Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway refers to a situation where an increase in temperature changes the conditions in a way that causes a further increase in temperature, leading (in the normal case of an exothermic reaction) to a destructive result. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_runaway)

2009 International Fire Code

"608.3 Thermal runaway.

VRLA and lithium metal polymer battery systems shall be provided with a listed device or other approved method to preclude, detect and control thermal runaway."