Power banks have become indispensable in today’s digital age, allowing us to keep our devices charged on the go. However, like all electronic devices, they come with risks if not used or maintained properly. Faulty or mishandled power banks have been known to cause fires, explosions, and other hazards.
Here are four practical tips to help you ensure the safe and effective use of your power bank.
- Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Power Bank
Power banks are not built to last forever. On average, they are designed to work efficiently for two to three years, depending on how often you use them. If you find yourself using your power bank daily, you might want to replace it sooner to avoid issues like overheating or malfunction.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your power bank as soon as you notice a drop in its performance, such as longer charging times or it holding less charge. Continuing to use an old power bank puts you at risk for accidents, including explosions or fire.
The capacity of a power bank diminishes over time due to the natural wear of the battery, just like your phone’s battery. Keeping a power bank beyond its prime can lead to dangerous situations, especially under heavy usage.
- Avoid Storing Power Banks in Unsafe Places
Many people make the mistake of leaving their power banks in hot or hazardous environments. Storing them in a car, on top of electrical appliances, or in places where they could overheat is a significant safety risk. Heat is the biggest enemy of electronics, and it can cause power banks to malfunction or even explode. To avoid this, always store your power bank in a cool, dry place and never leave it near flammable objects.
Key tip: Never leave your power bank in direct sunlight or confined spaces where heat can build up. A temperature of over 45°C can cause battery cells to become unstable.
- Charge Your Power Bank on a Flat, Stable Surface
When charging your power bank, always place it on a hard, flat surface like a table or the floor. Avoid soft surfaces such as beds, sofas, or carpets, as these materials trap heat and prevent proper ventilation. Overheating during charging is one of the leading causes of power bank explosions. For added safety, ensure your power bank is away from flammable items like curtains, papers, or clothing during the charging process.
While most high-quality power banks come with built-in safety mechanisms to prevent overheating, cheaper models often lack these features. Always ensure proper ventilation while charging.
- Choose Quality Over Price
While budget-friendly, unbranded power banks may seem appealing, they can pose a significant safety risk. These cheap alternatives often use substandard components that are more likely to overheat, short-circuit, or catch fire. It’s worth investing in a reputable brand that guarantees safety features such as temperature control, overload protection, and short-circuit prevention. Brands like Pineng, Baseus, Xiaomi, and Aukey are known for their reliability and adherence to safety standards.
The batteries inside low-quality power banks are often recycled or made from cheaper materials, which increases the risk of malfunctions. Always check for certifications which ensure the product meets international safety standards.
Power Bank Explosion Leads to House Fire
Recently, content creator Amad Zahry’s home was engulfed in flames after a power bank unexpectedly exploded. Despite being a branded, high-quality device, improper storage likely contributed to the fire. The explosion ignited a nearby curtain, and Amad was unable to extinguish the flames before the fire spread.
