Armorgard launch to improve lithium-ion battery safety

UK company introduces Qpod, a compact lithium-ion battery charging and storage unit designed to improve lithium-ion battery safety

The new unit has been developed for use in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail environments and offices, providing a plug-and-charge solution that combines battery charging with fire-tested containment technology.

Armorgard said Qpod was developed in response to the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires affecting UK businesses. According to Aviva research, more than half of businesses surveyed have experienced a lithium-ion battery fire or related incident, while the London Fire Brigade attended more than 5,000 lithium-ion-related callouts in 2024. The company also highlighted forecasts predicting continued growth in the use of lithium-ion-powered devices over the coming decade.

Compact design for battery safety in indoor environments

Constructed from powder-coated steel, Qpod features eight 13A RCD-protected sockets, enabling users to charge up to eight lithium-ion batteries simultaneously from a single 240V power supply.

The unit has been designed with a compact footprint, allowing it to be positioned under desks or in corners where space is limited. Weighing 74kg, it can also be fitted with optional castors for improved mobility.

For organisations managing larger battery fleets, multiple units can be stacked vertically using an optional stacking kit to maximise available floor space.

Fire-tested containment system

According to Armorgard, Qpod incorporates a proprietary double-walled containment system that has been tested against live thermal runaway events.

The sealed ventilation design is intended to expel gases while helping to prevent flames from reigniting combustible gases outside the cabinet. The company said the unit has been designed to meet multiple internationally recognised standards, including UL1487.

Armorgard added that its testing programme included controlled thermal runaway events involving batteries exceeding 2kWh, above the 1.5kWh charging capacity of the unit.

The company believes this level of testing can support organisations seeking to demonstrate robust lithium-ion battery risk management as insurers continue to place greater scrutiny on battery charging arrangements.

CEO comments

Commenting on the launch, Terry Mitchell, CEO of Armorgard, said: “Li-ion batteries are incredibly useful, but they’re also hazardous if charged or stored incorrectly. The last decade has seen rapid adoption alongside a sharp rise in faults, failures and fires, largely through mishandling. Anyone who’s experienced one of these incidents will tell you of the enormous human, financial and reputational cost involved.”

He added: “Qpod is the direct evolution of our VoltHub and PowerStor cabinets, answering the growing use of Li-ion batteries in smaller, often interior, spaces. We’ve made sure that neither safety nor performance is compromised, delivering plenty of charge without disrupting day-to-day operations.”