Most commercially sold UN 38.3 certified batteries are generally safe. There are many variables which could cause a battery fire, technically referred to as “thermal runaway”, this includes:

• Physical damage to battery. Any battery withstanding a collision may be susceptible to critical damage such as puncturing, crushing or internal damage to circuits.  The Zarges F-Series cases are intended to offer superior protection against physical damage.
• Excessive heat. The likelihood of thermal runaway increases as the battery is exposed to excessive heat, such as use near a heat source or fire, or exposure to the sun.  Batteries do generate heat while charging, so never charge batteries in a case or an enclosed space.
• Overcharging beyond the maximum voltage capacity or improper charging practices, such as using chargers or cables not meeting the battery manufacturers specifications.
• Manufacturing defects such as using poor quality materials or construction can lead to failure. 

No. There is no transportable commercially available case which is fireproof. While the term “fireproof” is commonly used, it’s somewhat misleading. No material is completely immune to fire. Zarges C-Series cases have undergone fire-testing with specific batteries to ensure that a battery fire can be contained inside the case for the specific battery under test, therefore preventing fire from spreading beyond the case. Testing of C-Series cases was conducted under specific battery and environmental conditions which will vary in your application. Test data is available at <<pdf of test>>. Fire-testing and performance validation is the responsibility of the user.

The Zarges F-Series case is lined with Fire Resistant Anti-Static (FRAS) foam. It is intended to store and transport UN 38.3 certified batteries which are undamaged. Combined with the Zarges Case, it provides maximum protection to prevent damage which might result in a battery fire (thermal runaway). Batteries which are damaged in any way should be disposed of immediately, in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The Zarges C-Series case has been specifically designed to store and transport batteries which may have been compromised in some way, or prototype batteries which have not been UN 38.3 certified. C-Series cases have undergone fire-testing with specific batteries to ensure that a battery fire can be contained inside the case for the specific battery under test. Specially designed intumescent fiber pillows help contain a battery fire and filter a portion of toxins emitted during a battery fire. Testing of C-Series cases was conducted under specific battery and environmental conditions which can vary.Test data is available here. Fire-testing and performance validation is the responsibility of the user.

For the most current guidance on safe & legal transport of hazardous materials and lithium batteries, please refer to the following: 

United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Battery Guide for Shippers

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Code of Federal Regulations (49-CFR)

FAA Safe Cargo website.

A Zarges case is only UN certified when the UN sticker is attached, shown below.  This sticker indicates the serial number, aluminum box construction, Packing Group 1, maximum gross weight in kilograms, solid material payload, the country of manufacture, and the test certificate number. 

“UN certification” refers to a container that has passed rigorous performance-oriented testing to ensure the container can remain intact during the physical stress associated with transportation.  The process is managed by the United Nations, to which all member nations have agreed to specific guidelines for transporting hazardous goods.  The guidelines qualify a case against specific requirements for drop resistance, stacking load, leak-proofing, pressure resistance, temperature resilience, and construction quality.

Zarges cases have obtained “UN Packing Group 1”, the highest level of protection for transporting highly toxic chemicals, flammable substances, or explosives, including Class 9 miscellaneous goods such as Lithium-ion batteries.

The UN Packing Group 1 rating does not refer to containment of fire.  Validation that a container can successfully contain a fire is the responsibility of the end user. 

Any modification to a case not made by the manufacturer, such as drilling or cutting the aluminum, invalidates the UN certification. 

Refer to Reference Image Here:
https://zargesusa.com/products/un-certification-hazardous-materials