Safety tips on power banks

Safety Tips on Power Banks

Power banks are portable chargers that generally use lithium batteries to power electronic devices. While widely used and generally safe, faulty, poorly designed, or improperly used power banks can overheat, catch fire or cause burns.

Safety requirements for power banks

Power banks that are sold to consumers in Singapore must comply with applicable international safety standards and requirements as specified in the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) (CGSR) Information Booklet.

Specifically, power banks must:

1. Meet safety requirements of either:

2. Come with essential safety information, including:

A.    Minimum instructions for use that are specified on page 15 of the CGSR Information Booklet

B.    Charging instructions

C.    Operating temperature range

🛒What to look out for when buying a power bank

✅ Buy from reputable retailers and authorised sellers.

✅ Check for safety protection features such as:

• protection against over-charge, short-circuit, over-temperature or over-heat,

• automatic power-off when the power bank is fully charged but still connected to the power source.

✅ Check if the power bank has any indicator for users to know when it is fully charged. An example of such an indicator is circled in red below.

✅ Look for a power bank that comes with warranty and a local service centre support that can be contacted in the event of an issue or incident.

⚠️Beware of false representation

There is no “CPSO‑approved” or “CCS‑approved” power bank, and power banks are not issued the SAFETY Mark. They are not required to be registered or approved by CPSO before sale in Singapore.

Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that power banks meet applicable safety requirements before supplying them in the market.

⚡What to do when using power banks

✅ Use the original charging cable and follow the operating instructions.

✅ Use and store the power bank in cool and dry places away from heat sources, direct sunlight, combustible gas, humidity, water or other liquids.

⚠️⚡Avoid storing power banks with other metal objects (e.g., coins, keys, paper clips) as a short circuit may occur if a metal object enters the power bank’s ports. Short-circuiting a device may cause electrical fires or electric shocks.

⚠️🔥Avoid exceeding the recommended charging time, which may cause the power bank to overheat.

⚠️🔥Avoid charging power banks on beds, under blankets, or on other flammable surfaces.

⚠️ Stop using power banks immediately if you notice:

• Excessive heat during use

• Swelling or deformation

• Unusual odours

• Physical damage

• Leakage

• Colour changes

Other good practices

✅ Dispose old/damaged power banks at e-waste recycling points.

✅ Keep power banks out of children's reach and/or supervise your child’s use of power banks.

✅Check safety recalls or alerts for power banks (see CPSO's webpage) regularly.

⚠️Never attempt self-repairs.