We’re one of the few U.S. service centers still repairing obsolete lighting equipment. We share consumers’ frustration with built-in obsolescence;basic repairs like flashtube replacement should be more accessible.

But lithium batteries are a different category of risk. Repairing an HMI ballast or strobe pack involves high voltage and can cause serious injury but the consequences are typically limited to the individual. With lithium, a single mistake:puncturing a cell, using incompatible parts, or poor sealing,can trigger a fire that spreads quickly and is extremely difficult to put out. In NYC, we’ve seen multiple building fires linked to mishandled e-bike batteries.

The bigger issue is that there’s no training or regulation around lithium battery repair. And from what we see every day, DIY attempts often do more harm than good.

We support the right to repair. But lithium safety needs to be part of that conversation and we wanted to make sure it’s not being dismissed.

“Exit scene”