A growing number of fires caused by non-genuine lithium-ion batteries has prompted the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) to issue consumer guidance against products that seem ※too cheap to be true.§

Lithium batteries are favored for their ability to deliver sufficient power in compact sizes and for their rechargeable capabilities and have become a common power source for many consumer products. However, when these batteries are sourced from companies unrelated to the original device manufacturers, the risks multiply, NITE warns.

Unlike genuine batteries, these alternatives are not subject to the same rigorous design and quality control standards, despite often being labeled as ※compatible§ or ※suitable§ for genuine chargers.

This makes them prone to overcharging, or containing foreign objects and defective items. Such flaws significantly increase the likelihood of fires, even during storage.

According to data released by NITE, over the past decade, 235 incidents involving non-genuine batteries were reported, with 227 resulting in fires. The incidents, which surged to 66 in 2019 amid an influx of substandard products, have since stabilized at around 30 to 40 annually. Alarmingly, 14 of these cases led to the complete destruction of buildings, underscoring the severe consequences of using non-genuine batteries.

Of the 235 incidents, 182, or 78%, took place while the battery was charging, and 53% of the cases took place within the first year of use.

An experiment conducted by NITE revealed that even a weak flame could easily reignite and spread to multiple cells within the battery, leading to larger fires.

In April 2020, a man in his 40s from Gifu Prefecture sustained burns after a non-genuine battery for a power tool he purchased online ignited during its first charge, after the battery overheated due to design flaws in its circuit board.

Another incident in September 2023 in Hyogo Prefecture saw a non-genuine battery for a rechargeable vacuum catch fire while in storage, causing surrounding damage.

Consumers often find themselves in a difficult position after an accident, as they may be unable to contact the responsible companies or receive compensation. NITE has urged consumers to exercise caution and to be aware of potential dangers.