How to Ensure Charging Safe with Power Banks

A power bank is a portable device used to charge electronic gadgets like smartphones and tablets on the go. However, with the recent trends in smartphones and technological devices causing safety concerns, it is only right to make sure your power pack safety.

In this blog post, I will be sharing with you, all the tips you need to know to ensure that you are charging safely with your power bank.

Common Safety Concerns about Power Banks

Below are some shared concerns about a power bank that need to be aware of: 

• Overheating: Overheating occurs due to poor-quality batteries or extended use without breaks. This can lead to burns, damage to devices, or even fire hazards if not addressed.
• Overcharging: When power banks are left connected to devices or chargers for too long, they risk overcharging. This can shorten the lifespan of both the power bank and the connected devices.
• Short Circuit Risks:Short circuits can result from poor circuit design or damaged ports. This poses risks such as device damage, sparks, or other malfunctions.
• Battery Leakage: Manufacturing defects or exposure to extreme temperatures may cause battery leakage. This can lead to harmful chemical exposure or corrosion of devices.
• Low-Quality Materials: Power banks made with low-quality materials or counterfeit products are more prone to malfunction. This increases the likelihood of overheating, fires, or explosions.
• Capacity Mismatch: Exaggerated capacity claims by unreliable manufacturers can result in power banks not charging devices as advertised. This mismatch can cause frustration or overuse of the device.
• Incompatibility with Devices: Using power banks with incorrect voltage or amperage output can lead to inefficiencies or damage to connected devices. Compatibility issues often arise with unverified products.

How to Ensure Safe Power Bank Charging?

Since we have learned about the usual security risks of a power bank, how to make sure your devices can be charged safely? Below are some best practices to abide by:

1. Use power banks in good condition. Avoid using power banks that have been damaged or have visible signs of wear and tear, as they may be more likely to malfunction. For example, battery leakage problems. Avoid them at all cost because once it is connected to your device, it poses a lot of dangers and one of them is a fire hazard.
2. Don't charge a power bank overnight. This can increase the risk of overcharging. So, as a safety precaution, you should avoid leaving your power banks to charge for an extended period of time, especially on bed or other surfaces that may build up heat.
3. Use the right cables. Incorrect cables can lead to slower charging speeds, overheating, or damage to both the power bank and the connected device. Ensure that you use the correct charging cable and adapter to charge your device and power bank.
4. Check the power bank capacity. Don't use a power bank with a capacity that is too low for the number of devices being charged as it can also cause overloading. Anker 737 Power Bank might be a good choice which boasts an impressive 24,000mAh battery capacity for extended usage. You can enjoy a battery life that's twice as long, ensuring uninterrupted power for all your devices.
5. Charge in a safe place. Ensure that to keep your power bank away from metallic objects as they may induce short circuits within the power bank. Your power banks should be kept away from moisture, high temperatures, and dust as well, as they generate heat.
6. Choose quality power banks. Choose a power bank from a reputable brand to ensure high-quality performance and safety. Products from trusted manufacturers are designed to meet reliable standards. Opting for a power bank with a durable, high-quality battery ensures it can handle regular use effectively and reduces the risk of overheating or malfunctioning.

What to Look for in a Power Bank to Minimize Safety Concerns

When buying a power bank, you should consider the following aspects;

Power Bank with Ample Capacity

The capacity of a power bank is the amount of power it can store. This capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh). The higher the mAh, the higher the charging capacity of the power bank. While purchasing one, ensure the capacity of the power bank is at least three times that of your smartphone device. This ensures that the power bank can fully charge your device multiple times and account for energy loss during the charging process, providing added convenience and reliability. If you are a heavy-duty user, buy power banks with mAh as high as 10000mAh. 

A great example is Anker Prime 20,000mAh Power Bank. Equipped with a massive 20,000mAh capacity, this is ample for charging your phone over three times or your MacBook Air once, making it a perfect companion for a brief trip. Lastly, if you work with multiple devices, you may also want to get power banks that have many ports for easy charging.

Matching Output Voltage with Devices

Also, make sure that the output voltage of the power bank you wish to purchase is the same as that of your device. This is because if lower, you may take a longer time to charge your device and it could in turn affect battery performance and lead to overheating.

Power Bank with High Build Quality

You should consider the quality of the power banks before purchasing one. Normally, those made with lithium polymer or lithium-ion batteries have superior quality. The power bank should have an overcharge protection feature that will shut off the charging process when your device has been fully charged. 

Power Bank with LED Indicator Lights

LED indicator lights help to gauge the amount of power left in a power bank. So, if you own a power bank with these lights, it will help you to avoid overcharging it.

Power Bank from Famous Brand

Lastly, you should make sure to buy power banks only made by reputable companies. This will help ensure that you buy only safety-compliant products.

Conclusion

Ensuring safe charging with power banks comes down to understanding potential risks and making informed choices. By addressing common safety concerns, following proper charging practices, and selecting high-quality power banks with reliable features like ample capacity, matching output voltage, and LED indicators, you can enhance safety and performance. Prioritize trusted brands and invest in durable options to enjoy hassle-free, efficient charging for your devices.

FAQs about Charging Safe with Power Banks

Does Power Bank Damage the Phone Battery?

Using a power bank won't damage your phone battery if it's of good quality and compatible with your device. Avoid cheap, uncertified power banks that may cause voltage fluctuations. 

Is it Safe to Use a Power Bank While Charging?

Don't do it. It’s not recommended to use a power bank while it’s charging. Charging and discharging simultaneously can cause the power bank to overheat and potentially damage its internal components or charging port. For safe use, follow the user manual and avoid using the power bank during charging.

Are Power Banks Safe on Planes?

Power banks are safe on planes if you follow the rules. To keep yourself and those around you safe, power banks should always be carried in hand luggage when traveling by air and unplugged during takeoff and landing. Also, the power bank should not exceed the amount of mAh recommended by the airline.