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About power banks
Power banks, also known as portable battery packs, are portable battery chargers commonly powered by rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.
They are designed to charge small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other USB-charged devices.
Risks and injuries from the product
Lithium-ion batteries in power banks can be highly flammable.
If incorrectly manufactured, handled, stored or disposed of, products can catch fire, explode or vent toxic gas.
Most incidents with power banks have occurred when charging a mobile phone or other device. This makes the risk of injuries higher as people tend to be close to their devices.
Fires from lithium-ion batteries have also occurred in homes, offices, and waste and recycling trucks and facilities. These have led to property damage and serious injuries.
A lithium-ion battery fire can be very difficult to extinguish as it may reignite. Depending on the battery size, it sometimes takes days to burn.
Things to look for when buying the product
There isn’t a mandatory safety standard for products containing rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, including power banks.
The following are features you should look for when buying a power bank.
- Check online reviews for products and suppliers.
- Buy power banks from a reputable supplier.
How to use the product safely
What to do
Always use the charger and cords supplied with the power bank for recharging the power bank. If no charger or cord was supplied, check the manufacturer’s instructions on suitable chargers and cords.
Charge the power bank on non-flammable surfaces such as concrete, ceramic or steel.
Allow the power bank to cool after use and before recharging.
Store the power bank in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your power bank is smoking or on fire, fire and emergency service experts recommend that you evacuate the area. If it is safe to do so, close doors to slow the spread of the fire and call Triple Zero (000).
What not to do
Never use a power bank that is damaged, overheating, swelling, leaking or venting gas.
Never charge power banks on flammable materials such as beds, sofas or carpet.
Don’t leave a power bank in a parked vehicle.
Disposing of a power bank
Don't throw away a power bank in household rubbish, recycling or hard waste collections.
Find out how to dispose of these products safely.
