Attention with power banks: TÜV warns of the risk of explosion
Smartphones, tablets or smartwatches, they all depend on sufficient electricity. If you are on the go a lot, you often rely on power banks for more battery endurance. But the TÜV advises caution against inferior devices. Buyers should definitely pay attention to the expert tips.
TÜV advises caution with power banks: inferior batteries are dangerous
If you are on the road for a long time or are very dependent on your smartphone, tablet or other device, power banks have long been indispensable. The powerful batteries extend the runtime of mobile devices enormously. But like all rechargeable batteries, they can also be dangerous: “The use of inferior rechargeable batteries can damage and even damage the device being charged to fatal consequences how fires or explosions lead, “warns Dr. Hermann Dinkler, fire and explosion protection expert from the TÜV association (source: TÜV association).
When making a purchase, the expert therefore advises always paying attention to the relationship between price and promised charging capacity. If offers look too good to be true, they often are. At best, you just get an annoyingly weak additional battery. Is it going bad the connected devices can be damaged.
Therefore, according to the TÜV, buyers should if possible pay attention to independent certificates, like the GS certificate or one directly from TÜV. These would reliably confirm the safety of the products.
At least one should CE certificate available with which the manufacturer guarantees to adhere to industry norms and safety standards. However, CE certificates would also be falsified, so they are only one of several options for orientation.
What you need to know about batteries:
TÜV tips: How to use your power bank correctly
The TÜV also has tips ready for correct use: Do not charge the power bank overnight and do not charge your devices on the power bank overnight. Also, you should Never leave additional batteries in the car. Especially in summer they become a danger for you and others. In winter, devices can also be damaged in extreme cold.
If excessive heat develops during charging – the power bank becomes too hot to be held in the hand – remove the connected devices immediately. The power bank should also not as a power supply replacement for at home be used.
If you need a power bank for outdoor activities, it is advisable to also pay attention to an IP67 certification. This guarantees that the device is dust-proof and waterproof to a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes. The loading capacity is different, if you travel by plane, you should pay attention to the information.
