Rechargeable batteries are everywhere. Look around right now and you’ll probably find half a dozen devices that contain a rechargeable battery. While this number is high, rest assured that these are surprisingly safe and rarely catch fire.
However, the risk exists. The good news is that stacks usually give you a warning before turning into a fireball. And if you know the warning signs, you can deal with them before you have a nasty surprise. Here are the warning signs you should look for to know if your smartphone or laptop battery is about to explode.
First of all, in the event of an anomaly, your device will become very hot – which is the principle of overheating. This is an important red flag indicating that something serious may be happening imminently. That’s not all: the device in question could also swell, to the point of cracking its frame. Rechargeable batteries can swell dramatically when faulty, which can cause smartphone screens to pop out and even bend and bulge the casing of laptops and other gadgets.
Other inconveniences can occur: an unpleasant chemical odor can thus emerge from the device. This is another warning sign. It might not be the battery that is the culprit, but any pungent smell emanating from a gadget is a sign that it needs to be checked. Similarly, the presence of smoke should alert you: it goes without saying that it is a problem that you should not ignore.
Avoid unnecessary risks!
The device may also have trouble charging properly. It may not be an imminent sign that your smartphone, laptop, or other gadget is going to burst into flames, but it is a sign that something is wrong, and to be sure, it’s best to get it checked. the device. The latter can also release liquid. It might not be the battery, but it’s still a warning sign that you shouldn’t ignore. If it’s not the battery, it’s something.
In case of significant damage, do not forget to have your device checked. If dropped and the case is dented, crushed or bent, if there is any chance that the battery has been damaged or punctured, this is a problem you should not ignore. The question then arises: what to do in the event of a fire? If you experience any of these signs, stop using the device and seek expert help. In the meantime, put the device somewhere where if it catches fire it won’t be a big problem (on a metal tray, on concrete, something that won’t catch and spread the fire) .
If your device catches fire, do not throw water on it, as this could make the situation worse! That’s when having the right fire extinguisher can save you! If the fire is small and you don’t have access to a fire extinguisher, covering the appliance with a fireproof object — a metal pan or glass bowl — can help prevent the spread. That said, don’t take any chances in the event of a fire. Evacuating the scene and calling the emergency services is the safest thing to do.
Source: ZDNet.com