Power banks have become indispensable companions for our digital lives, but like any device containing lithium batteries, they require proper handling to ensure safe operation. While modern power banks include numerous safety features, understanding best practices helps prevent accidents and extends the life of your investment.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about using, charging, and storing your portable charger safely, with particular attention to Australian conditions where extreme heat can pose additional challenges.
Understanding Lithium Battery Basics
Before diving into safety tips, it helps to understand what's inside your power bank. Most portable chargers use lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery cells. These technologies offer excellent energy density and are generally very safe when properly manufactured and handled.
However, lithium batteries do have specific vulnerabilities. They don't tolerate extreme temperatures well, can be damaged by physical impact, and in rare cases may experience thermal runaway if something goes seriously wrong. Quality power banks include multiple layers of protection against these scenarios, but proper handling remains important.
If your power bank shows signs of swelling, produces unusual smells, makes crackling sounds, or becomes extremely hot during use, stop using it immediately and dispose of it safely at an e-waste facility. These are warning signs of potential battery failure.
Safe Charging Practices
How you charge your power bank significantly affects both its safety and longevity. Follow these guidelines for optimal results.
Use Quality Charging Equipment
Always use the cable that came with your power bank, or a high-quality replacement from a reputable brand. Cheap cables may have inadequate wire gauge, leading to excessive heat generation. Similarly, use a quality wall charger rated appropriately for your power bank's input specifications.
For power banks supporting fast charging input, using an appropriately rated fast charger is fine and won't damage the battery. The power bank's internal circuitry regulates incoming power to safe levels.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures During Charging
Lithium batteries are most comfortable charging at room temperature, roughly between 10°C and 30°C. Charging outside this range puts stress on the battery cells and can reduce their lifespan.
This is particularly relevant in Australia. Never leave a power bank charging in a hot car, near a window in direct sunlight, or outdoors on a summer day. Similarly, don't charge a power bank that's cold from being in air conditioning until it warms to room temperature.
- Ideal charging temperature: 15-25°C
- Safe charging range: 5-35°C
- Never charge above 45°C or below 0°C
- If the power bank feels hot, let it cool before charging
Don't Leave It Charging Unattended Overnight
While quality power banks have overcharge protection, it's still good practice to unplug your power bank once it's fully charged rather than leaving it connected indefinitely. This reduces unnecessary stress on the battery cells and eliminates any risk from unlikely component failures.
Most modern power banks take 4-8 hours to charge from empty, depending on capacity and input power. Plan your charging accordingly.
Safe Usage Practices
Ventilation Matters
Power banks generate heat during both charging and discharging. Ensure adequate airflow around your power bank while it's in use. Avoid covering it with blankets, clothing, or placing it in insulated spaces where heat can build up.
This is especially important when charging high-power devices like tablets or laptops, which draw more current and generate more heat in the power bank.
Inspect Your Power Bank Regularly
Get in the habit of visually inspecting your power bank periodically. Look for:
- Physical damage such as dents, cracks, or punctures
- Swelling or bulging of the case
- Discolouration or burn marks
- Loose or damaged ports
- Frayed or damaged cables
If you notice any of these issues, stop using the power bank immediately. Physical damage can compromise internal safety mechanisms, making the battery unpredictable.
Avoid Physical Stress
While power banks are designed to be portable, they shouldn't be subjected to excessive physical stress. Avoid dropping them, sitting on them, or placing heavy objects on top of them. Internal battery cells can be damaged by impacts, even if the external case appears undamaged.
For outdoor use, consider a rugged power bank with drop protection and shock-resistant construction. These are designed to handle the rough treatment that comes with camping and adventure activities.
Storage Guidelines
Optimal Storage Charge Level
If you're storing a power bank for an extended period (more than a few weeks), don't store it fully charged or completely empty. The ideal storage charge level is around 40-60% capacity. This puts minimal stress on the battery chemistry during storage.
Storing a lithium battery at 100% charge accelerates capacity degradation. Storing at 0% risks the battery falling below safe voltage levels, potentially causing permanent damage.
Storage Temperature
Store your power bank in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal. Avoid storing in locations that experience extreme temperature swings, such as garden sheds, garages, or car boots.
In Australian summers, indoor storage is essential. A power bank left in a hot car can reach internal temperatures exceeding 60°C, which can permanently damage battery cells or, in worst cases, cause safety incidents.
Never leave power banks in parked cars, especially during summer. Australian car interiors regularly exceed 60°C on hot days, which can cause serious damage to lithium batteries and create fire risks.
Keep Away from Metal Objects
When storing or carrying your power bank, keep it away from loose metal objects like keys, coins, or jewellery. Metal objects bridging the output ports could potentially cause a short circuit. Most power banks have protection against this, but it's an unnecessary risk.
Travel Safety
Airline Regulations
Power banks must always travel in your carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. This is a universal airline safety requirement because cabin crew can respond to any battery issues, while a problem in the cargo hold could be catastrophic.
Airlines also restrict power bank capacity. Most allow up to 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh at 3.7V) without approval. Between 100-160Wh, you'll need airline approval and are limited to two devices. Above 160Wh is prohibited on commercial flights. For more details, see our complete airline regulations guide.
Prevent Accidental Activation
When travelling, prevent your power bank from accidentally turning on in your bag by keeping it in a protective case or sleeve. Some power banks activate when buttons are pressed, which can happen when bags are jostled or compressed. An activated power bank in a poorly ventilated bag generates heat with nowhere to go.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Battery incidents are rare with quality power banks, but knowing how to respond is important.
If your power bank starts smoking or catches fire: Get away from it immediately. Don't try to extinguish a lithium battery fire with water. If safe to do so, move the power bank outdoors or away from flammable materials. Call emergency services if the fire spreads.
If your power bank swells: Stop using it immediately. A swollen battery is physically damaged and unpredictable. Don't try to "use up" the remaining charge. Take it to an e-waste recycling facility for safe disposal.
If your power bank gets wet: Stop using it immediately and don't attempt to charge it. Let it dry completely for several days before assessing whether it's safe to use. Water damage may not be immediately apparent but can cause corrosion and short circuits over time.
Buying Safe Power Banks
Prevention starts with purchasing quality products. Avoid extremely cheap power banks from unknown brands, which may lack proper safety circuitry. Look for products with certifications such as CE, RCM (Australian compliance), or UL listing.
Reputable brands like Anker, Samsung, Belkin, and Xiaomi have established quality control processes and stand behind their products. The small premium you pay for a quality power bank buys genuine safety engineering and testing.
Following these safety guidelines ensures your power bank serves you reliably for years while minimising any risk of accidents. For help choosing a safe, quality power bank, explore our product comparisons and recommendations.