Prosol UK achieves DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 for the Fire Cloak™ EV Fire Limitation Blanket

What is the DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 and why is it important for fire blanket and EV safety?
This specification standard was developed in Germany over several months and published in November 2024 after lengthy discussions and contributions from fire safety professionals, emergency responders, vehicle manufacturers, and other interested parties.

The DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 is the first regulated testing framework for fire limitation blankets specifically for use on electric vehicles.  Its objective is to guarantee that only meticulously tested, well manufactured and high-performance fire blankets will receive approval…more about this later.

Prosol UK have been calling for the specific EV Fire Limitation Blanket standard that DIN have created and welcomed the opportunity to put Fire Cloak™ to the ultimate test.  We believe that DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 approval will provide reassurance, confidence and recognition that Fire Cloak™ meets the quality and performance parameters demanded by safety professionals in critical situations.

Why is the DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 important for fire blanket and EV safety?
Having an internationally recognised standard in place that ensures approved EV fire blankets have complied with the most stringent safety criteria is vital in a number of ways.  In a hitherto free-for-all market, it gives regulatory assurance and transparency to those individuals who are most likely to use a fire blanket that they can trust the product when they need to.  It also helps to officially verify both the efficacy and quality of the fire blanket.

A brief overview of DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 requirements
To give an understanding of the complexity and detail that DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 involves the list below covers the significant test criteria.

• Loop Straps:
• Positioned on at least all 4 corners and be of a specified minimum size.
• Be of low ignitability proven by testing to the FMVSS 302 standard.
• Straps on the pulling side shall be red, all other straps must be a different colour.
• Tested for strength and security of fastening to blanket.
• Positioning Markers:
• Markings must show the centre point on all sides of the blanket.
• Thermal Resistance:
• Tested to EN ISO 13501-1, must achieve a minimum rating of: B, s1, d0.
• DIN created test:The blanket fabric is placed over a metal frame housing 2 specified gas burner torches and a number of thermocouples.  The blanket is exposed to temperatures ranging between 700 to 1,000°C for varying time cycles to replicate an EV battery in thermal runaway.
• Mechanical Stability:
• Cut resistance is tested in accordance with EN ISO 13997 and must achieve a specified rating.
• The tensile strength of the blanket and loop handles is tested using a weight loading of 100Kg for 30 seconds, then a further 25Kg is dropped onto the load platform from 30cm and evaluated after 30 seconds.  No tears, fraying or detachment can occur.
• General Requirements:
• The open edges of the blanket must be protected from fraying.
• Product service life and reusability must be specified.
• Testing of radio frequency permeability.
• Must not be affected by contact with oils, greases, fuel, water with extinguishing agents, battery acids, etc. As might be found at a vehicle accident scene.
• Flexibility and storage deformation of the blanket is tested.
• Demonstrate that the fire blanket can be deployed within 30 seconds, on both a wet and dry vehicle of specified dimensions, by a maximum of 2 people.
• The fire blanket storage container/bag has to offer IP65 protection.
• PFAS free materials should be used in the fire blanket manufacture.
• Marking and manufacturer information
• The fire blanket must include full and clear identifications that specify its technical features, date of manufacture and batch number.
• Instructions for use as detailed in the specification.
• Evidence
• Where required some of the tests must be recorded and photographic/video evidence retained.
• A report on the DIN thermal resistance test must contain an expert opinion that the product is suitable for use as an EV fire limitation blanket.

Fire Cloak™ commitment to fire resistance testing
Since we launched the Fire Cloak™ EV Fire Limitation Blanket, Prosol UK have been at the forefront of proving the fire resistance of their product and wholeheartedly support DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11.  Prior to the publication of this standard Prosol conducted a great deal of research to determine fire resistance testing that would be relevant to the end use of the Fire Cloak™.  A brief overview of the independent tests conducted and results are below.

• BS 476 Parts 6 & 7 – Class 0 achieved
• ASTM D6413 Vertical Flame Resistance – PASSED
• FMVSS 302 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard – PASSED
• NFPA 701 Flame Retardancy – PASSED
• BS476 Part 22 Indicative Furnace Test – Resisted 1,000°C for 90 minutes
• EN ISO 13501-1: 2018 – Result A2, s1, d0

A standard for the future
The safety of the general public, fire and emergency services crews, recovery personnel and EV service technicians is paramount to the sustainable growth of the entire automotive industry.  Anyone using any type of car park, travelling on a vehicle ferry, working on the repair of an electric vehicle or anywhere in which EVs or lithium-ion batteries are stored needs to know they will be safe should the worst happen. Having the DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 in place goes a long, long way to achieving this.

We will continue to work with our peers in the industry as well as the most respected experts and regulatory organisations concerned with fire safety to share our knowledge, exceed expectations and provide unrivalled solutions to overcome the significant challenges that lithium-ion battery fires pose.

Innovation, not imitation.