Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a monitoring signal from a network plug-in device where the monitoring signal includes location and identification information associated with the network plug-in device and where the server is remote from the network plug-in device, and determine whether the network plug-in device is in an unauthorized location based at least in part on the monitoring signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a monitoring signal from a network plug-in device where the monitoring signal includes location and identification information associated with the network plug-in device and where the server is remote from the network plug-in device, and determine whether the network plug-in device is in an unauthorized location based at least in part on the monitoring signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal runaway detection apparatus is provided for use during charging of a battery. The thermal runaway detection apparatus includes circuitry for determining internal resistance (impedance) or conductance (admittance) of the battery under charge. Detection circuitry detects an increase in internal battery conductance or a decrease in internal battery resistance and provides an output. The output is indicative of a thermal runaway condition in the battery. The circuitry can be used to provide feedback which controls charging of the battery.