Smartphone, tablet or smartwatch, they all depend on sufficient power. Those who travel a lot therefore often rely on power banks for more battery endurance. But the TÜV advises caution against inferior devices. Buyers should definitely heed the expert tips.
TÜV advises caution with power banks: Inferior batteries are dangerous
If you are on the road for a long time or are very dependent on your smartphone, tablet or other devices, you can hardly do without one or more power banks. The strong batteries extend the running time of mobile devices enormously. However, like all rechargeable batteries, they can become dangerous: “The use of inferior charging rechargeable batteries can damage the device to be charged and even damage it to fatal consequences such as fires or explosions,” warns Dr. Hermann Dinkler, fire and explosion protection expert of the TÜV association (source: TÜV association).
When buying, the expert therefore advises always paying attention to the relationship between the price and the promised charging capacity. When offers look too good to be true, they often are. At best, you just get an annoyingly weak spare battery. is it going bad the connected devices may be damaged.
Therefore, according to TÜV, buyers should if possible pay attention to independent certificates, such as the GS certificate or one directly from TÜV. These would reliably confirm the safety of the products.
But at least one should CE certificate available with which the manufacturer guarantees compliance with industry norms and safety standards. However, CE certificates would also be counterfeited, so they are just one of several options for orientation.
What you need to know about batteries:
TÜV tips: how to use your power bank correctly
The TÜV also has tips on how to use it correctly: Do not charge the power bank overnight and do not charge your devices on the power bank overnight. Besides, you should Never leave additional batteries in the car. Especially in summer they become a danger for you and others. In winter, devices can also be damaged in severe cold.
If excessive heat develops during charging – the power bank becomes too hot to hold in your hand – remove the connected devices immediately. The power bank should also not as a power supply replacement for at home be used.
If you need a power bank for outdoor activities, it is advisable to also pay attention to an IP67 certification. This guarantees that the device is dustproof and waterproof to a depth of 1m for 30 minutes. The loading capacity is different, if you travel by plane, you should pay attention to the information.