- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo Fire Service boss, Seyi Awoyemi, has cautioned Nigerians against keeping solar batteries indoors as he revealed the dangers associated to the act.
Awoyemi advised that solar batteries must not be kept in bedrooms or living room but in a well-ventilated area to avoid fire hazard.
The Fire Service boss made this known in a video shared on his TikTok handle.
Speaking on a radio programme, Awoyemi noted that the solar batteries need a lot of ventilation when installed.
“Solar system battery must kept in a well ventilated area.
“It needs a lot of ventilation. Ensure you place the battery where there is enough ventilation. It is important for the battery to be position where there is cross ventilation.
“Don’t put the battery in your room. It shouldn’t be in your parlour as well.” He said.
Awoyemi also identified overcharging as another possible cause solar battery explosion.
He recommended the installation of charge controller which will prevent the solar inverter from overcharging.
“Your inverter supposed to have a charge controller which prevents the inverter from overcharging. If you don’t install a charge controller, your battery may explode anytime when overcharged.
“Also, when the battery is placed where there is heat, it can explode and trigger fire outbreak.” He added.
On the type of fire extinguisher need for solar system, the Oyo Fire Service boss recommended chemical powder composition as he warned that using the liquid form or water can cause chemical reaction during fire outbreak.
“Wherever we have solar system, the recommended fire extinguisher is dry chemical powder.
“Don’t use the liquid version and don’t pour water on it. Because when our battery is on fire and your pour water on it, reaction of chemical may occur.” He said.