You and I See a Power Bank differently, Don’t Pick Wrong!
As smartphones get smaller, their battery capacity is reduced. This, along with energy-intensive new features and our growing dependence on electronic devices, makes portable chargers essential for charging on the move. Yet, power bank explosions have happened more than once. It’s crucial to select products that offer both convenience and safety.
Menu
- Is owning a power bank still necessary when you can easily rent one instead?
- Three reasons why you must own a power bank
- Power Bank Selection Guide
1. Specification Explain
2. QC and PD Fast ChargingIs owning a power bank still necessary when you can easily rent one instead?
With the widespread availability of power bank rental stations in metro stations, convenience stores, and restaurants, and even the possibility of cross-border use, one can’t help but question the necessity of purchasing a portable charger. However, behind the convenience of rentals, there may be many hidden concerns, including varying quality of rented power banks, high fees for forgetting to return them, and uncontrollable safety concerns, with the most notable being safety. After all, explosions and fires caused by short circuits or overcharging often come with huge losses and risks.
Although rental providers consistently work on improving maintenance procedures and problem-solving systems, shared cables and power banks still face significant issues that shouldn’t be overlooked. Beyond what we’ve already mentioned, there are other problems that haven’t been considered or talked about much. For instance, as the use of shared power banks becomes more frequent, should their replacement cycle be shortened? Also, could the “hacker connection cable” OMG Cable¹, which gained popularity a few years back and closely resembles USB cables, pose a risk if used by someone with harmful intentions in shared networks? Without clear information, it’s impossible for us to know.
Owning a power bank offers users a convenient and cost-effective solution, especially essential for activities like camping and international travel. With a personal power bank, you can select models that support quick and wireless charging to suit your needs. You can also easily replace them if they get damaged or reach the end of their service life, providing peace of mind and minimizing risks. Additionally, using your power bank eliminates the concerns of sharing and the potential for information security issues.
Three reasons why you must own a power bank
- Controllable safety
Renting power banks is handy but generally best for emergencies. If you tend to use them regularly or need one for longer periods, think about the total rental costs over time. Also, prioritize the safety of the power banks. Having your own power bank means you can decide when to replace it. You can make this decision based on how it looks and how well it works, which enhances the safety of your electronic devices.
Before using a power bank, ensure it doesn’t have any visible abnormalities, like cracks or swelling. Opt for original charging cables, inspecting them for any damage or bare wires. Favor products with safety certifications, giving preference to those with BSMI certification from the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and NCC safety certification. Look for features such as overcharge and overvoltage protection.
Take SP power banks as an example. Besides passing various domestic and international tests such as BSMI, FCC, CE, GS, RoHS, and WEEE, they incorporate proprietary technologies including “smartSENSE,” “smartBOOST,” “smartFOCUS,” and “smartSHIELD.” The protection offered by “smartSHIELD,” encompassing 12 comprehensive safety features, covers a wide range including overvoltage, overcurrent, electrostatic protection, and fire resistance, among others.
When selecting equipment with safety features, use the provided information to confirm that the product offers both basic certification and advanced safety technologies. Always follow the user manual’s instructions for safe and secure charging.
In addition to protection against overcharging and short circuits, having fire resistance is vital for power banks. This feature is related to the flame retardancy rating of the plastic used in the power bank’s casing. Take the SP QD50 power bank as an example. Its V-0 flame retardancy rating signifies that the product undergoes two 10-second flammability tests, after which any flames or glowing residues must extinguish within 30 seconds, and any falling particles should not ignite cotton. Even though fire incidents are rare in our daily lives, in case of an accident, flame-retardant plastics offer enhanced safety for both individuals and property.
2.Different purposes
Power banks come in various styles, functions, and specifications. Some offer high capacity to support multiple devices, while others are compact, featuring built-in cables or Magsafe wireless charging. The ideal power bank for someone depends on their specific needs and habits. Different scenarios necessitate distinct features. For example, on overnight camping trips where power outlets are rare, a power bank that can charge multiple devices at once, hold enough power for all of them, and withstand outdoor conditions is essential. Conversely, for daily use and social gatherings, compact power banks with built-in cables or wireless charging options are more practical, eliminating the need for extra cables. For those who prioritize quick charging, products supporting PD (Power Delivery) or QC (Quick Charge) technologies are advisable.
We suggest that each person should have a minimum of two power banks to suit different situations and needs. This allows one to be charged while the other is in use, and they can cater to various activities and circumstances. For instance, when traveling internationally, power banks are not permitted in checked luggage and must be in your carry-on bags following the rules set by the CAA (though other agencies might vary slightly):
- When purchasing, identify lithium battery products with a product safety mark (such as certification by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, BSMI, or passing the United Nations 38.3 Test).
- Before use, read the product manual carefully and follow the instructions for safe use.
- Remember to remove the charging power source when charging is complete to avoid overcharging and danger. Also, avoid plugging in to charge while sleeping.
- Do not over-discharge during use to avoid harm.
- Lithium battery products must not be hit, dropped, or impacted.
- When carrying, avoid contact between metal objects and battery terminals to prevent short circuits.
- When the lithium battery exhibits abnormalities, swelling, damage, or other changes, it should be replaced.
- If passengers discover a lithium battery fire on the plane, please notify the crew immediately so that fire extinguishing procedures can be executed as soon as possible.
When you’re planning to take a power bank on a flight, it’s important to check the airline’s specific rules. Typically, you must keep power banks and lithium battery products in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. This is due to the lack of pressure regulation in the cargo area which could cause a power bank to become a safety hazard. While rules can differ between airlines, you should check that your power bank has clear specifications and safety certifications. Its capacity should not exceed 100Wh, or about 27,000mAh, and you should carry no more than 20 units. For larger capacity power banks, contact the airline beforehand to get approval and understand the procedures.
3. Replace it when needed
Many people have learned about the importance of safe power bank use after experiencing accidents. The key to safety is replacing them at the right time. You should also look for safety certifications when you buy one, and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and anything that might catch fire. But remember, the thing people often forget is when to get a new power bank. The Environmental Protection Agency states that a daily-used power bank should be replaced every 2–4 years. Also, if your power bank gets damaged, starts to swell, or shows any cracks, replace it right away and stop using it.
Additionally, while some power banks come with overcharge protection features, it’s generally best to avoid leaving them plugged in longer than necessary once fully charged. Also, aim to keep the power bank’s charge between 20–80% when not in use to help extend its lifespan. It’s common for users to charge their phones with a power bank while the power bank is also charging, but this simultaneous charging should be avoided. Taking a bit of extra care with your power bank can give you more control over its usage, maintenance, and understanding when it may need replacement, something you miss out on with rented units.
Power Bank Selection Guide
If it’s recommended that we all have at least two power banks, how do we choose? Look at the specs and labels closely as you make your decision.
Specification Explain:
The rated capacity helps figure out how many phone charges you can get from a power bank. Meanwhile, the “wattage” shows what devices it can charge and if fast charging is available. Here’s what different wattages can handle:
- Up to 30W: Phones, cameras, earphones, tablets, drones
- 31W to 65W: Laptops for office use
- Over 66W: Powerful laptops, monitors, Macbooks
High-wattage power banks are not just great for charging laptops; they can also charge multiple devices at once, which makes them very useful. However, you should also think about how you’ll charge the power bank. Lots of power banks have cables built right into them, so you don’t need to bring extra ones. But this can make the power bank bigger and harder to carry around. Also, because of how they’re designed, people tend to pull on the cable to use it, and this can easily break the most delicate part of the cable. If that happens, you can’t just replace the cable, and you’ll end up with a power bank that doesn’t have this feature anymore. On the other hand, the no-cable power banks where you plug right into your phone’s connector can prevent this kind of problem.
Currently, “universal chargers” are quite common in the market. They not only have built-in cables and magnetic attachment but can also be directly connected to a power outlet to charge the power bank. While they seem convenient, they come with a higher risk of cable damage and usually have a higher price point. The manufacturers have to bear the cost of complex designs, including DC and AC conversion, which can lead to higher risks.
QC and PD Fast Charging²:
Continuing from the wattage section, “fast charging” is when you use more power to speed up charging and cut down on wait time, aiming to save time. When shopping for power banks, you’ll often come across “QC” and “PD.” Put simply, QC (Quick Charge) is mainly for Android phones, and PD (Power Delivery) is what iPhones use. Except for a few iPhones with a Lightning port, all devices that use PD need a USB-C port to charge. Since we mostly use power banks for phones, it’s key to pick the right fast charging tech for your phone model.
Before diving into fast charging, know that your phone, cable, and power bank all need to be fast charge-compatible to actually speed up the process. QC is now up to “QC4.0+” which works with all its older versions. You might wonder — how do you decide between a QC or PD fast charging power bank? It’s becoming obvious that more gadgets will switch to USB-C down the line. If you find a power bank that offers both QC and PD, that’s your best bet. But if you have to choose, go with PD. It usually charges faster, is safer, and because it uses USB-C, it fits a whole bunch of devices, including cameras and laptops.
Power banks are becoming increasingly diverse, offering a range of new features. However, safety should always be your top priority when purchasing one. Look for safety certifications and be mindful of how you transport and store your power bank. While a stylish design is nice, it can’t outweigh the importance of safety for personal electronic devices. Make sure to put safety first for a worry-free, durable use of your power banks.
1. Check websites for OMG cable details.
2. Visit Qualcomm for QC and USB-IF for PD quick charge info.
