Power Bank Purchasing and Use Safety: Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark and Avoid Overheating and Short-Circuit Risks

Power banks have become common charging accessories for mobile phones, tablets, earphones, mobile devices, and travel. Because power banks contain lithium batteries, poor product design, inadequate protection mechanisms, or failure to follow the operating instructions may create safety risks such as overheating, short circuits, swelling, leakage, or even fire.

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Xiao An Xin remind consumers to first confirm whether the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed when purchasing and using a power bank. Consumers should also pay attention to product labeling, the operating environment, charging methods, and the handling of abnormal conditions to avoid creating safety concerns for the sake of convenience.

Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark When Purchasing

When purchasing a power bank, consumers should confirm whether the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed on the product itself and check whether the company name, address, model number, electrical specifications, rated capacity, date of manufacture, and other information are clearly stated.

Consumers should not consider only price, capacity, or appearance when purchasing power banks through online shopping platforms, social-media group-buying arrangements, or overseas marketplaces. Particular caution should be exercised if a product comes from an unknown source, has no warranty, has unclear labeling, or claims an extremely high capacity at an unusually low price. Products of uncertain safety should be avoided.

Confirm That Basic Protection Functions Are Provided

Charging and discharging a power bank involves components such as the battery, circuit board, input and output ports, and protection circuitry. Safer products generally incorporate mechanisms such as overcharge protection, overheat protection, and short-circuit protection to reduce risks during abnormal use.

When purchasing a power bank, consumers may review whether the product information clearly specifies safety protection functions, rated capacity, input and output specifications, and compatible devices. Products should be avoided if the information is overly limited or if the manufacturer, importer, and after-sales service information cannot be identified.

Avoid Charging Overnight or for Extended Periods without Supervision

Overcharging should be avoided when charging a power bank, and prolonged over-discharge should also be avoided during use. To reduce risks, consumers are advised not to charge power banks while sleeping, while away from home without supervision, or while the power bank is placed on a bed, beside a pillow, or under bedding.

During charging, the power bank should be placed in a ventilated, dry location where heat does not readily accumulate, and an appropriate charger and cable should be used. If the power bank or cable exhibits abnormal heat, unusual odors, swelling, deformation, damage, or abnormal charging, use should be stopped immediately.

Keep Away from High Temperatures, Sunlight, Metal Objects, and Flammable Materials

Power banks should be stored in a dry location away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humid environments. The interior of a vehicle during summer, areas near windows or heaters, and locations exposed to prolonged sunlight are unsuitable for storing power banks.

Power banks should also not be stored with keys, coins, metal tools, sharp objects, or flammable materials. This helps prevent short circuits caused by metal contacting the terminals and safety incidents caused by puncturing or crushing. When carrying a power bank outside the home, consumers are advised to place it in a separate storage pouch rather than mixing it with other items.

Carry Power Banks in Carry-On Baggage When Flying; Do Not Place Them in Checked Baggage

Power banks contain lithium batteries and must be handled in accordance with airline and civil aviation requirements when traveling by air. In general, power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Before traveling abroad, consumers are advised to confirm airline requirements regarding power bank capacity, quantity, and carrying methods. The capacity marking on the product should also be clearly identifiable to avoid problems during security screening or boarding.

Do Not Disassemble or Repair a Faulty or Abnormal Power Bank Yourself

If a power bank cannot be charged or exhibits abnormal heat, swelling, a cracked enclosure, smoke, unusual odors, leakage, or poor electrical contact, use should be stopped immediately. The product should then be repaired or recycled in accordance with the instructions provided by the company.

Consumers should not disassemble a power bank, replace its battery, modify its circuitry, or attempt repairs themselves. Power banks contain lithium batteries and protection circuitry, and unauthorized disassembly may result in short circuits, fire, or other safety risks.

Product Safety Recommendations

Action Technology reminds consumers that although power banks are convenient, they remain electrical products containing built-in lithium batteries. Basic safety principles should be observed when purchasing, charging, carrying, storing, and replacing them.

• Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark When Purchasing: Confirm that the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed on the product itself and that the company name, model number, rated capacity, input and output specifications, and date of manufacture are clearly stated.
• Avoid Products from Unknown Sources: Do not purchase power banks that have no brand, no warranty, unclear labeling, unusually low prices, or unreasonable capacity claims.
• Read the Instructions Carefully before Use: Follow the product instructions and warnings, and do not use unsuitable chargers, cables, or adapters.
• Avoid Charging without Supervision: Do not charge a power bank while sleeping, while away from home, or for extended periods without supervision. Do not charge it on a bed, under bedding, or in an unventilated location.
• Keep Away from High Temperatures and Flammable Materials: Avoid sunlight, high temperatures, and humid environments, and do not store the power bank with metal objects, sharp objects, or flammable materials.
• Stop Use Immediately If an Abnormality Occurs: If swelling, deformation, unusual odors, abnormal heat, leakage, or enclosure damage occurs, stop using the power bank immediately and handle it in accordance with the applicable requirements.
• Recycle Properly When Discarding: Power banks contain built-in lithium batteries and should be handled in accordance with recycling requirements when replaced. They should not be disassembled, damaged, or discarded improperly.

Safe Use Is More Important Than High Capacity

When purchasing power banks, many consumers first compare capacity, price, fast-charging functions, and appearance. However, product safety and complete labeling should receive the highest priority. Regardless of how high the capacity or how low the price may be, the absence of clear labeling, protective design, or qualified inspection information may increase the risks of use.

Action Technology Co., Ltd. reminds consumers making everyday purchases, as well as brand owners and importers planning to place power banks and lithium battery-related products on the market, to pay close attention to product safety, inspection standards, labeling requirements, and quality control so that charging products provide both convenience and safety and reliability.

Sources: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs – Xiao An Xin｜Eight Tips for Purchasing and Using Power Banks
Tainan Branch, Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection｜Tips for Purchasing and Using Power Banks