With electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters, power banks, and home battery storage becoming everyday items in Singapore, a new type of fire risk has emerged. In January 2026, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) formally introduced Class L — a dedicated fire classification for lithium-ion battery fires.
This is not just paperwork. It is an important wake-up call for Singapore.
What is Class L?
Traditional ABC powder or standard water mist extinguishers may be inadequate for lithium-ion battery fires because they are not specifically designed to manage thermal runaway, deep cell cooling, or re-ignition risk.
When these batteries fail, they undergo thermal runaway — a violent, self-sustaining chemical reaction that produces extreme heat, flammable gases, and toxic fumes (including hydrogen fluoride). These fires can reignite hours later, even after being “extinguished.”
The new Class L rating gives firefighters, regulators, businesses, and homeowners a clear way to identify and prepare for this specific hazard.
Why This Matters Greatly in Singapore
Singapore is one of the most electrified nations in the world:
• We have one of the highest densities of personal mobility devices (PMAs), e-bikes, and e-scooters in the region.
• Many HDB flats, condominiums, and commercial buildings now have electric vehicle charging stations and energy storage systems.
• Delivery riders and families rely heavily on lithium-powered devices daily.
The consequences are already visible. Lithium battery fires in scooters, power banks, and charging stations have caused several serious incidents in recent years. Traditional ABC powder or water mist extinguishers are often inadequate because they cannot effectively cool the battery cells or prevent re-ignition.
This is exactly why the new Class L standard is so relevant to us.
Not All Extinguishers Are Equal
Many standard fire extinguishers are not designed to manage thermal runaway or the electrical and chemical hazards associated with lithium-ion battery fires. What Singapore needs now are purpose-designed solutions that:
• Rapidly remove heat
• Suppress fire across multiple classes (A, B, C, F)
• Are safe on live electrical equipment
• Use environmentally responsible, fluorine-free formulations where possible
Combat’s Fluorine-Free Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher (6L)
At Combat, we have developed and tested a dedicated solution for this new reality.
Our 6L Fluorine-Free Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher is a purpose-designed solution for modern lithium-ion battery fire risks in Singapore.
Key features include:
• Tested on lithium-ion battery fires up to 600Wh under the NTA 8133:2021 test method
• 100% biodegradable and fluorine-free formula
• Suitable for Class A, B, C, F fire risks, lithium-ion battery fire risks, and dielectric tested up to 1000V
• Helps control lithium-ion battery fire behaviour and reduces the risk of re-ignition
• TÜV SÜD PSB approved, EN3 and SS EN3 certified
• Proudly developed and manufactured in Singapore
Whether you are a homeowner, condominium management, EV charging station operator, e-scooter fleet owner, or warehouse storing lithium batteries, this extinguisher provides a practical layer of protection for lithium-ion battery fire risk areas.
What You Should Do Now
- Replace or supplement old extinguishers with lithium-ion battery fire-capable units in high-risk areas.
- Train your family members or staff on lithium battery fire risks.
- Check your charging habits — never use damaged chargers or leave devices charging unattended.
Combat continues to offer free fire extinguisher training for customers who purchase our extinguishers. We believe education is just as important as the equipment itself.
Stay Ahead of the Fire Risk
The introduction of Class L is not about creating fear — it is about being responsible in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
If you want real protection against the fires of tomorrow, you need more than just a regular fire extinguisher.
Protect what matters with Singapore’s own Combat 6L Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Extinguisher.
Have questions about Class L or need help choosing the right extinguisher for your home or business? Contact us today.