Li-Ion Tamer: Off-Gas Detection for Thermal Runaway Prevention

Suppression Systems, Inc. (SSI) provides the Li-Ion Tamer Off-Gas Detection System — the industry-leading technology for early warning of lithium-ion battery failures. This system identifies volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during cell venting, giving 2 to 30 minutes of advance notice before thermal runaway. It is a vital safety component for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), UPS banks and critical power rooms, and industrial installations.

Li-Ion Tamer logo – early warning off-gas detection for lithium-ion batteries.

The Lithium-Ion Challenge: Understanding Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway is a self-heating reaction that can drive cell temperatures from 80 °C to 1000 °C within seconds. Once initiated, it’s nearly impossible to stop. Conventional detectors only react after smoke or heat appears — when mitigation is too late.

The Li-Ion Tamer detects the earliest sign of failure — cell off-gassing — before visible smoke or heat, giving operators time to trigger clean agent suppression, isolate power feeds, and prevent catastrophic events.

Thermal runaway aftermath illustrating the need for off-gas detection before combustion.

The Li-Ion Tamer Solution: Off-Gas Detection Technology

Li-Ion Tamer by Xtralis (Honeywell) uses sensors that monitor for specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during cell venting — the critical precursor to thermal runaway. Because these VOCs are present across all chemistries (NMC, LFP, NCA), the system is chemistry-agnostic and reliable for modern battery technologies.

Li-Ion Tamer sensor array for rack-level lithium-ion battery off-gas detection.

Applications for Battery Safety & Thermal Runaway Prevention

SSI integrates Li-Ion Tamer in critical environments where battery safety and continuity matter most:

  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Prevent cascading thermal events and module-to-module fire spread.
  • Data Centers & UPS Rooms: Detect electrolyte venting before equipment damage or outages.
  • EV Charging Stations & Microgrids: Identify off-gas events inside charging enclosures.
  • Battery Manufacturing & Testing Facilities: Safeguard personnel and production assets from cell venting incidents.

For high-hazard installations, combine Li-Ion Tamer with thermal imaging monitoring and video fire detection for comprehensive protection across both incipient and flaming stages.

NFPA 855 Compliance & Integrated Mitigation Action

NFPA 855 requires early detection to reduce the impact of thermal runaway in energy storage systems. SSI’s design team configures Li-Ion Tamer as part of a compliant Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA), ensuring automatic actions such as power isolation and agent discharge.

  • NFPA 855 Compliance: Meets single-cell failure and HMA standards.
  • Integration Ready: Links to Advanced Detection and Explosion Protection Systems.
  • Independent Detection: Operates outside of the BMS for redundant safety coverage.

SSI – Your East Coast Li-Ion Safety Specialists

From New York to Virginia, Suppression Systems, Inc. delivers full-service design, installation, and maintenance of Li-Ion Tamer Off-Gas Detection Systems. Our engineers integrate with existing alarm panels, suppression networks, and early detection technologies to create a unified, code-compliant protection ecosystem.

  • Certified installation and testing of Li-Ion Tamer sensors and controllers.
  • Annual service and maintenance for NFPA 855 and insurance compliance.
  • Integration with thermal, video, and clean-agent suppression solutions.

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