In this digital age, most of us rely on our smartphones to stay connected. We use them to check emails, surf the web, and connect with our loved ones. Our phones are constantly by our side. With all that usage, they can quickly run out of power. That’s where power banks come in. They’re small, portable devices that can charge phones on the go. And while they’re incredibly convenient, they can easily overcharge devices.
Overcharging can lead to leaking or irreparable harm to gadgets. It can even cause an explosion of the battery. Overcharged batteries can also squirt chemicals, causing injury. Here’s a short guide to understanding overcharge protection, and how to choose a power bank that includes it.
What is overcharge protection in power banks?
Overcharge protection is a feature that prevents a power bank from overcharging an electronic device. As the device charges, the overcharge protection feature prevents more electricity from entering the battery. This ensures the device’s battery doesn’t get damaged or overheat.
All power banks come with some form of overcharge protection to pass safety regulations. However, overcharge protections are not created equal. Some power banks have more advanced protections than others—like RAVPower power banks.
When a power bank is plugged into a device, the protection circuitry monitors the voltage and current going in and out of it. If it senses that too much current is being drawn or that the voltage is getting too high, it will automatically shut off the power bank to prevent damage to the device’s battery. This type of protection is important because lithium-ion batteries can get damaged if they are overcharged.
When you connect your iPhone, tablet, or laptop to a RAVPower Portable Charger, the power bank will automatically detect how much current it requires and stop the charging process when the device is fully charged. This way, it cuts down power usage.
Whether you have new or old devices, it’s crucial to use a power bank with overcharge protection. If you’re not sure a particular power bank has this feature, check the product description or contact the manufacturer.
Safety Tips for Using Power Banks
A portable power bank like the RP-PB231 can be a lifesaver. But it’s important to use it safely or you could end up with a damaged device. Here are four safety tips to help you make the most of your power bank:
- Read the instructions that come with your power bank carefully. Every model is different, and it’s important to know how to use yours safely.
- Find a power bank with safety protection features. These features include short circuit protection, overcharge protection, overvoltage protection, and temperature control. These features keep your devices safe as they are being charged.
- Pay attention to the battery level of your devices. Don’t try to charge a device with a full battery. Also, don’t leave your devices charging overnight or unattended.
- Avoid using knockoff power banks as most do not meet safety standards. Buy from a trusted brand like RAVPower and get a power bank that comes with a warranty.
What Degrades a Battery?
Batteries gradually lose their capacity to store energy. This can happen naturally over time or it can be accelerated by improper device usage. The most common symptoms of battery degradation are a decrease in the device’s run time and an increase in the amount of time it takes to charge the battery. So what causes battery degradation in devices?
- Temperatures: Temperatures on both ends of the spectrum normally affect the performance of a battery. Overheating can cause a battery to swell and eventually burst while cold temperatures can cause a battery to lose its charge more quickly.
- Charge Cycles: Every battery has a lifetime, and it is majorly affected by the charge cycles. Charge cycle refers to a battery’s expected life, and the number of charge cycles affects it more than the passage of time. Each time a battery is charged and discharged, its chemistry changes a little bit. Over time, these small changes add up and can reduce its capacity to store energy.
- Overcharging: If you leave your device plugged in after it’s fully charged, the battery will slowly wear down. This is because a regular charger continues to send power to the battery even after it’s reached its maximum capacity. The battery will start charging slowly and its lifespan will decrease. This is why most people don’t like leaving their devices unattended as they charge. But with overcharge protection, there is no need to worry.
Recommended Power Station & Power Bank
For High-Speed Charging, Get the 26800mah Power Bank: RP-PB41
Looking for a power bank for your new phone that can also charge other devices? Get this RAVPower portable charger. It can juice up Bluetooth headphones and speakers, navigators, multimedia players, smart watches, fitness bracelets, tablets, compact photo and action cameras, book readers, and even some laptops.
Its equipped with three output ports, allowing you to simultaneously charge up to 3 devices at once. With a total current output of 5.5A, each device connected to it will charge fast. And thanks to its massive 26,800mAh battery, you can enjoy 9 days of usage before recharging it.
This RAVPower power bank comes with 4 ports: 2 standard USB ports, a MicroUSB port, and a USB Type-C port with iSmart 2.0 technology. It identifies the characteristics of connected devices and intelligently allocates the power output, optimizing the charging time and the current delivered.
For Portability, Get the Compact Ravpower Power Bank with Overcharge Protection: RP-PB231
Designed for on-the-go use, this portable power bank won’t take up much room in your hand, wallet, or purse. It is one of the smallest 15000mAh power banks on the market and can charge up to three devices at once. Its charging speed is impressive. It can take an iPhone from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes.
UL-certified li-ion batteries guarantee ultimate protection. The power bank offers temperature control, over-discharge protection, overcharge protection, and short-circuit protection, ensuring superior performance and safety for your devices. It also doesn’t take long to recharge. You can recharge it in just 4.7hrs, saving your precious time.
Protect Your Devices from Overcharging with a RAVPower Power Bank
Power banks come in all shapes and sizes, but what you should focus on when buying one are its features, not just the design. Get a power bank with advanced overcharge protection features and prolong the lifespan of your devices.