In the digital era, our busy lifestyle depends very much on the gadgets we use. You may check Instagram while waiting for a film to continue, swipe through Tinder while waiting for friends, watch Netflix on a bus, etc. “Screen technology” is all around us, making up a big part of our everyday lives.
Even if “time is money”, we seem unwilling to reduce our time online. But whatever is to blame – one thing is for sure, our modern gadgets are power-hungry, and they need some battery support!
So, if you want to purchase a power bank but are still unsure whether power banks are dangerous for mobile phones or not, this blog post will help!
Power Banks – Yes, You Need Them, And This Is Why
We are sure that you have at least once experienced being outside the office or home when you have noticed that the battery is down to nearly 10%. It could even have happened while being on the road where the only GPS you have is on your phone. Or maybe waiting for an important call, but the battery died before you could take it.
So yes, you need a power bank!
And no, it is not the same as taking your charger with you.
The thing is that a power bank is a reservoir of energy that you connect with a phone. Having only your phone charger is not enough – after all, where are you going to plug it in when you are outside?
Power Bank Safety: The Biggest Concern
The question “Are power banks safe?” has earnt worldwide focus following the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery explosion, which all global media had reported on. After that incident, safety standards became the leading concern in the mobile phone industry. That is why you should be careful when buying a new power bank or a phone battery replacement.
Another study shows that dozens of dangerous products are available in the online market. Many USB portable chargers, power banks and travel chargers were tested and failed electrical safety tests. It illustrates how difficult it is to find a safe and high-quality power bank.
The fact that external batteries come in different capacities, sizes, and colours makes the task even harder! So, to help you with your choice, we have created MyTrendyPhone’s not-to-be-missed list of tips on how to find a safe power bank!
Safety Tip 1: A Lithium-Polymer Power Bank Is a Must
The secret behind battery safety is the high-quality power cells that every power bank consists of today. It gives them a high charging quality, efficiency and a long product life.
Checking if the battery is Lithium Polymer is especially important, as power banks could damage the charged device if you overcharge it. So, our number one piece of advice is to always invest in a high-grade Lithium-ion Polymer battery.
Safety Tip 2: Check for Built-In Protection Against Overcharging
Another crucial factor regarding power bank safety is choosing a power bank that includes automatic protection against overheating, short circuits and overcharging.
This feature is an essential part of all external batteries and chargers of the newer generation. Our advice is not to invest in a product that does not include built-in protection.
Safety Tip 3: What Is the Battery Capacity?
Power bank capacity is shown in milliamp-hours (mAh). So, the more mAh a power bank has, the higher the charging capacity of your new gadget. Make sure that the output voltage (V) of the power bank matches your device. Otherwise, the power bank could damage your phone battery if its output voltage is lower or higher than your phone battery can support.
Power banks often include different ports which charge mobile devices at various amounts of amperes (Amps). Therefore, it is necessary to understand which port charges which device.
Always check:
- The output voltage of the power bank and the charged device.
- The amperage of the power bank’s ports.
Safety Tip 4: Avoid Prolonged Charging
Leaving your power bank plugged in longer than needed can lead to overheating. It can be particularly dangerous if the product is charging on a bed where heat can build up. Prolonged charging can cause a power bank to become extremely hot while charging your mobile phone or tablet. It is a sign that devices need to be immediately unplugged.
Consistent overcharging will decrease your power bank’s efficiency. Therefore, you should avoid regularly leaving it plugged in overnight, even if the product has built-in overcharging protection.
Safety Tip 5: Cable Quality Matters
The quality of the cable used for power bank charging, and connecting your device with a power bank, is crucial. It regulates how much time is needed for a power bank to be fully charged. It also gives protection to your device against overheating. Therefore, always use the original cables you got with the device at the moment of purchase.
In case your original cable is damaged, use cables from manufacturers that guarantee original quality. Many third-party cables provide safe charging but check if its quality is the same as the original one.
Safety Tip 6: Brand Reviews Count For a Lot
Before you choose a power bank you like, make sure to check the brand! Today, people tend to share their thoughts about different products, services and brands, so do brand research to ensure that it isn’t fake. Buying a power bank from a reputable source should ensure that the product is of high-quality.
Also, always check whether an online seller issues a warranty for their products in case of defect or any malfunction.
Other factors to take into consideration before choosing:
- Always check product reviews.
- Do not decide based only on price.
Safety Tip 7: Use It With Care
Several accidents caused by power banks or other types of batteries are due to mishandling and improper use. Store power banks in a cold, dry place. This means that you should not expose the battery to high temperatures or heat sources, or liquids and spillages, neither should you keep the battery in an environment that could physically damage it.
Furthermore, connecting a power bank with a voltage-incompatible device may put both your power bank and the charged device at risk.
All electronic devices should be handled with care so that you can use them safely and effectively for as long as possible.
Make sure to:
- Charge it only when needed.
- Don’t leave it exposed to the sun, unless it is a solar power bank.
- Don’t leave it uncharged for an extended period.
- Don’t leave it in a car or inside a pocket.
- Always keep it dry.
Safety Tip 8: Match the Power Bank Design With Your Lifestyle
Have you never been a fan of water-resistant or slim designs? Now you will be!
You may wonder how design affects whether an external battery is safe or not. Well, it plays a less obvious role. It all depends on your daily routine and activities, but if you are a fan of outside sports where a power bank can come in contact with water, then you should look for a water-resistant model.
Are you the type of person who usually carries many different things in a purse or a backpack? In that case, we advise you to search for a slim and smart design that will not take up too much room but will still avoid damage despite its non-robust look.
Safety Tip 9: Always Read Product Instructions!
If you are new to the use of power banks, make sure to read thoroughly the user manual that comes with the product. The manual will explain in detail how to charge it and pair it with your other devices. Take special note of the warnings!
Safety Tip 10: Do Not “Upgrade” Your Power Bank
You may find a range of tutorials and videos on how to modify your power banks, but we advise you not to try to “upgrade” them yourself. Any expert in electronic devices would tell you the same.
The general opinion that small electronic devices cannot harm you is a false premise. Any experimenting with the power bank can lead to an electric shock or other injuries.
*Extra Safety Tip: Power Banks Are Not Safe for Children
Even though some power banks come with a pocket mirror, hand warmer, LED lamps or other fun designs, power banks are not for children. Therefore, do not let children play with them because they can be extremely dangerous if they become physically damaged.
Responsible Behaviour Is the Key
Still speculating about whether power banks are safe or not? We assure you that responsible behaviour (good research and understanding of your needs) will prevent any problems!
Power banks give you the possibility to improve your day-to-day life. You will have the chance to make extra videos, capture additional pictures, talk a bit longer with your friends or family. It will surely make a difference to your lifestyle!
So, you don’t need to lower the expectations of your mobile phone’s battery life. Just follow our safety tips, treat your devices with respect and there’ll be no worries!