Most of us have at least one power bank. The rechargeable battery pack has emerged as a lifesaver in various critical times of need: when we’re stranded on the train heading east to west, when we’re waiting on a Grab, or even when we’re idly sitting through a family visit where the elders—and only the elders—are talking. Its benefits are numerous. However, a recently recognized danger threatens to outweigh its many perks—its inherent fire risk.
It’s not the first time power banks have come under scrutiny for being able to just spontaneously combust. But the recent spate of power banks catching fire has gained significant media attention that many are prompted to turn over and inspect their own power banks for potential telltale signs.
In this article, Energea dissects power bank components, evaluates the latest power bank incidents, and shares tips for keeping safe when power banks are in use.
Understanding Power Bank Components
If you’ve had zero knowledge of portable chargers, also known as power banks, all you really need to know is that they’re made up of three main parts. These include the:
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Battery: The battery is the main component of a power bank, storing and transferring energy to external devices. Power banks typically use Lithium-ion (Li-ion) or Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries. Li-ion batteries offer high energy density but are heavier and more susceptible to overheating if mishandled. LiPo batteries are lighter, flexible, and better suited for slim, portable designs.
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Printed Circuit Board (PCB): The PCB is an essential electronic system within the power bank that regulates power distribution and ensures consistent voltage and current to connected devices. It includes components like microcontrollers, resistors, capacitors, and voltage regulators, along with safety features such as overcharge protection, short-circuit prevention, and temperature monitoring to safeguard both the power bank and connected device during charging.
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Input and Output Ports: These ports serve as physical connections that enable the power bank to recharge and deliver power. Input ports are used to recharge the power bank’s battery, with USB-C and Micro-USB being the most common interfaces. Output ports transfer power from the power bank to external devices, typically featuring USB-C, Lightning, and USB-A connections.
Although the battery, PCB and input/output ports are designed to work together seamlessly, power banks are still vulnerable to short circuits and fire due to a few reasons. We’ll explore this in more detail below.
Notable Incidents of Power Bank Fires in Recent Years
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of power bank incidents to highlight in recent years. In fact, between January 2006 and August 2021, there were at least 340 aviation-related incidents involving lithium batteries carried as cargo or baggage.
As recently as 2025, the latest headlines include:
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Air Busan: A passenger plane was engulfed in flames on 28 January 2025 after a fire broke out in a luggage bin. While investigations are still ongoing, a spare power bank is believed to be the cause.
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Batik Air: A video circulating on TikTok on 24 February 2025 showed a plane cabin filling with smoke, reportedly due to a burning power bank stored in an overhead luggage compartment. The fire was brought under control within minutes, and the plane landed safely about half an hour later.
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Raffles Place MRT Station: On the evening of 7 March 2025, a passenger's power bank ignited near Raffles Place MRT station. The fire was quickly put out and it was later determined that a power bank was the cause.
In January 2023, two passengers sustained minor injuries after a portable charger caught fire on a Scoot flight from Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport, bound for Singapore.
What Causes Power Bank Fires?
Power banks can catch fire whether you’re using them or not. While they’re generally safe, there are some situations where they can pose a greater risk.
Overcharging Issues
Overcharging occurs when a power bank is left plugged in after it is fully charged. This can lead to overheating and, in extreme cases, a fire. Although many modern power banks include overcharge protection, users are still encouraged to unplug the device once fully charged and avoid charging it overnight or leaving it unattended while charging.
Internal Short Circuits
Internal short circuits can occur when the positive and negative electrodes of the battery come into contact, often due to a damaged separator or caused by external factors like water damage or accidental contact with a metallic object like keys or coins.
Damaged Batteries
Dropping or puncturing a power bank can compromise the internal battery, potentially causing short circuits or thermal runaway (uncontrollable overheating). If your power bank has been dropped, replace it immediately, as the impact may alter its internal structure and create mechanical stress, leading to potential failure and safety risks.
Improper Use and Storage
Storing a portable charger in high heat or humid conditions can damage its battery cell, just as improper practices like prolonged charging or using incompatible chargers can. These stresses on the battery may cause overheating and increase the risk of fire.
Low-Quality Power Banks
Cheap materials and construction can lead to mechanical stress, such as cracks, punctures, or loose connections, all of which can compromise safety. These low-quality power banks often prioritize cost-cutting over safety by omitting the implementation of product safety features, or by using inferior batteries that pose a significantly higher risk of danger compared to trusted brands.
Signs Your Power Bank Is at Risk
It’s a good practice to regularly inspect your power bank to ensure it’s in good condition. While obvious signs of deterioration, like rapid battery drain or an unresponsive device, are easy to spot, users should also watch for physical signs such as deformation (e.g. bulging, swelling, dents), unusual smells (e.g. burning or chemical odors), or weird sounds (e.g. humming, hissing, popping).
How to Prevent Power Bank Fires
Learn how to prevent power bank-related incidents to protect yourself and others, while also ensuring your power bank lasts for a long time.
Opt for Trusted Brands
Invest in high-quality power banks that come from reputable manufacturers and are safety-tested. Avoid purchasing counterfeit or off-brand ones, as they are often made of poor-quality materials and lack safety features, such as a battery management system (BMS), overcharge protection and thermal cut-off.
Practice Safe Charging
Always keep your power bank in sight when charging. Avoid leaving it unattended, especially overnight when sleeping. Make sure to charge it in a cool, dry place and don’t overload it with too many devices. For safe measure, opt for a high-quality charging cable as well.
Get more tips on safe charging with a power bank here.
Never Overuse the Power Bank
Unplug your power bank once it’s fully charged. This helps prevent potential damage to the battery cells, which can lead to reduced capacity and, in the worst case, fires.
Store Power Banks Safely
Besides avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, store your power bank in a cool, dry place even when not in use. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from dust. Accumulated dust can damage the components, affect performance, and even pose a fire hazard. It is highly recommended to store your powerbank in a separate pouch to avoid any water damage or accidental contact with any metallic objects to prevent shorting.
Replace Worn-Out Power Banks Promptly
Replace power banks as soon as you notice signs of wear or damage, whether it has been scratched, dropped, or is experiencing reduced capacity. Continuing to use a damaged power bank can lead to hazardous situations that endanger the lives of yourself and others.
Make a Safe and Smart Choice with Energea
While power banks are a convenient addition to busy lifestyles, it is our responsibility as users to recognize the risks they pose if not properly cared for. With this new knowledge, it’s time to reevaluate your portable chargers and confirm they are truly up to safety standards.
With Energea, you never have to doubt the quality of your chargers. Equipped with features like heat dissipation and secure wireless charging, we ensure that our products undergo rigorous safety testing before they reach the market. With growing concern over how we use these ubiquitous power sources, it is now that you should make the switch to one that’s both reliable and safe.
Spread the word and share with friends and family how to properly use power banks and maintain peace of mind. Shop power banks and more at Energea today, where gadgets are built for quality, safety and performance you can trust.
