What consequences can a battery short circuit have?
An “external short circuit” can occur if the external terminals of a battery are bridged by any kind of conducting material. Depending on the battery system, a short circuit may have serious consequences. For example, the temperature of the electrolyte may rise, thus building up an internal gas pressure which may open the pressure valve of the battery and eject electrolyte from the battery. This can cause injuries. In extreme cases a detonation may even occur if the safety vent fails to respond (due to e.g. a molding defect during production). It is also important to avoid mechanical impacts which could deform the battery and result in internal electrode short circuits with the consequences described about.
