Why power banks can explode, and how to stay safe

The smartphone has become an essential part of daily life, handling calls, messaging, chatting and photography. To keep a phone running all day, its charge has to last, which is why many people use power banks and carry them while travelling.

But a power bank can blast if it is not properly cared for, so a few points are worth remembering when buying and using one.

The first is buying a local, cheap power bank. People often pick these to save money. The batteries in such gadgets are of very poor quality, and they also lack proper circuit protection. This raises the risk of overloading, overheating and short circuits in the power bank. For the same reasons, a smartphone can sometimes blast too. Always buy a power bank from a trusted, reputable company. It may cost more, but you can use it safely.

The second is keeping a power bank in the sun. Many people unknowingly leave it in the wrong place, such as a car dashboard. In a hurry or without thinking, we put it on the dashboard or somewhere that gets direct sunlight. In summer the temperature inside a car rises, and a power bank left in the sun gets even hotter. If a lithium-ion battery goes beyond the temperature it can withstand, it can blast.

Many people also put a power bank on charge and charge their phone from it at the same time, then play heavy games or stream video on the phone. This puts strain on the gadgets and can make them hotter, raising the risk of a blast.

The third is charging a power bank for too long. Using a local adapter to charge it can be dangerous, and leaving it plugged in long after it is fully charged is not safe. Every power bank comes with a specific amperage and voltage rating. Yet people often leave it charging overnight and use any fast charger made for phones.

Once a power bank is fully charged, current can still flow into it. Overcharging can make the battery swell and blast. Charging a power bank with a wrong or damaged cable can also cause a blast.