Laptop charging trolleys

[TFEM]

Many schools are now installing laptops as opposed to full sized computers and with these come portable laptop charging trolleys containing several dozen laptops, the trolley then being plugged into the mains to recharge the laptops overnight.
I vaguely recall a comment from somewhere that said these units should be stored in a room with AFD....after all, they are just huge battery chargers with all the problems that can arise with these.
Firstly, as I cannot find any written guidance that concurs with my recollections, does anyone know of any guidelines/regulations in force? Many of these units are being stored in the main corridors which are exit routes.
Secondly, is anyone aware of any problems with these? Any instances of them being causes of fires?
Thanks.
John

[TFEM]

Bump.

Anyone any information?

Main concerns are storing these in corridors/on exit routes and leaving them plugged in and charging over school holidays?

Any incidents reported?

Thanks again and sorry to be persistent.

John

[nearlythere]

Bump.

Anyone any information?

Main concerns are storing these in corridors/on exit routes and leaving them plugged in and charging over school holidays?

Any incidents reported?

Thanks again and sorry to be persistent.

John

Don't know of any issues John but I would think that there would be a bigger risk from wheeled trolleys causing an obstruction in a corridor were there would be large numbers of pupils moving together in the event of an evacuation. Corridors are usually specifically sized to take account of an occupancy factor and it could well be that the effective width of the corridor may be compromised when used for storage. 
I would also think that the school does not have a lot of regard for it's equipment when they are happy to leave desirable items like this unsecured.

[SamFIRT]

As with any electrical appliance Laptops can catch fire. There was a reported spate of laptop batteries catching fire a few years back. Dell had a particular problem reported. They seem to have fixed it and recalled a lot of batteries. One of mine included.

In my own FRA we had two laptops ignite only last week. One had been dismantled by its owner and ignited on being switched on after reassembly. Another has been resting on the carpeted floor charging with a blanket over it, blocking the vents.

But I know not of any reported problems with battery charging trollies per se. I must say I have not seen one as yet myself.

How many laptops are normally connected to such a trolley? What is the current drain if they all take what they need at once? Are they supplied with individual transformed supplies or do they share a common supply?

[Dinnertime Dave]

Common sense would say that the laptops and the charger should be tested as per any portable appliance. I would welcome further info myself as the school where I am a governor is fund raising the moment to replace its desktops with laptops.

I am aware of a recent large fire in a school in the midlands that was started by an exploding laptop that had been left on charge for 20 hours.