Enterprise IT assets are integral to any business, but also incredibly fragile, especially in high temperatures. Improper storage can lead to damaged assets and increase repair costs. During the hotter months, electronics are at a greater risk of overheating and can pose safety issues, such as catastrophic facility fires, if not responsibly managed. ITAD providers offer end-of-use solutions for retired IT assets to help prevent them from improper storage and becoming safety hazards.
Poor Storage Results in Facility Fires
The rapid evolution of technology drives many companies to upgrade IT assets regularly, which often leads to an excess of outdated IT equipment. Whether in a storage closet or warehouse, proper IT asset storage is critical for damage prevention. From office electronics, such as phones and laptops, to kitchen appliances, most electronics today contain lithium-ion batteries. As our electronics become smaller and lighter, these batteries generate large amounts of energy in a compact space, increasing the likelihood of battery fires.
LIBs undergo self-discharge, which can lead to a thermal runaway, causing a significant electrical shortage. During a thermal runaway, the heat from a failed cell can spread to the adjacent one, making it thermally unstable as well. This reaction can start a chemical fire, which is significantly more difficult to extinguish and can reignite hours later. For this reason, it is crucial to keep IT assets cool with proper storage.
Storage, Signs of Overheating & What to do
During hotter months, it is best to store IT assets in cooler locations, ensuring they have proper ventilation and are not stacked. Clear ventilation is a key factor in keeping assets cool. Devices like phones, laptops, and PCs have ports and vents that enable airflow to keep the device cool; however, the buildup of dust, hair, and other small particles can clog these areas, causing devices to overheat. Laptops are flat and tempting to stack for convenient storage, but they can also cause overheating due to insulation. LIBs can spark other thermal runaways in nearby batteries, initiating a chain reaction.
The most notable sign of overheating is battery swelling, usually resulting in the bloating or bowing of screens or keyboards. Electronics can also make noises as they overheat. Laptops and desktops will make a high whirring noise as the fan works overtime to cool the device. They may even make hissing noises, smell too hot, or smoke.
If this occurs, it is best to unplug the device and place it near a source of airflow, and to avoid placing devices in the refrigerator or freezer. Most electronics typically cool on their own over a period of time, but if battery swelling occurs, the damage has already been done, and the battery should be replaced before use.
Dispose of Damaged IT Assets with an ITAD Provider
When it comes to electronic waste disposal, including batteries, the safest and most responsible method is recycling through a professional disposition service. ITAD providers, such as HOBI, undergo training and take special precautions when handling lithium-ion batteries during battery removal. As an R2v3, RIOS, and ISO 14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of experience in the waste disposal industry, HOBI prioritizes the safety of employees with fire safety practices and special tools during the disposition process.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.