Lithium-ion battery technology has become increasingly common in commercial cleaning equipment because of its advantages over traditional wet batteries. These advantages include longer runtimes, shorter charging cycles, and higher overall efficiency.
At the same time, the rise in adoption has led to more scrutiny around safety, with news stories of overheating or thermal runaway incidents in poorly designed systems.
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1. Stable Chemistry Selection
The foundation of battery safety begins with chemistry. Betco uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries rather than other common lithium-ion chemistries. LiFePO4 is recognized as one of the most stable and inherently safe
types of lithium-ion because of its high thermal and chemical stability. Unlike some alternatives, it resists thermal runaway and is non-flammable and non-hazardous. This makes it particularly well-suited for environments where GeneSys Auto Scrubbers
are used daily, often in high-traffic areas, and where both operator and facility safety are priorities.
2. Advanced Battery Management System (BMS)
Safety isn’t determined by chemistry alone. Every Betco lithium-ion battery includes a sophisticated BMS, which continuously monitors conditions to prevent hazards. The BMS provides multiple layers of electronic protection, including safeguards
against overcharging, overdischarging, overheating, and short-circuiting. This built-in intelligence ensures that the battery always operates within safe parameters, even under demanding cleaning schedules.
3. Compliance with International Standards
Independent verification is critical to ensuring reliability. Betco’s lithium-ion batteries are certified to recognize international standards:
- UL 2580 confirms industrial battery safety
- UN 38.3 verifies safe handling and transportation
- IEC 62133 address rechargeable cell safety
In addition, compatibility with Battery Council International (BCI) form factors allow these batteries to integrate seamlessly as drop-in replacements, simplifying use for operators while still meeting strict safety benchmarks.
4. Rigorous Internal Validation Testing
Betco goes beyond vendor certifications by conducting a wide range of internal validation tests. These include run time verification in both controlled lab conditions and actual machine use, opportunity charging simulations to assess safety during
partial charges, and end-of-charge performance evaluations. Additional testing ensures compatibility and reliability across chargers and validates consistent performance in field operations. This multi-pronged testing program guarantees that batteries
perform safely not just in theory, but in real-world applications over time.
5. Operator Guidelines for Safe Use
Even the safest systems benefit from clear operational guidance. Betco provides specific recommendations to promote safe use and extend battery life. These include using only approved smart chargers that regulate power and display fault conditions,
following ANSI Z535-compiant labeling, avoiding overcharging or deep discharging, and storing batteries in cool, dry environments away from flammable materials. Operators are also advised to recycle batteries through certified facilities and to
monitor for signs of damage, heat, or unusual behavior.
For detailed safety and operation instructions, refer to the GeneSys Operator Manual.
Pages 7–9 cover key safety items as well as installation and charging best practices for the battery.
6. Responsible End-of-Life Disposal
Proper disposal is an important part of lithium-ion battery safety. Betco supports customers through the end-of-life process by providing guidance and assistance for proper recycling and disposal. This ensures used batteries are handled in accordance
with environmental and safety regulations while keeping hazardous materials out of standard waste streams.
To learn more about this process or for assistance with battery disposal, please call Technical Services at 1-877-856-5954.
7. Proven Reliability Through Integration
Safety is not only about avoiding hazards but also about ensuring long-term reliability. By combining the stability of LiFePO4 chemistry, layered protections through a BMS, globally recognized certifications, and extensive in-house validation,
Betco delivers auto scrubbers that operators can trust day after day. The GeneSys line demonstrates that high performance and safety are not trade-offs—they are built into the same system.
Safety from Start to Finish
Lithium-ion technology has the potential to transform floor care, but only when safety is verified at every level. Betco ensures that lithium-ion batteries are safe from the moment they are designed to the moment they are recycled. From chemistry
and safeguards to certification, testing, and disposal, each measure is part of a complete framework built to protect both operators and facilities.
For a concise summary of these safety features, click here.
To learn more about GeneSys Auto Scrubbers, click here.