5 Habits for Safe Use of Power Banks
As smart devices become more prevalent, power banks have become essential for extending battery life on the go. However, there have been reports of power bank explosions, raising safety concerns. By developing good usage habits and selecting certified products, you can minimize risks.
1. Risks of Using Power Banks in High Temperatures
Overheating can accelerate internal chemical reactions in power banks. When temperatures exceed the safe operating range of lithium-ion batteries (typically -20°C to 60°C), batteries may swell, leak, or even explode. For example, leaving a power bank on a car dashboard in summer can cause the internal pressure to rise rapidly in the high heat, potentially leading to ignition or explosion within 15 minutes if the power bank is of poor quality.
2. Impact of Humid Environments on Power Banks
Moisture can form on the metal parts and circuit boards of power banks in humid conditions, increasing the risk of short circuits. When relative humidity exceeds 80%, the likelihood of power banks getting damp significantly increases. A short circuit can generate arcs or localized high temperatures, which may cause fires or explosions. For instance, placing a power bank on a sandy beach or near the damp ground by the sea can allow moisture to seep into the power bank, posing safety hazards.
3. Dangers of Over-discharging
Over-discharging can lower the battery voltage of power banks below the safe operating level, damaging the positive and negative electrode materials. Prolonged over-discharging can cause internal short circuits, generating excessive heat and increasing the risk of fire or explosion. Research shows that frequently discharging power banks to low voltage levels can shorten their battery life by over 30% and reduce the stability of the battery cells. For example, during extended business trips, neglecting the power bank’s charge level and letting it remain at a low charge or fully depleted can not only reduce its lifespan but also pose safety risks.
4. How to Determine if a Power Bank Is Aging and Needs Replacement
- Physical Appearance Changes: If a power bank’s surface shows noticeable bulges, deformations, or cracks, it may indicate that the internal battery has swollen, which is often a sign of aging. Battery swelling occurs when electrolyte decomposes and produces gases that cannot escape, serving as a dangerous signal of battery aging.
- Battery Capacity Decline: If a power bank’s charge depletes much faster than before, such as previously being able to fully charge a phone twice but now only once or even less, and the charging time has significantly increased, this suggests that the battery’s capacity has severely deteriorated, and it’s time for replacement.
- Abnormal Heating During Charging: Under normal circumstances, a power bank may feel slightly warm during charging. However, if it becomes excessively hot, with temperatures exceeding 45°C and lasting for an extended period, it may indicate internal cell aging or circuit failure, necessitating timely replacement to prevent potential dangers.
5. Safety Certifications to Look for When Purchasing
- 3C Certification: The 3C Certification is China’s mandatory product certification system. For power banks, obtaining 3C Certification means the product meets the national standards for electrical and safety performance. Products without 3C Certification cannot guarantee quality and safety.
- UN38.3 Certification: UN38.3 Certification is an international standard for lithium battery transportation safety. It tests the stability of batteries under various extreme conditions. Power banks with this certification can effectively reduce the risk of failures during transportation or use due to vibrations, temperature extremes, overcharging, or over-discharging. Statistics show that power banks with UN38.3 Certification have a failure rate during transportation that is over 60% lower than non-certified products.
- CE Certification: CE Certification is the European Union’s mandatory requirement for product safety, health, and environmental protection. Power banks with the CE mark comply with EU standards, ensuring strict control over electrical performance and electromagnetic compatibility, providing users with more reliable safety assurance.”
