There’s a new L-Boxx modular tool box from Bosch and Sortimo, called the Battery SafeBOXX.
The Battery SafeBoxx was designed to be a safe way to transport and store certain types of rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
Whether it’s cars, bicycles, electric tools or electric garden equipment – lithium batteries are being used more and more frequently. The problem: lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods and as such are subject to strict transport regulations on hazardous goods. The Battery SafeBOXX offers the packaging solution that meets these requirements.
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According to the companies, the new L-Boxx has UN certification for “all dangerous goods of packaging group II and III.” A quick search of standards shows that this refers to items posing low (III) and medium (II) danger.
The outer case is said to be made of “special modified plastic.”
Inside, there’s a Cirrux “fire protection insert.”
The Cirrux fire protection cushion surrounds transported batteries.
The SafeBoxx is for “transport and storage of lithium batteries in accordance with ADR / RID / IMDG / ATA-DGR up to a max. of 5.5 kg.” Shown here are approval details according to ADR.
ADR stands for the UN “Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road,” which details how potentially dangerous goods can be transported.
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The SafeBoxx is shown to be compatible with existing Bosch and Sortimo L-Boxxes and accessories.
This doesn’t seem like a product for the average tool user, but I found it interesting nonetheless.
Ray
My little dog would love to climb into that bed.
Steve L
Neighbor recently had a lithium battery (EV bike so not a battery/brand we talk about) erupt into flames in attached garage while being charged. Fortunately weekend and he was home. The fire extinguisher he used stopped the fire briefly then it started shooting fireballs again. Fire department finally extinguished.
A weekday and garage would have been on fire.
Has me looking at how I charge my batteries and how I store them. No protection whatsoever right now.
This SafeBox isn’t for me but should I do something?
Scott K
I have a colleague who does a lot with robotics- he told me he charges anything that may be unstable outside. I don’t leave batteries charging overnight or when I’m not home.
Randy
I’ve sat next to people designing and testing BMSs for years. Batteries go up in flames ever so often. Dropped wrenches across terminals, nicking one with a grinder, forgetting it in a thermal chamber, even intentional testing to failure, but it never “just happens.” Just buy from companies you’ve heard of and don’t worry too much about it.
As for the boxes, those will be really useful. Being unable to air-freight prototype batteries is a huge pain. I just wish they were built more like pelican cases to hold up to shipping. Latches around all four sides of the lid is a must. Stacking features are irrelevant for shipping, and will be the first part to break.
Eliot Truelove
Latching on all four sides for reasons just like you stated is likely why Makita have stuck with the Makpak design for so long, many people hate the macpacks.
Wayne R.
Are plain-vanilla smoke detectors tripped by these fires? I presume so, but…
Eliot Truelove
Honestly this is a bigger problem than people realize, and Makita seems to be the only company in North America that emphasize the importance of battery protections in the battery housing and not using fake batteries.
Battery management in the tools does nothing for when the batteries are not in the tools
Cell balancing from the chargers, fans blowing through the battery to keep them cool, and active BMS in the battery to manage overheat, overcharge, overdischarge, and other protections.
Ryobi is the only other tool brand that has protections in their batteries, and that’s what keep them backwards compatible.
I just don’t understand why more companies don’t incorporate them into their batteries, it’s just negligent, and results in exponentially more warranties on batteries at the least, but a burnt down van, garage or house at the worst.
JMJR
In the RC world, where LiPo fires are a very real hazard, some hobbyist (including myself) use Bat-Safe boxes while storing or charging their batteries. They are double wall steel boxes with a rock wool type insulation sandwiched between the layers.
https://www.bat-safe.com/
This Bosch Sortimo option is neat, but the lack of a steel case or vents for fumes seems like a poor choice.
Jared
That’s what came to mind for me too. If you’re going to have a safe battery storage box, what about a charging box? I thought charging was the greater time of danger.
JMJR
From what I’ve read, yes, charging has the highest risk.
This Sortimo might be just comply with shipping or air travel rules if you wanted to bring batteries to a job as a fly-in technician.
Addicted2Red
Those are surprisingly affordable for what they are. Thanks, ordering two.
Hank
I just use M60 ammo metal box. $10-20 in the used market.
Hon Cho
Looked up the Cirrux inserts and found that they are fiberglass. Given that this is a commercial product with associated commercial liabilities for suitability for advertised use, I suspect the level of protection is adequate if it does meet the European transport regulations cited. I’d be surprised to see if such a product got much traction in the USA without laws or regulation requiring such protection for storage or user ground transportation. There are already regulations for shipping by air and ground for lithium chemistry batteries.
Robert
Hon Cho, could you please elaborate on your last sentence? It seems to say the laws and refs are already there to get the traction of your next to last sentence. Unless you mean something different by “lithium chemistry” compared to “lithium ion.”
Greg
There’s something like half a dozen different lithium based battery types, chemistry is probably just a broader term so as to not limit specifically to lithium ion.
Hon Cho
Greg is correct, I used the term “lithium chemistry” to encompass the many different types of batteries that use lithium beyond lithium-ion.
Another Bob
I figured that Cirrux must’ve been some sort of heat activated fire extinguisher material? I am less enthusiastic if it’s just old school fiberglass batting.
Not an expert but I would think rockwool Would be a way better choice?
Appears this is born out of some sort of government regulation certain industries will have to conform too? Good marketing strategy for L box. I don’t think they’re as popular as they used to be. This is a good potential boost in sales.
An acquaintance lost his shop to a harbor freight battery fire. I keep meaning to build a battery charging safe station like the RC guys use.