Over the weekend, we saw the news of how a power bank exploded on the body
of it’s user. This happened while he was charging his phone with the power bank
in his pocket. We may ask, Why? Why would a power bank all of a sudden
explode? You guys requested we do a piece on why power banks explode, my
curious mind was also yearning to learn this too. So I hereby present to you: The
likely causes of a power bank explosion.
1.) Poor Battery Quality
Batteries are the major components of power banks, infact that’s the most
expensive part when you try to cost it individually. Most of the power banks in the
market are made from Lithium-ion or Lithium-Polymer batteries, though the former
is a cheaper option.
Manufacturers, (in a bid to keep prices down) tend to use the Lithium- ion
batteries to save costs. In worst case scenarios, some manufacturers go to the
extent of using recycled batteries. This increases the chances or likeliness of
explosion at a later time.
2.) Wrong Circuit Design:
It doesn’t just end with the quality of battery. The internal circuit design of a
power bank is another likely cause of explosion. For a power bank a good circuit
design entails the following :
* Power protection: A well made power bank should have power protection. This is a
mechanism that ensures that the battery stops charging once it has reached full
capacity.
* Short circuit control: A good power bank should have it’s circuit fully insulated to
prevent short circuit. (Short circuit means touching of wires)
* Temperature control: The ideal power bank should have a kind of temperature
control such that once it hits a particular temperature, it shuts down to cool off.
If one or more of these are not built into the power bank, the chances of a likely
explosion in the future are high.
3.) Improper or Wrong Usage
What can cause a power bank to explode could be traced to us – the users. How
do you handle your power banks? Exposing power banks to high temperatures or
humidity can lead to what can cause explosion . Overcharging of power banks is
bad practice. Especially when it doesn’t have power protection like we explained
above. Other bad practices include spilling water on it or leaving it near a heated
area, like under the sun.
So now you know the likely causes of a power bank explosion. Meanwhile be
careful of dirt cheap power banks, also do not use power banks in your pockets.
Cheers.