Dog Chews Power Bank Leading to Blast: 5 Checks Before Buying & 6 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Dog Chews Power Bank, Causes Fire in U.S. Home
A fire broke out in a house after a dog chewed on a power bank, and the incident was captured on the home’s CCTV camera.
In the video released by the Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma, USA, two dogs and a cat can be seen in the living room.
The video shows one of the dogs biting into a power bank with its teeth. Suddenly, the power bank short-circuits, causing a fire. Fortunately, there was a door leading out of the living room, allowing the dog and the cat to escape safely, saving their lives. There have been numerous incidents of power banks exploding in the past.
In 2021, a case of a power bank explosion was reported in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India, where a power bank exploded while charging a mobile phone. The blast was so powerful that it caused the death of a young man, blew off the roof of the house, and cracked the walls.
Power banks are designed to charge gadgets like mobile phones when there is no electricity, but they need to be used with great caution, as they contain batteries with two to three times the mAh (milliampere-hour) capacity compared to mobile phones.
Causes of Power Bank Explosions: What You Need to Know
In today’s tech news, we will discuss the reasons behind power bank explosions. You will also learn about:
- Precautions to take when using a power bank.
- Important factors to consider when purchasing a power bank.
Question: What is a Power Bank?
Answer: A power bank is an electronic device that can charge gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, or laptops that support USB charging. It is most needed when there is no electricity supply at home for an extended period or when charging gadgets during travel.
Typically, power banks have a capacity ranging from 10,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh, which can easily charge a 5,000 mAh phone 2 to 4 times.
They are portable, making them very easy to carry. Power banks use lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries, which are flammable.
Question: Why Do Power Banks Explode?
Answer: Most power banks are made with lithium-ion batteries. Excessive heat or pressure can cause the protective layer inside to melt, leading to a short circuit or explosion.
This was the reason for the power bank explosion in Oklahoma. A dog attempted to chew on the power bank, which resulted in excessive pressure and a short circuit in the battery, causing a fire.
Question: How can a power bank be prevented from exploding?
Answer: Most people think that explosions or fires in power banks are due to defects, but that’s not always the case. Carelessness and certain bad habits are the main causes of power bank explosions.
To prevent power bank explosions, you can follow the tips provided in the graphic.
Question: What should be considered when purchasing a power bank?
Answer: Nowadays, when a phone runs out of charge, we can easily recharge it using a power bank. You’ll find many power banks available at low prices on e-commerce sites and in the market, but don’t compromise on quality in the pursuit of a bargain.
Key Points to Consider When Buying a Power Bank
- Ensure to Check Build Quality
Before purchasing a power bank, make sure to thoroughly check its build quality. A poorly constructed power bank is more likely to overheat during charging or even burst if dropped. Remember, lithium-ion batteries can overheat if they receive more than 4.2 volts of power supply. - Ensure to Check Charging Capacity
Always verify the capacity of the power bank before buying it. Purchase a power bank that can fully charge your device at least two to three times. For instance, if your phone has a 3000mAh battery, you should opt for a power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity. - Ensure BIS Certification
The power bank should provide power and be safe to use. Make sure the power bank is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as this certification guarantees the quality and safety of the product. Additionally, check for the symbol ‘8’ on the power bank, which indicates good quality and performance. - Ensure to Check Reviews and Ratings
Before purchasing a power bank, always check its reviews and ratings. Nowadays, all e-commerce sites provide customer reviews and ratings on product quality. This can help you avoid purchasing a poor-quality product. - Ensure to Get LED Indicators
The LED indicators present on the power bank inform you when and how much your power bank is charging. This feature helps prevent overcharging, which is a common cause of power bank explosions.
