At Whitecroft, we’re committed to building a sustainable future and supporting the transition to net-zero targets. It’s why we’re replacing all Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries used in our standalone emergency and integrated emergency fittings with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
A more robust, safe and sustainable alternative with a five year warranty, giving you extra confidence.
Designed for heat
Thanks to their unique chemical composition - LiFePO4 batteries have excellent thermal and chemical stability compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This means the battery stays cool in higher temperature applications reducing risk of failure.
Mechanical ventilation
If the battery experiences any unexpected a build-up of heat or pressure, a vent is opened and the circuit automatically broken to stop further charging and allow the battery to cool.
Built in battery management system
The LiFeGuard safety features ensure the battery stays within safe operational limits. If limits are breached the circuit is disconnected.
Other batteries contain hazardous substances such as Nickel and Cadmium, a substance banned in the EU. While emergency lighting is currently exempt from the ban, legislation is always changing. LiFePO4 batteries offer a future proof solution:
Accepted in recycled waste
significantly fewer toxic substances
>5000 charge cycles 15x longer than Nickel based
Nickel based batteries require constant current or pulse charging, whereas LiFePO4 batteries only charges when necessary, reducing the energy use of emergency lighting units by up to 45%* . LiFePO4 can also withstand more charge cycles than conventional batteries, extending battery life.
For a typical school, a move to LiFePO4 battery technology can result in a 10% annual saving in energy for lighting.
Longer life, fewer replacements
LiFePO4 batteries have a service life of at least 8 years – far longer than predecessors like NiCd. As wells as reducing unnecessary waste, it means maintenance is needed far less frequently.
Materials that don’t cost the earth
LiFePO4 batteries require materials abundantly in the Earth’s surface – like iron – whereas batteries like Lithium Cobalt Oxide and Lithium Nickel Cobalt rely on precious and rare materials. In fact, LiFePO4 batteries are considered the greenest form of batteries.
We calculated a 6% reduction in our factory door annual embodied carbon output through our switch to LiFePO4 batteries.
Our upgrade to LiFePO4 batteries is just one step on our journey to Net Zero. We’re proud to say that as part of the Fagerhult Group, our Net Zero strategy has been approved by SBTi.
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