Check power banks and USB cables too

MORE needs to be done to check that power banks and USB cables are safe for consumers too. To keep digital devices up and running throughout the day, such portable batteries and USB cables are much in demand in the market. Amin Ashaari, co-founder of tech website SoyaCincau.com, says while mobile phones and chargers come with safety certifications from local regulators, there is currently none for power banks. Unlike chargers, “there is no sticker or label to look out for on power banks. This makes it a bit difficult for the public to decide which ones to buy,” he says, urging the authorities to step up and close this gap. In the meantime, Amin says we should stick to buying power banks from reputable brands and stay away from those that are unbelievably cheap. “For example, a 10,000mAh power bank from a good brand would be about RM50. If someone is selling a power bank with the same capacity for RM20, you should be suspicious,” he says.

Amin also urges the public not to expose power banks to heat by leaving it inside cars under the scorching sun.

“Cheap power banks do not have protection to prevent them from exploding or rupturing. When a battery is exposed to heat, gases will build up and they could leak and explode.

“Also, once your power bank or device is fully charged, unplug it and don’t leave it to be overcharged,” he says.

Noting that there have been mishaps involving power banks from imitation brands, Amin says such battery packs may not have overcharge protection.

This potentially creates dangerous situations when the power bank is being charged from a power outlet and when it is used as a power source to charge devices.

“Without the necessary built-in features, there is nothing to prevent a power bank from being overcharged when connected to a power outlet.

“Also, when charging a device, it will not shut off by itself when the battery of the device is full.

“Usually, with the overcharge protection, the battery should shut off by itself,” Amin explains.

As for using USB cables to charge mobile phones from laptops or desktop computers, Amin says there is no significant risk because the voltage supplied is low compared to chargers.

“USB cables can transfer current to you if their rubber casing is ruptured or frayed. But usually, the damage on the cord is visible and this stops people from using them,” he points out.

Concurring with Amin, Malaysian Association of Standards Users technical policy (product safety) executive Nur Asyikin Aminuddin says it is time for the authorities to regulate power banks and USB cables as well to help reduce risks.

Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd managing director Khalidah Mustafa says the body has yet to certify power banks and USB cables under its product certification scheme. However, companies producing such items can approach Sirim to do so.

(Sirim is the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia and Sirim QAS International is Malaysia’s leading certification and testing body.)

As for phone chargers, she advises users to refer to the user manuals provided.

“It is not advisable to use the phone while charging, especially with wet hands.

“Consumers are also advised to purchase batteries from original equipment manufacturers when replacing old batteries to ensure that the new battery is identical to what was originally supplied with the phone,” she says.

Meanwhile, communication devices such as mobile phones are regulated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and certified by Sirim QAS International.

“Certified handphones will carry the valid MCMC label,” says Khalidah, adding that, “Consumers may check the validity of the MCMC label using the ‘Check your label’ mobile application or through the ecomm.sirim.my website.”

For chargers supplied together with mobile phones, Sirim QAS International will only grant approvals to the manufacturers or importers if the phone and all its accessories have complied with the relevant MCMC technical specifications.