July 17, 2025
Lithium-ion batteries are essential for modern life.
These rechargeable batteries power nearly all of today’s smart devices, such as phones, tablets and laptops. While many of these batteries offer safe, reliable and long-lasting power, some models have not been certified to meet safety and performance standards. Checking for third-party certification from a company like UL Solutions can reduce risk and potentially save lives.
Malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries are at risk of slipping into thermal runaway, an event where the battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state that can lead to extremely high temperatures, smoke, fire, toxic off-gassing or an explosion. These events have generated recent headlines:
- On May 29, Southwest Airlines Flight 1844 was diverted when a passenger’s battery charger emitted smoke. Just a day prior, Southwest had introduced a policy requiring passengers to keep power banks and portable charging devices in sight during flights due to thermal runaway risks.
- A resident in Massachusetts sustained a minor burn when a phone that was charging exploded, and their bed caught fire.
- A portable power bank was the likely cause of a fire that destroyed a South Korean airliner and injured multiple people.
Evaluating, testing and inspecting batteries can help manufacturers identify potential problems. Third-party certifications by UL Solutions help manufacturers demonstrate that products have met benchmarks for safety and performance. UL Solutions offers services to evaluate, test, inspect and certify various battery types — such as standby, primary and secondary batteries — along with providing specialized expertise on lithium types.
“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 UL certification demonstrates that the product has met the applicable safety standards. Our commitment to safe, innovative battery technology is essential to our mission of working for a safer world.”
Personal electronic devices can be particularly dangerous on planes. Airlines equip planes with battery fire containment bags that their cabin crews can use to contain personal devices that have caught fire or are at risk of doing so (such as phones and portable power banks). To assess safety, performance and reliability issues, UL Solutions offers product testing to meet UL 5800, the Standard for Safety for Battery Fire Containment Products.
Faulty lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes may result in thermal runaway and cause fires. In New York City, Local Law 39 requires that e-mobility devices and batteries be third-party certified in compliance with standards published by UL Standards & Engagement. Preliminary data suggests that this law has contributed to a decline in deaths and injuries.
Whether shopping for e-bikes, phones or other electronic devices, consumers can mitigate risk by ensuring that they only purchase products that have the UL Mark. This shopping decision can lead to peace of mind because using products that meet stringent safety standards can greatly reduce the risk of multiple hazards, including thermal runaway.
For consumers and businesses alike, UL Product iQ® is free to use and can help identify batteries and other products that are UL certified.
