34 Questions
What is the primary reason a Tesla Energy Product does not catch fire easily?
The product is designed to prevent single cell thermal runaway.
What happens before a battery thermal runaway fire in a Tesla Energy Product?
Smoke emanates from the product.
What should you do first if you observe smoke or fire emanating from a Tesla Energy Product?
Shut off the unit/system.
Why should you not approach a Powerpack unit from the front (door-side) during an incident response?
Fire may propagate to neighboring Powerpacks.
What is the purpose of shutting off the unit/system in the event of a fire or smoke?
To contain the hazardous condition.
What type of testing has validated the performance of Tesla Energy Products in the event of a fire?
Rigorous full-scale fire testing.
What happens to a Tesla Energy Product during a fire, according to testing results?
It consumes itself slowly without explosive bursts.
Who should respond to a Tesla product fire or hazardous event?
Trained professionals and Tesla experts.
What should you do if it is safe to access the Powerwall(s)?
Turn off each Powerwall using its on/off switch
Where is the Powerwall 2 switch located?
In the same location as the Powerwall+ switch
What should you do after turning off each Powerwall?
Turn off the AC breaker for each Powerwall
What should you do if there is a Backup Gateway installed?
Turn off the Backup Gateway breaker
What is NOT a means of shutting down the Powerwall system in an emergency?
Pulling the utility meter or Backup Switch from the meter socket
If you cannot access the Powerwall switches and/or breakers, what should you do?
Loosen the three captive screws on the Backup Switch conduit hub
What is a potential hazard when responding to a Tesla Powerwall fire?
Electrical shock from the de-energized battery
What should firefighters wear when responding to a Tesla Powerwall fire?
Standard structural firefighting gear with SCBA
What should be done if a Powerwall is actively on fire?
Use a wide stream fog nozzle to prevent extension to any attached structure
What should be done after the fire is extinguished?
Monitor the temperature of the unit while cooling as needed
What should be done if there is a structure fire with a Powerwall not affected by the fire?
Treat it as a standard structure fire and ignore the Powerwall
What should be done if smoke or suspicious odor is emanating from a Powerwall?
Shut off the unit/system and evacuate the area
What should be done to shut down the Powerwall in an emergency?
Turn off the AC breaker for each inverter and engage the E-Stop button
What is a potential hazard when responding to a Powerwall fire in a flooded area?
Electrical shock from the submerged wiring
What should be done if the fire is in close proximity to the Powerwall during a structure fire?
Monitor the temperature of the Powerwall during overhaul
Why should firefighters contact Tesla during a Powerwall emergency?
To request guidance on responding to the emergency
What should you do when responding to a Megapack fire event?
Maintain a safe distance and allow the battery to burn itself out
What happens if you apply water directly to the burning Megapack enclosure?
The fire will be delayed, but not stopped
Why is water considered the preferred agent for suppressing lithium-ion battery fires?
It has superior cooling capacity and is easy to transport
What can happen if a lithium-ion battery fire has been seemingly extinguished?
The fire will flare up again due to the exothermic reaction of constituent materials
How should firefighters utilize water when fighting a Tesla Energy Product fire?
In a fog pattern to protect neighboring units or exposures
What type of suppressant should not be used on lithium-ion battery fires?
Metal fire suppressants such as LITH-X
What should be used to actively measure the temperature of the unit after the fire has been extinguished?
Thermal imaging camera
Why should firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when responding to a lithium-ion battery fire?
To protect themselves from potential hazardous organic vapors
How long can a lithium-ion battery fire continue to burn?
Several hours
What happens if electrolysis of water occurs during a lithium-ion battery fire?
The flammable gas mixture will be contributed to
Study Notes
Firefighting Measures
- In the event of a Tesla product fire or hazardous event, contact Tesla immediately for technical guidance.
- Response should only be performed by trained professionals.
Responding to a Venting Tesla Energy Product
- Smoke emanating from a Tesla Energy Product can be an indication of an abnormal and hazardous condition.
- Battery thermal runaway fires are preceded by a period of smoke.
- If fire or smoke is observed emanating from a Tesla Energy Product, perform the following:
- If possible, shut off the unit/system.
- Evacuate the area.
- Notify appropriately trained first responders, the local fire department, and any appointed subject matter expert (SME) if available.
Defensive Firefighting
- Tesla's recommendation is to fight a Tesla Energy Product fire defensively.
- The fire crew should maintain a safe distance and allow the battery to burn itself out.
- Fire crews should utilize a fog pattern to protect neighboring units or exposures or control the path of smoke.
Firefighter PPE
- Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fire protective turnout gear.
- Cells or batteries may flame or leak potentially hazardous organic vapors if exposed to excessive heat, fire, or over-voltage conditions.
Responding to a Powerwall Emergency
- Smoke or suspicious odor emanating from a Powerwall can be an indication of an abnormal and hazardous condition.
- If fire, smoke, or suspicious odor is observed emanating from the product at any time, perform the following:
- If possible, shut off the unit/system.
- Evacuate the area of all non-emergency personnel.
- If not already done, contact Tesla for assistance.
- If a Powerwall is actively on fire, use a wide stream fog nozzle to prevent extension to any attached structure and for cooling the casing of the battery.
Shutting Down in an Emergency
- WARNING: Shutting off power to the product does not de-energize the battery, and a shock hazard may still be present.
- To shut the product down in an emergency, perform the appropriate steps below and then contact Tesla.
- If safe to access switches and breakers, follow the steps:
- Turn off the AC breaker for each inverter.
- If an E-Stop button or external shutdown switch is present, engage it.
- If it is safe to access the Powerwall(s), turn off each Powerwall using its on/off switch.
- Turn off the AC breaker for each Powerwall.
- If there is a Backup Gateway installed, turn off the Backup Gateway breaker.
- If the emergency affects the rest of the site, turn off the entire site by opening the main service disconnect(s).
This quiz covers the necessary measures to respond to a fire or hazardous event related to Tesla Energy Products, including precautions and response protocols.
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