UL Solutions has issued a renewed safety warning over lithium-ion batteries used in personal electronic devices, cautioning that uncertified models may present a significant fire hazard.
The organisation reported that some lithium-ion batteries found in mobile phones, tablets and laptops lack independent safety certification, increasing the risk of thermal runaway—a failure mode that can lead to smoke, fire or even explosion. Incidents involving uncertified batteries have been recorded in homes, vehicles and on commercial flights.
“When consumers shop for devices that use lithium-ion batteries, it is critically important that they understand the safety hazards associated with faulty, malfunctioning or uncertified products,” said Sherry He, vice president and general manager of Consumer, Medical and Information Technologies at UL Solutions. “Consumers should always look for the UL Mark when buying batteries or devices.”
A number of recent incidents have highlighted the issue. In May, a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to divert when a passenger’s battery charger emitted smoke. A day earlier, the airline had introduced a policy requiring portable battery packs to be visible during flights. Other reported cases include a phone fire in a Massachusetts home and a portable charger believed to be the cause of a fire that destroyed a South Korean aircraft.
UL Solutions emphasised that third-party certification helps confirm that battery products meet established safety and performance standards. The organisation tests batteries across a range of chemistries and formats, including secondary and primary cells, and evaluates containment products for aviation use under its UL 5800 Standard.
The company also pointed to developments in e-bike safety. Following the introduction of Local Law 39 in New York City—requiring certification to UL standards for e-mobility devices—early data suggests a reduction in fire-related casualties. UL Solutions has called for broader adoption of similar policies to help mitigate battery-related incidents.
