'Can catch fire at any time': Energy storage batteries recalled after home burns down
Energy storage batteries are being recalled after it was found they could "catch on fire at any time" and have already caused one home to burn down.
Nine incidents with LG Home Energy Storage System Batterieshave been reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), prompting Assistant treasurer Stephen Jones to issue a safety warning notice.
One home has been "completely destroyed by a fire linked to an LG battery overheating".
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Potentially dangerous LG home energy system batteries have been recalled. ACCC
Other reports of battery fire resulted in personal injury or property damage.
Some of the batteries were overheating, causing them to catch on fire.
"There is a serious risk of injury or death and/or property damage if a fire occurs, particularly because the batteries are normally installed on an internal or external wall of the main residence," Jones said.
He said every house fire had the potential to be deadly.
"Fires arising from lithium-ion batteries are difficult to extinguish and may spontaneously reignite and the consequences and severity of fires can be exacerbated during the spring and summer seasons with higher temperatures.
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"Additionally, batteries in thermal runaway can release toxic, flammable gasses."
The batteries were manufactured by LG and suppled to Australians by LG, SolaX, Opal, Redback, Red Earth, Eguana or VARTA; as well as in unbranded systems.
They were supplied nationally from January 21, 2016.
Consumers who have one of the batteries are urged to check if their system, regardless of the brand, contains an LG battery.
If you do have an LG battery, you can check the serial number here and if it is affected, the warning notice is urging customers to immediately switch it off and register it.
Depending on the battery, LG will provide a free replacement or full refund plus provide financial compensation for higher energy costs.
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