France Assureurs and Assurance Prévention have entrusted CNPP with conducting tests on battery fires.

• Fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, used in cars, scooters, electric bicycles, mobile phones, and computers, represent an emerging risk.
• This is why, in 2024, France Assureurs and Assurance Prévention entrusted CNPP with conducting large-scale tests on lithium-ion battery fires.
• This testing campaign will advance the prevention and protection of people and property, ultimately reducing the impact of incidents by effectively managing fire

Fires associated with lithium-ion batteries, used in vehicles, electric scooters, bicycles, mobile phones, and computers, are an emerging risk. The rapid development of this technology poses various challenges for risk prevention, affecting storage warehouses, electric vehicle charging stations, parking areas, and charging conditions for light electric vehicles like bikes and scooters.

This is why, in 2024, France Assureurs and Assurance Prévention entrusted CNPP with conducting a testing campaign as part of a study initiated in 2022 on battery storage. A specialized working group led by insurers, the GPPE (Permanent Group for Enterprise Prevention), was tasked with defining the testing methods and configurations.

This testing campaign aims to gather data on how a fire involving bicycle batteries starts and spreads in a storage warehouse. It also evaluates the effectiveness of sprinkler systems—automatic water-based fire suppression networks—in preventing fire propagation. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the consequences of such
incidents by effectively managing fire risks.

The test conducted on November 12 replicated a common lithium-ion battery storage scenario near a production area. In a unique 900 m2 testing hall, a pallet of 40 batteries, boxed in cartons, was placed under a 3-meter ceiling. Fire ignition was triggered using an electric heating plate. Cameras and sensors monitored the fire’s evolution in real-time, measuring parameters like temperature, heat flux, water flow, and pressure. This setup provided critical insights into fire dynamics and suppression effectiveness.

Florence Lustman, President of France Assureurs : « The fire in February 2024 at a battery warehouse in Viviez (Aveyron) and the explosion of a charging scooter battery in Dunkirk highlight the significant fire risks of lithium-ion batteries. In response, France Assureurs entrusted CNPP with large-scale testing to better understand and prevent these risks while mitigating their human and material consequences. This initiative aims to advance safety knowledge and improve risk management practices. »

Patrick Degiovanni, president of CNPP, « Innovations, especially in mobility, create new risks that must be understood to be controlled. He highlighted CNPP’s role in fostering trust by developing expertise on emerging issues. He also expressed gratitude to France Assureurs and Assurance Prévention for their continued trust in CNPP for these tests, noting that their Vernon facility is perfectly suited for this research.. »

Patrick Jacquot, president of Assurance Prévention, « This testing campaign was initiated to enhance understanding of the emerging risks posed by electric batteries. The aim is to adapt prevention strategies, especially with the rise of light mobility options like electric scooters and bicycles. Assurance Prévention is fulfilling its role by raising public awareness of everyday risks on behalf of insurers. »

About CNPP
CNPP is a leading international organization focused on risk prevention and management. It provides comprehensive services in consulting, training, testing, inspection, certification, and publications. The group works across various sectors, including cybersecurity, security, climate and environment, workplace safety, and fire and explosion prevention. Based in France, CNPP operates globally, with state-of-the-art facilities for testing, experimentation, and training on a 240-hectare
site, employing over 440 people. For more details, visit their [website](https://www.cnpp.com).

About France Assureurs
France Assureurs is the trade name of the Fédération Française de l’Assurance, which brings together 248 insurance and reinsurance companies representing 99% of the market for companies governed by the Insurance Code. Insurance is at the heart of societal issues: as such, France Assureurs aims to take an active part in public debate. It is the preferred interlocutor of public authorities, administrations, and the media on insurance-related topics, both in France and internationally, whether it concerns prevention, protection, investment, or employment. The statistical data it centralizes and its expertise enable it to support its members in the sector’s developments. France Assureurs relies on a network of correspondents throughout the French territories to assist local elected officials in the event of major events,
to promote insurance professions, or to relay the sector’s positions.
“Mobilizing all the energies of insurance to advance society with confidence” is the raison d’être of France Assureurs. France Assureurs – Advancing society with confidence is a brand of the Fédération Française de l’Assurance.

About Assurance Prévention
Assurance Prévention is the association of French insurers dedicated to the prevention of everyday risks. It stems from France Assureurs, the trade name of the Fédération Française de l’Assurance, which brings together 248 insurance and reinsurance companies representing 99% of the market for companies governed by the Insurance Code.

Assurance Prévention, on behalf of insurers, either alone or in partnership with public authorities or other organizations, carries out collective actions to raise public awareness of everyday risks: health, road risks, household accidents, natural risks, etc. The association also conducts studies to advance the understanding of risks and to tailor its prevention messages.

See more information here: 

https://www.cnpp.com/blog/cnpp-realise-une-campagne-d-essais-sur-les-incendies-de-batterie

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7263130913415348224

Archive here: 24.11.15 – Press release ESSAIS FEU BATTERIES Vdef – Eng