In the summer, people flock outside. Tablets, smartphones and mobile loudspeakers should not be missing. So that the devices don’t run out of power on the go, many use power banks. But even these should be treated with care.
Power banks are small, mobile power dispensers that can be used to charge the batteries of electronic devices via cable or even wireless charging when you are on the go. But in order to be able to use power banks safely, effectively and for as long as possible, care is required. Although there are various safety precautions, incorrect handling can lead to short circuits and fires in the worst case, according to information from the TÜV Association (VdTÜV), among others.
Power banks don’t like heat
The sun is shining, the temperatures are climbing – what drives us outdoors is sometimes very harmful for power banks. The mobile power dispensers cannot stand excessively high temperatures and direct sunlight. As with smartphones, the optimal operating temperature for most power banks is between 0 and 35 degrees, according to the VdTÜV. If they overheat, for example due to a short circuit or external heat, an internal thermal reaction can be triggered. In extreme cases, this can even lead to an explosion. So don’t leave the energy dispensers lying around in the car or even on the dashboard in the summer.
It is also not a good idea to charge your cell phone with the power bank in your pocket or in another small space such as a backpack or handbag. The resulting heat combined with high summer temperatures could result in burn injuries.
Examine the power bank carefully after a fall
After a fall or with general external injuries, you should be careful with a power bank. Is the case bloated or deformed? Are there contact points on metal parts or melting points on the housing? In such cases, it is better to dispose of the devices professionally. If the power bank gets hot without being connected, this is also a danger signal. The device should then no longer be used. Even if the battery discharges much faster than usual, this is an indication of a defect.
In general, owners should not leave the charging device completely unobserved. For example, it is a good idea to check the temperature regularly. If the power bank gets so hot that you can no longer hold it in your hands, you should immediately disconnect it from your smartphone etc. You should also not leave them charging for too long, for example overnight. The same applies to electronic devices in general, as it can shorten the life of a battery.
Buying Tips
In general, there is a certain risk of fire and explosion with lithium-ion batteries and power banks, despite safety precautions. When buying, consumers should therefore always look for a CE mark, advises the VdTÜV.
The voluntary “GS mark” offers additional orientation. If you are mainly active outdoors, you should also pay attention to an IP67 certification. It states that the power bank is dustproof and protected from water, among other things. It must therefore withstand temporary submersion of up to one meter for up to 30 minutes.
Inferior energy sources can not only damage the device to be charged, but also pose a risk of fire and explosion. Incorrect or misleading CE marks cannot be ruled out, especially in the case of self-imported devices, for example via the Internet. If in doubt, you should take a close look and make sure, among other things, that the abbreviation stands for “Conformité Européenne” – and not for “China Export”, as the TÜV association has already determined for some Chinese goods.
Also be careful with so-called no-name goods: “If no manufacturer is specified, you should rather not buy the power bank,” advises the association. Skepticism is appropriate, especially when it comes to extremely cheap offers with high performance promises.
Also read: You should pay attention to this when buying a power bank
Models with intelligent charging mode
Anyone who buys a device should ensure that the output voltage matches that of the device to be charged, otherwise there is a risk of damage. There are often several connections, which then charge with different amperages. Some models have an intelligent charging mode and can recognize the device to be charged accordingly and adjust the charge accordingly. Those who will not be using the device for a long time should not leave it fully discharged, but partially charge it from time to time, which can extend its service life.