VoltHub vs fire: How smart charging saved a construction site

18-02-2025

Armorgard, a leader in  innovative safety and secure solutions, is proud to highlight the life- and cost-saving impact of its VoltHub battery charging unit after a potentially catastrophic incident was averted at a Willmott Dixon construction site in January 2025.

VoltHub after battery fire incident

Safe containment prevents disaster

Thanks to the VoltHub’s advanced fire suppression and containment technology “F.I.R.E.E”, the fire was immediately controlled and confined to the locker, sparing the site from devastating consequences. The automatic fire suppression, which is isolated to each locker, was able to swiftly remove the fire risk within the locker, leaving the rest of the VoltHub intact and useable as well as protecting all other equipment inside the unit.  The alarm, which is triggered when gas is detected within the unit, also went off to alert staff to the fire hazard inside.

Had the battery been charging in an open welfare area, which would have been the case prior to the VoltHub, or in a charging cabinet without fire suppression or individual lockers, the outcome could have been catastrophic, resulting in:

Loss of Property: The fire could have spread to the surrounding cabin, requiring a costly replacement estimated at £68,000.

Operational Disruption: With a site turnover of approx. £250,000 per week, downtime would have had severe financial implications.

Injury and Fatalities: Lithium-ion battery fires have caused injuries and fatalities elsewhere making this incident a stark reminder of the risks. 

A testament to VoltHub’s impact

“This incident underscores the vital importance of prioritising safety in battery charging,” said Matt Partridge, Head of Product Development, Armorgard. “The VoltHub’s design prevented what could have been a devastating event, protecting both people and assets. Safety innovation is at the core of what we do, and this outcome reinforces the value of proactive measures.”  

Willmott Dixon also praised the VoltHub’s role in preventing a potential disaster. “We are incredibly thankful for the safety measures provided by the VoltHub,” said Willmott Dixon. “The unit’s ability to contain the fire not only protected our site and workforce but also prevented what could have been a severe financial and operational setback. This incident highlights the critical need for increased awareness, so people know to look out for robust safety solutions like the VoltHub on construction sites.”

The safety of construction workers and the continuity of operations are non-negotiable. With the increasing reliance on lithium-ion batteries, the risks associated with improper charging solutions cannot be ignored. Armorgard’s VoltHub provides a robust and reliable solution, ensuring sites are equipped to handle these challenges safely.

We headed to the Willmott Dixon site to investigate the aftermath of the battery fire, watch the full story here