【Epoch Times News on February 24, 2025】Reports of power bank explosions have been circulating, with a multitude of styles available on the market. Magnetic suction power banks, which are not limited in usage scenarios, are particularly popular. How can you confidently select a power bank? What should you pay attention to when using it? These have become essential knowledge. The Central News Agency has compiled safety tips for using power banks:
Identify the “BSMI Certification”: BSMI is a safety standard established by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Republic of China, to ensure that 3C products pass strict inspections. Typically, the registration number for a power bank with BSMI certification starts with “R”, and the public can check on the “Product Inspection Mark Query” website.
“Rated Capacity” is the actual output: Sometimes people buy power banks with a claimed large capacity, only to find that the power runs out after a short usage. Taipower points out that the commonly seen “battery capacity” refers to the internal battery capacity of the power bank; the “rated capacity” is the actual output capacity, which is about 60 to 70% of the battery capacity.
Small size and large capacity do not necessarily mean better: When choosing a power bank, convenience of carrying and price are common considerations for the public. However, if a power bank is small in size, cheap in price, but claims to have a very large capacity, the product may be inaccurately labeled, and purchasing should be avoided.
Pay attention to the manufacturing date: The storage capacity of a power bank will degrade over time. The closer the manufacturing date, the better the energy supply efficiency.
In recent years, magnetic suction power banks and wireless power banks, which are not restricted by charging cables, have become increasingly popular. However, wireless charging efficiency is usually lower than wired charging, meaning the charging process may take more time, generate more heat, and reduce the battery life. Wired power banks have the drawback of damage from frequent plug and unplug actions. Consumers should consider these factors when making a purchase.
Using a power bank in direct sunlight, high temperatures, or humid environments can accelerate battery aging. When not in use, the power bank should be stored in a dry and cool place. Additionally, it should be kept away from sharp metal objects or flammable materials to prevent fires caused by punctures.
When charging a power bank, it is best to use a certified charging cable from the original manufacturer, as it is more efficient and safer. It is also recommended to unplug the charging cable before sleeping or leaving the house to avoid situations where immediate actions cannot be taken in case of emergencies.
The Ministry of Environment has recommended that lithium batteries used in power banks and mobile devices have an average lifespan of 2 to 4 years, depending on individual usage habits. Even if not reaching the end of its lifespan, a power bank should be replaced immediately if it is dropped, cracked, or shows abnormal swelling.
Many people tend to charge their power bank to full capacity and leave it plugged in, which may shorten the battery life. The correct approach is to unplug the charger immediately after the battery is fully charged and avoid charging only when the power is completely depleted, as this can help extend the life of the power bank.
Commercially available power banks mainly consist of two types of battery cores: lithium polymer batteries and lithium-ion batteries, both of which are secondary lithium batteries in cylindrical form. Disposing of these batteries casually not only risks environmental pollution but also poses a hazard when compressed in garbage trucks, potentially causing injuries to sanitation workers.
To dispose of a power bank, there are recycling facilities available at the following locations:
– Chain convenience stores (FamilyMart, 7-11, Hi-Life, etc.)
– Chain supermarkets and hypermarkets (Simple Mart, Carrefour, RT-Mart, etc.)
– Chain clean and cosmetics retail stores (Cosmed, Watsons, etc.)
– Wireless communication equipment retail industry
– Photography equipment retail industry
– Schools
– Community battery recycling points
– Gas stations for automobiles and motorcycles
Apart from the aforementioned locations, individuals can also hand over power banks to local sanitation teams for disposal, and should not discard them haphazardly.
When boarding a plane, all spare batteries must be carried on board and not checked in. Due to the lower air pressure in the cargo hold, power banks onboard may experience pressure expansion, ignition, or even explosion. Therefore, the Civil Aviation Authority stipulates that apart from lithium batteries installed in computers and mobile phones, power banks, spare lithium batteries, and removable lithium batteries are all prohibited from being checked in.
Moreover, the South Korean government recently issued strengthened management measures for carrying power banks on board, requiring spare batteries to be carried on board and individually packed in transparent plastic zip-lock bags. As for the number of power banks allowed to be carried by each airline, generally, those below 100 watt-hours (Wh) and within a certain quantity do not require approval, while capacities exceeding 160Wh are prohibited from being carried on board. It is recommended that passengers carefully confirm the relevant regulations of the airline they are boarding before departure.
(Transferred from the Central News Agency)