SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Fire / ignition

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20170321-C3A4D-2147405030. Severity: Unspecified. Product: Ryobi Ryobi 40 volt 14" chain saw (Ryobi 40 volt lithium powered chain saw). Incident: Item of complaint is a Ryobi 40 volt lithium powered chain saw, ID # EU14200D070028 (approximately 2+ years old) AND battery ID# EU16205N950422 (3 months old) began smelling of what I associate with an electrical fire/overheat. The tool was not in use and within an enclosed garage. When I felt of the exposed bottom of the battery (still within the tool) I found it to be hot but no evidence of flame or melting. I attempted to remove the battery for safety and the battery would not eject normally,I then attempted to pry the battery out also without success. I then removed all of the securing screws and pried open the case whereupon I saw that the positive and negative battery terminals had "welded" themselves to the connecting harness. The welded connections were then broken and the battery removed. Testing of the battery voltage at this point indicated a residual charge of 31 volts still remaining. This episode has cost me a $200 tool and a new $100 battery, which is not significant considering the potential fire hazard that may have existed. I would respectfully request a determination if this is an ongoing problem with this product or that my case is unusual as I have replaced both items today with a new identical product.