it means you need to be an informed, proactive consumer who looks beyond marketing claims to the underlying evidence and international testing standards.

References and Further Reading

For more information on this topic, consult:

FPA Australia Technical Advisory Note 09 (Version 2, April 2023): "Portable Fire Extinguishers: Lithium-ion Batteries"
AS/NZS 1841:2007 series: Portable fire extinguishers (Parts 1-8)
AS/NZS 1850:2009: Portable fire extinguishers - Classification, rating and performance testing
AS 1851:2012: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
AS 2444:2001: Selection & location of portable fire extinguishers & fire blankets
Consumer Goods (Portable Non-aerosol Fire Extinguishers) Safety Standard 2021: ACCC mandatory requirements
FPA Australia Good Practice Guide GPG-03: Adoption and use of AS 1851-2012

For the latest updates on lithium-ion battery fire safety standards, visit www.fpaa.com.au or contact Fire Protection Association Australia on 1300 731 922.

Have questions about lithium-ion battery fire safety? Share your concerns in the comments below, contact FPA Australia for technical guidance, or speak with your local fire service for specific advice relevant to your situation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional fire safety advice. Always consult with qualified fire protection professionals and your local fire service for guidance specific to your circumstances. The information presented is based on Fire Protection Association Australia Technical Advisory Note 09 (Version 2, April 2023) and current Australian Standards as of December 2024.

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