Electronics & Fire Risk Disclosure
Governing Standard — NFPA 99
This disclosure is grounded in NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association. Chapter 14 of NFPA 99 specifically governs hyperbaric facilities and is the primary fire and life safety code applicable to hyperbaric chamber operations in the United States.
"No unapproved electronic devices are allowed inside a hyperbaric chamber. NFPA standards mandate fire-protection and operational safety codes because hyperbaric incidents escalate instantly and without warning. Compressing a hyperbaric chamber increases the partial pressure of oxygen and significantly increases fire risk."
NFPA 99 establishes that these are not optional guidelines — they are enforceable life-safety codes. Per NFPA 99 Section 14.2.8.3.17.5, battery-operated devices inside a hyperbaric chamber must meet strict criteria. The code's intent is to have all power sources located outside the chamber.
Prestige Hyperbaric is a Class B (monoplace) wellness facility. While NFPA 99 does not explicitly enumerate every individual device, the code's intent is unambiguous: the hyperbaric environment is not compatible with consumer electronics, and no electronic device should be presumed safe unless it has been specifically designed, tested, and certified for use in hyperbaric conditions by the manufacturer or a nationally recognized testing agency.
Why Electronics Are Dangerous in a Hyperbaric Environment
The danger is not the electronics themselves — it is the environment. Hyperbaric chambers elevate atmospheric pressure and increase the partial pressure of oxygen inside the breathing space. This creates conditions where:
- Materials that are normally flame-resistant can ignite easily
- The ignition temperature of combustible materials is significantly lowered
- Fires spread faster, burn hotter, and are far more intense than in normal air
- A spark that would be inconsequential at atmospheric pressure can ignite a catastrophic fire in seconds
- The enclosed chamber structure leaves no time or space to escape
Every electronic device — from a cell phone to a TV system — generates heat, electrical current, and electromagnetic activity during operation. Under normal conditions, these outputs are harmless. Inside or adjacent to a pressurized oxygen environment, they become potential ignition sources.
Lithium-ion batteries are the single most dangerous class of device in a hyperbaric environment and are strictly advised against for your safety.
Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to a phenomenon called thermal runaway — a self-reinforcing chain reaction where internal heat causes the battery to overheat, vent flammable gas, and potentially ignite or explode. This can be triggered by:
- Physical damage, manufacturing defects, or aging of the battery
- Exposure to elevated temperatures (the pressurized environment can accelerate this)
- Pressure changes during chamber compression and decompression cycling
- Any short-circuit event — including from moisture, condensation, or equipment failure
- Overcharging or over-discharging cycles that have degraded the battery
Lithium-ion battery fires cannot be extinguished with standard CO₂, dry chemical, or foam extinguishers inside a chamber. There are no suppression systems that reliably extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire once thermal runaway has occurred inside an enclosed pressurized chamber. The consequences are catastrophic and instantaneous.
Devices containing lithium-ion batteries include: smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, portable power banks, e-cigarettes, and most modern battery-powered consumer electronics.
Electronics Risk Comparison
While we cannot declare any electronic device safe for use in a hyperbaric environment, the following table reflects the relative risk profile based on NFPA 99 guidance and established hyperbaric safety research. Lower risk does not mean safe.
| Device Type | Risk Level | Primary Hazard |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones, tablets, laptops | EXTREME | Lithium-ion thermal runaway, sparking circuits, EMI |
| Smart watches, fitness trackers | EXTREME | Lithium-ion battery, continuous operation, direct skin contact |
| Wireless earbuds, AirPods | EXTREME | Lithium-ion battery, very small casing, no thermal management |
| Portable power banks | EXTREME | High-capacity lithium-ion, not designed for pressure cycling |
| Hearing aids | VERY HIGH | Battery-powered, proximity to oxygen-rich breathing zone |
| In-chamber TV systems (corded, no battery) | ELEVATED | Electrical connections, heat generation — safer than battery devices but not risk-free |
| In-chamber speaker systems (corded, no battery) | ELEVATED | Electromagnetic output, electrical connections — safer than battery devices but not risk-free |
| AC-powered accessories (fan, air conditioning) | ELEVATED | Electrical current, potential sparking — must remain outside chamber envelope |
Regarding Corded Electronics Sold or Provided by Prestige Hyperbaric
Prestige Hyperbaric sells and provides certain corded electronic accessories — including TV systems, Bose speaker systems, and AC comfort upgrades — that may be used in conjunction with hyperbaric chambers.
Per NFPA 99 Section 14.2.9.3.16.7, cord-connected devices used in hyperbaric environments must meet specific electrical ratings and requirements. Prestige Hyperbaric makes reasonable efforts to source accessories appropriate for hyperbaric use, but we are not a testing laboratory, and individual units may vary.
Your Choice — Your Responsibility
Prestige Hyperbaric provides this disclosure so that you can make a fully informed decision. We will never tell you that any electronic device is definitively safe in a hyperbaric environment, because doing so would be inaccurate and irresponsible.
By proceeding with a session in which any electronic device is present, or by purchasing and using any electronics accessory in connection with a hyperbaric chamber, you acknowledge and agree:
- You have read and understood this disclosure in its entirety.
- You understand that NFPA 99 establishes that no consumer electronic device should be presumed safe for hyperbaric use unless specifically tested and certified for that purpose.
- You understand that lithium-ion battery devices are the highest-risk category and are strictly advised against.
- You understand that corded electronic accessories carry elevated risk that cannot be fully eliminated.
- You accept full personal responsibility for the decision to use any electronic device in connection with your hyperbaric chamber use.
- You release Prestige Hyperbaric and Mr. Fix All Handyman LLC from any and all liability arising from the use of any electronic device in connection with hyperbaric chamber sessions.
Absolute Prohibitions — No Exceptions
Regardless of the above disclosures, the following items are strictly prohibited inside the chamber at all Prestige Hyperbaric wellness sessions and cannot be brought into the chamber under any circumstances:
- Any device containing a lithium-ion battery (smartphones, tablets, smart watches, wireless earbuds, etc.)
- Any standalone battery or battery pack
- Lighters, matches, or any flame-producing item
- E-cigarettes or vaping devices
- Any device not explicitly approved by staff before the session
Violation of these prohibitions is a zero-tolerance safety violation and will result in immediate ejection without refund. See our Facility Rules & Safety Policies for the full list of prohibited items.
Questions about electronics safety?
Our team is happy to walk you through any device before your session. When in doubt, ask us first.
Call 727-591-4268 prestigehyperbaric@gmail.com