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From their own Manuel: FIREFIGHTING USE WATER TO FIGHT A HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY FIRE. If the battery catches fire, is exposed to high heat, or is generating heat
by thatguy0900 6y ago
From their own Manuel:
FIREFIGHTING
USE WATER TO FIGHT A HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY FIRE. If the battery catches fire, is exposed to high heat, or is generating heat or
gases, use large amounts of water to cool the battery. It can take approximately 3,000 gallons (11,356 liters) of water, applied directly
to the battery, to fully extinguish and cool down a battery fire; always establish or request an additional water supply. If water is not
immediately available, use dry chemicals, CO2, foam, or another typical fire-extinguishing agent to fight the fire until water is available.
Apply water directly to the battery. If safety permits, lift or tilt the vehicle for more direct access to the battery. Apply water inside the
battery ONLY if a natural opening (such as a vent or opening from a collision) already exists. Do not open the battery for the purpose
of cooling it.
Extinguish small fires that do not involve the high voltage battery using typical vehicle firefighting procedures.
During overhaul, do not make contact with any high voltage components. Always use insulated tools for overhaul.
Heat and flames can compromise airbag inflators, stored gas inflation cylinders, gas struts, and other components which can result in
an unexpected explosion. Perform an adequate knock down before entering a hot zone.
Battery fires can take up to 24 hours to extinguish. Consider allowing the battery to burn while protecting exposures.
After all fire and smoke has visibly subsided, a thermal imaging camera can be used to actively measure the temperature of the high
voltage battery and monitor the trend of heating or cooling. There must not be fire, smoke, or heating present in the high voltage
battery for at least one hour before the vehicle can be released to second responders (such as law enforcement, vehicle transporters,
etc.). The battery must be completely cooled before releasing the vehicle to second responders or otherwise leaving the incident.
Always advise second responders that there is a risk of battery re-ignition.
Second responders may choose to drain excess water out of the vehicle by tilting or repositioning it. This operation can assist in
mitigating possible re-ignition.
Due to potential re-ignition, a Model S that has been involved in a submersion, fire, or a collision that has compromised the high
voltage battery should be stored in an open area at least 50 ft (15 m) from any exposure.
Warning: When fire is involved, consider the entire vehicle energized. Always wear full PPE, including a SCBA.
- doggodaddo78 6y agoWater, in general, isn't specific enough. Hot water definitely won't help. It's low temperature, high thermal capacity / high latent heat of vaporization extinguishants that are best. The FAA has a whole protocol and training materials on how to put out Li-ion fires.
- davidgould 6y agoI’ve never seen a hot water fire truck. Are they common in your area? eta: Even hot water still has a high latent heat of vaporization.
- doggodaddo78 6y agoLol. It's chilled water/ice water vs. ambient because water doesn't stop NMC fires directly.
- dragonwriter 6y agoThe latent heat of vaporization of water is so high that the temperature of liquid water can’t possibly make a big difference (specific heat is 4.18kJ/kg/K, latent heat of vaporization 2,260kJ/kg.)
- doggodaddo78 6y agoI meant LHO fusion. HNing too tired.