The lithium-ion battery inside your power bank is not designed to run forever. After years of use and hundreds of allegations, its performance and capacity will decline, while the risk of more serious issues increases. There are things that you can do to prolong the lifetime of your power bank, while also ensure that you can use it safely. And if it is already a few years old, then there are signs that your power bank can reach the end of its life and need to deal with it properly.
The risk of a power bank is the result of a fire -producing chain reaction, known as thermal runway. But when this happens, the fire is intense, sometimes explosive, and is difficult to extinguish. The anchor recently recalled power banks over 1.1 million, and while the company says it only received 19 reports of fire and explosions, incidents caused many injuries and loss of property more than $ 60,000.
To know how to find out that a power bank has reached the end of its life, can help prevent hardware failures and reduce the risk of fire, but therefore can be active and know how to use the device properly.
How to safely use and prolong your power bank’s life
This may look clear, and it is not foolish, but buying a power bank from a reputed brand can increase the possibility of high quality components and materials, and it is free from manufacturing defects. Cheap power banks may look like a deal, but the corners that have been cut to reduce their value tag may have negative effects on their performance and reliability.
Large and more expensive power banks with high capacity – like a 20,000mAh model instead of a small 5,000mAh – usually lasts for a long time, AnchorExcess capacity means that the power bank has more battery cells to distribute the power load, puts less stress on them personally and increases their lifetime.
Thermal runways, usually responsible for the power bank fire, are when chemical reactions in a rechargeable battery produce more heat, which can cause more heat, resulting in rapid, uncontrolled release of energy. To help reduce the risk of overheating, you should avoid using or storing power banks in an environment where there is excessive temperature. For example, do not store them in a vehicle that is at risk of getting extremely hot inside, and avoid coming in contact with direct sunlight.
It is a good idea to store your power banks in a cell such as a cool, dry and dark place, but they may not have to keep them all in the same container. Keeping a small space between them reduces the risk of an overheating power bank, making one and one more hot.
It is also important to stop using the power bank and properly dispose of it if it has been pierced or damaged, including contingent drops. Although it may look fine outward (separate from a scuffle or a dental), it is impossible to know how the battery inside is affected, and it is better to be safe from regret.
The anchor’s suggestions to increase the life of the power bank include charging it only between 50 to 80 percent to prevent casual overcharging and charge it to avoid completely drought before the next charge. It also recommends to charge another device to use your power bank, while it is being charged, which can generate excessive heat and put extra stress on the battery.
Some high-end power banks allow for software and firmware updates, and companies sometimes release updates that improve their performance or fix the bug that reduces their ability or lifetime. You can check the specific manufacturer’s website to see if it is the feature given on your model and whether updates are available for download.
How to check if your power bank is failing or is at the end of your life
There are no devices that can definitely tell you when the power bank is time to change, but a common symptom of the battery that has reached the end of their life has decreased. If it is taking a long time to recharge the power bank completely or if the number of using the power bank to recharge your device is reduced, it may be time to change it.
Power banks, especially small models, are always heated when charging or giving strength to other devices. But if your power bank gets so hot that it does not feel safe to handle physically, then it may be an indication that there are potential problems.
Other symptoms that are easy to spot include physical changes such as deformation or inflammation. One of the safety characteristics of lithium-ion batteries is a seal cover that prevents chemicals such as electrolyte, protecting internal components. Excessive heat, or age of battery, can cause disintegration of electrolyte content, which creates a buildup of gases, which expands like a protective cover balloons. If it spreads adequately, it can boost some parts of the power bank outward, which is easy to spot. If left too long, expanding those extended gases can explode the battery.
It is impossible to find out some issues, so it is also a good idea to regularly check the websites of manufacturers for product recall. Like companies Scrutiny And Basic There are dedicated pages where back -called products are listed. You can also discover specific brands and products US Consumer Excise Safety Commission (CPSC), Website To get information about recall.
How to safely settle a power bank
Even though the risk of fire and explosions is low, power banks and other equipment that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries require them to deal with proper and should never be thrown with regular waste or recycling of your home. Has been there Many reports Of Garbage truck fire The lithium-ion is being damaged by the crushing mechanism of the vehicle due to the battery, and is irresponsible to prioritize the convenience of someone else.
Some stores that sell electronics, such as Staples And best BuyOffer recycling programs, but they usually have limitations of what they will accept. As Best by websiteIts store “will not accept items that offer a health or safety threat” or “any product to remember CPSC.” You first want to confirm what your local store is ready to accept.
If you are trying to get rid of a power bank, which has been officially remembered or showing signs of being at the end of your life, you will need to ensure that you are following local laws and rules when it comes to proper settlement and you get a recycling facility that is well -equipped to handle electronics that are potentially dangerous.
Your local municipality may recommend specific features for use. Other than this, US Environmental Protection Agency Website List several outfits that can help you find a disposal facility based on your location, including Earth911, Call2recycleAnd this Green Gadgets of Consumer Technology AssociationBut with retail locations, contacting the electronics recycling feature and confirming the types of devices is a good idea that will accept it.
