Why would a power bank
all of a sudden explode? You guys requested we do a
piece on why power banks explode, my curious mind
was also yearning to learn this too. So I hereby present
to you: The likely causes of a power bank explosion.
1.) Poor Battery Quality
Batteries are the major components of power banks,
infact that’s the most expensive part when you try to
cost it individually. Most of the power banks in the
market are made from Lithium-ion or Lithium-Polymer
batteries, though the former is a cheaper option.
Manufacturers, (in a bid to keep prices down) tend to
use the Lithium- ion batteries to save costs. In worst
case scenarios, some manufacturers go to the extent
of using recycled batteries. This increases the chances
or likeliness of explosion at a later time.
2.) Wrong Circuit Design:
It doesn’t just end with the quality of battery. The
internal circuit design of a power bank is another likely
cause of explosion. For a power bank a good circuit
design entails the following :
* Power protection: A well made power bank should have
power protection. This is a mechanism that ensures that
the battery stops charging once it has reached full
capacity.
* Short circuit control: A good power bank should have
it’s circuit fully insulated to prevent short circuit. (Short
circuit means touching of wires)
* Temperature control: The ideal power bank should have
a kind of temperature control such that once it hits a
particular temperature, it shuts down to cool off.
If one or more of these are not built into the power
bank, the chances of a likely explosion in the future are
high.
3.) Improper or Wrong Usage
What can cause a power bank to explode could be
traced to us – the users. How do you handle your
power banks? Exposing power banks to high
temperatures or humidity can lead to what can cause
explosion . Overcharging of power banks is bad
practice. Especially when it doesn’t have power
protection like we explained above. Other bad practices
include spilling water on it or leaving it near a heated
area, like under the sun.
So now you know the likely causes of a power bank
explosion. Meanwhile be careful of dirt cheap power
banks, also do not use power banks in your pockets.
Cheers.
