Are Portable Chargers Safe? Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Understanding Portable Charger Basics

A portable charger, is a compact backup battery that stores energy to recharge devices like phones and tablets on the go. They vary by type, from compact chargers for short trips to high-capacity, solar, or wireless options. With all of them using rechargeable batteries to transfer power efficiently.

What Exactly Is a Portable Charger?

A portable charger is a compact device that stores electrical energy to recharge your gadgets. It basically functions as a backup battery, ready to provide juice to your phone or tablet whenever you’re away from an outlet. These chargers are essentially power banks, designed to give you peace of mind when your device is running low. If you want to know more about portable chargers and the difference between portable chargers and power banks, click here.

Portable chargers come in all shapes and sizes, and their functionality can vary. From solar charged portable chargers to simple power banks, they all have a rechargeable battery inside that charges your devices.

Types of Portable Chargers

Not every portable charger is made for the same purpose. There are different types that serve various needs. Here are a few notable ones you should know about:

• Compact Chargers: These are the lightweight, everyday chargers you toss into your bag or pocket. They typically hold enough power to charge your phone once or twice and are great for short trips.
• High-Capacity Chargers: Larger in size, these chargers can power devices multiple times over. If you’re the type of person who needs a charger for your phone, tablet, and laptop, this type is ideal.
• Solar Chargers: Perfect for outdoors, solar chargers harness sunlight to recharge. While they aren’t the fastest option, they are excellent for hiking or camping when no outlets are around.
• Wireless Chargers: These chargers let you power up without plugging in a cable. They’re perfect for devices that support wireless charging, but keep in mind that they tend to be slower.

How Do They Work?

Portable chargers use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries to store power. When plugged into an outlet, the charger stores energy. Once it’s full, it can transfer that energy to your device when you need it.

Simple, right? But there’s more to it. Inside these devices, there are circuit boards that regulate how power flows, making sure your phone doesn’t get overloaded.

Understanding how they work can help you appreciate the importance of choosing a good, safe product.

Potential Safety Risks of Portable Chargers

Portable chargers are generally safe if purchased from reputable brands, as these include safety features like overcharge protection. Avoid cheap or counterfeit chargers, as they often lack these safeguards and can overheat, short circuit, or even pose fire risks.

So here’s everything you need to know to stay safe when buying a portable charger:

Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Double-Edged Sword

Most portable chargers use lithium-ion batteries, which are popular for their ability to store a lot of energy in a compact form. However, lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if mishandled.

If one of these batteries is punctured or overcharged, it can overheat, potentially leading to a fire or explosion.

It’s essential to purchase your charger from a reputable brand to avoid such risks. Cheap, off-brand chargers might cut corners when it comes to quality control, which is a risk you don’t want to take.

Overheating: A Red Flag

A little warmth during charging is fine, but if your portable charger is getting too hot to touch, than you should immediately unplug it. Overheating is a big issue because it can damage the charger or cause it to catch fire.

The best way to avoid overheating is to buy a charger with built-in safety features like overcharge protection and thermal sensors.

Here are some of my best tips to avoid buying an unsafe charger:

• Choose certified chargers: Look for certifications like UL or CE for safety assurance.
• Stick to trusted brands: Avoid cheap, off-brand options without a reputation for quality.
• Check the specs: Ensure the voltage and wattage match your device’s requirements.
• Buy from reliable retailers: Shop at trusted stores to avoid counterfeit products.

Counterfeit Chargers: A Major No-No

While you may find counterfeit chargers on bargain websites or in discount stores, they’re not worth the risk. These products may look like just like the real ones, but they often lack crucial safety features.

Poor-quality components, faulty wiring, and lack of proper testing can lead to short circuits, overheating, or even fires. Stick to trusted brands and retailers to ensure you’re getting a quality product. Here are some of my favourite brands and why you should check them out:

Short Circuit Risks

A short circuit happens when electricity flows along an unintended path, which can cause the device to malfunction.

A cheap charger or damaged cables can easily cause a short circuit. Even though most modern chargers have built-in protections against this, it’s always best to inspect your charger and cables for damage before use. You don’t have to get to paranoid over it, but just check every now and then.

Manufacturing Issues

Even reputable brands occasionally slip up. Defects during manufacturing can lead to faulty chargers, which may pose safety risks. It’s important to always stay updated on any product recalls if something happened to be defect. Also check for reviews or certifications, if you’re unsure about the authenticity of a charger.

How to Choose a Safe Portable Charger

To choose a safe portable charger, look for safety certifications like UL, CE or FCC. Also choose trusted brands and beware of too-good-to-be-true deals, and look for safety features one the manufacturer’s website or the packaging.

So, here’s everything you need to keep in mind:

1. Look for Safety Certifications

Always check for certifications like UL, CE, or FCC. These labels indicate that the charger has been tested for safety and meets specific standards. A charger without these certifications is a red flag.

If you can’t find these certifications on your portable chargers, then try to find it on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website. You can also search for them in their databases like the FC searchable database, or the UL searchable database.

CE certification does not have it’s own searchable database, so you’ll have to look on the packaging for that one. However, if you portable charger has a FC and UL certificate, then I’d say it’s pretty safe.

2. Choose Trusted Brands

Brands like Anker, RAVPower, and Belkin have built a reputation for high-quality, safe products. They undergo extensive testing, and you can rely on their safety features. Investing in a well-known brand might cost a bit more, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.

To make it even easier, here’s a quick list of some more of my favourite portable charger brands:

• Aukey
• RavPower
• Zendure
• Baseus
• Goal Zero

3. Understand the Battery Capacity

Don’t just go for the highest capacity charger you can find. Higher capacity doesn’t always mean better, especially if it results in a bulky, difficult-to-carry charger.

Consider how many times you need to charge your device and choose a charger that fits your needs. A 5,000mAh charger is perfect for a backup for your phone, while a 10,000mAh charger might be more suitable for tablets. For laptops I’d recommend somewhere between 20,000- and 50,000 mAh. To learn more about how many mAh your laptop needs, click here.

4. Look for Safety Features

Safety features like overcharge protection, overheat sensors, and short-circuit prevention are non-negotiable when it comes to portable chargers. These features keep your device and your charger safe, especially when you’re charging overnight or in a pocket.

If a portable charger doesn’t have this, I’d advise you to look somewhere else. This ensures your phone and charger (and you) stay safe.

5. Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals

If the price is too low for the specs or the brand doesn’t have a good track record, consider it a warning. Counterfeit chargers are often priced significantly lower than their legitimate counterparts. Stick to what you know, and be wary of rock-bottom prices.

Best Practices for Portable Charger Safety

Now that you know how to pick a safe charger, let’s cover how to keep it safe and functioning well:

1. Store Your Charger Properly

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of portable chargers. So, store them in a cool, dry place. Also avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators or ovens.

Here are some places I’d recommend storing your charger to avoid it overheating:

• Desk drawer
• Nightstand
• Backpack pocket
• Laptop bag

2. Avoid Overcharging

While most modern chargers have overcharge protection, it’s still a good practice not to leave them plugged in for too long. Charging overnight occasionally is fine, but don’t make a habit of it.

3. Check Cables and Ports Regularly

Inspect your charger and cables for any visible signs of damage. If you notice any fraying or wear on the cables or connectors, it’s time to replace them.

Never use a damaged charger or cable. This is one of the easiest ways to cause either a short circuit or to get electrocuted. Trust me, you don’t want 20 V going through your body while trying to plug in your phone.

4. Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Manufacturers often provide guidelines on optimal charging conditions. For instance, they might advise charging between 20% and 80% for longer battery life. Stick to these recommendations if you want to get the most out of your portable charger.

To make it easy here are some of my recommendations that will ensure the safety and longevity of your portable charger:

5. When to Replace Your Charger

If your portable charger is bulging, leaking, or showing signs of overheating, it’s time to throw it in the bin. Don’t try to fix a damaged charger yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous.

Myth-Busting Portable Charger Safety

Let’s tackle some common myths you might have heard about portable chargers.

Myth 1: Portable Chargers Are Banned on Planes

False! As long as your portable charger is under 100Wh (watt-hours), it can be carried onto an airplane no problem. Most portable chargers fall well within this limit.

Do always check the airline’s specific rules, as it might be different in your country.

Myth 2: Cheap Chargers Are Just as Safe as Expensive Ones

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, you’re often sacrificing safety. Counterfeit chargers or poorly made products can be dangerous. Quality chargers from trusted brands are worth the extra investment.

Myth 3: All Chargers Overheat

Overheating isn’t a given. If your charger is overheating regularly, it might be a sign of a defective product. A good charger will always stay cool during regular use.

Are Portable Chargers Safe – Conclusion

Portable chargers are, a safe and practical solution to keep your devices powered up on the go. However, with so many options available, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved.

By choosing a reputable charger, and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience of always having power without the worry.

So, whether you’re heading to school or traveling don’t let a low battery ruin your day. Find a safe, reliable portable charger, and power up with confidence.

FAQ’s