Powerbank: Risk of explosion through incorrect use
If you are on the go a lot, you always have your cell phone with you. So that the juice does not run out, many use power banks. But the mobile batteries are not completely harmless. We show you which mistakes power bank users should absolutely avoid.
Berlin (dpa / tmn) – So-called deliver fresh juice for the battery of your portable device power banks. These are basically rechargeable batteries with connections. However, care must be taken in order to be able to use them safely, effectively and for as long as possible. Although there are various safety precautions, incorrect handling can in the worst case lead to short circuits and fires, informs the TÜV Association (VdTÜV).
Shop recommendation for power banks
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Batteries don’t like heat at all
Avoid 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 lead to an explosion. So, do not leave the energy dispenser open in the car or even on the dashboard in summer.
Not a good idea either: charge your mobile phone with the power bank in your pocket! The resulting heat together with high summer temperatures could lead to burn injuries.
Dispose of defective power banks immediately
If the power bank has fallen or if it looks generally damaged, the experts also advise caution. Is the case puffed up 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 properly. Will the power bank hot without it being connected, this is 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, however, it is better not to charge the device in question unattended and the temperature is checked from time to time. If the power bank gets so hot that it can no longer be held in your hands, it must be disconnected immediately. They should not be left to charge for too long, for example overnight.
You have to pay attention to this when buying
In general, there is a certain risk of fire and explosion with lithium-ion batteries such as power banks despite safety precautions. Consumers therefore pay more and more attention to a CE mark when buying, advises the VdTÜV.
The voluntary “GS mark” offers additional orientation. Anyone who is mainly active outdoors should pay attention to an IP67 certification. According to the VdTÜV, this means that the power bank is dustproof and protected against water, among other things. She then has to withstand temporary immersion up to one meter for up to 30 minutes.
Inferior energy dispensers can not only damage the device being charged, but also pose a fire and explosion hazard. Incorrect or misleading CE marks cannot be ruled out, especially for devices imported via the Internet. In case of doubt, you should take a close look at it and make sure, for example, that it stands for “Conformité Européenne” – 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, it is better not to buy the power bank,” advises the association. Skepticism is therefore appropriate, especially in the case of extremely cheap offers with high performance promises.
Buy recommendation: Power banks with intelligent charging mode
Anyone who buys a device should make sure that the output voltage matches that of the device to be charged, otherwise there is a risk of damage. Often there are several connections that 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. Anyone who will not be using the device for a long time should not let it discharge completely, but rather partially charge it from time to time, which can extend its service life.
Categories: General