• Experts reveal the signs that your power bank might be better off at home, amid growing fire fears
• Warning comes as a number of mid-flight fires involving power banks have sparked safety concerns
• Major airline announces ban on the use of power banks on its flights from October 1st.
Holidaymakers are being urged to think twice before packing their power banks, as major airlines clamp down on their use in the air amid growing fire fears.
The warning comes as a spate of incidents have sparked safety concerns after a power bank burst into flames earlier this month in an overhead locker on a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam. A similar incident also occurred last month on a Virgin Australia flight bound for Hobart.
As a result, one of the world’s biggest airlines, Emirates, has banned the use of power banks on it flights from October 1st of this year, as safety concerns grow.
Now, safety experts reveal the signs that Brits should be looking out for that may indicate their power bank may be an increased fire risk.
Why power banks can be dangerous if they fail
Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which if damaged can create aggressive fires that can release highly toxic fumes – a process known as thermal runaway.
“Power banks are popular travel items that keep you powered up on the go,” Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, explains. “But they contain lithium-ion batteries which can hold a sizable amount of energy in a very small space, so can pose a serious fire risk if they become damaged or are manufactured to a substandard level.”
How do I know if something is wrong with my power bank?
The biggest tell-tale sign is if your power bank starts to bulge, swell or change shape.
“Swollen failure and it may mean the device is at serious risk of catching fire, sparking a dangerous process called thermal runaway, where toxic fumes are expelled and a fire occurs,” Giuseppe Capanna warns.
“If you notice any damage or deformation to your power bank when you’re packing for your holiday abroad, don’t bring the device with you. Instead, safely dispose of it as soon as possible at a local recycling centre that has dedicated facilities for electronics and batteries,” Giuseppe Capanna adds. “Always follow airline rules and never put power banks in your checked luggage. Keep them in your hand luggage and if you spot any signs of damage or deformation while flying, alert airline staff straight away.”
Image of a swollen powerbank
Credit: Electrical Safety First
The do’s for your power bank
- Do buy your power bank from a reputable high street retailer that you know and trust.
- Do stay up-to-date with product recalls and safety notices.
- Do keep it away from heat sources and liquids such as direct sunlight, humidity or water.
The don’t for your power bank
- buying your power bank from an online marketplace, as they have no legal responsibility for the safety of goods sold by third parties on their platforms, leaving you vulnerable to substandard products.
- Don't charge your power bank overnight or whilst you are out of the house.
- Don’t expose it to extreme temperatures,.
- Don’t drop or roughly handle your power bank which may damage internal components.
- Don't cover your power bank whilst charging that may increase the devices temperature unnecessarily and charge in a well-ventilated environment.