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Many years ago, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 became famous for its batteries catching fire in a series of incidents. Since then, there has been a steady stream of similar, isolated incidents. However, despite high-profile coverage of batteries gone wrong, the vast majority of Li-ion batteries are safe.
The chemical reaction that occurs in a lithium-ion cell is complex, but as in any battery, there is a negative and a positive electrode. Lithium is the negative lithium-carbon compound in batteries and the positive is cobalt oxide (although many battery manufacturers are moving away from cobalt). These two compounds cause a controlled reaction that is safe and energizes your devices. When the reaction gets out of hand, you end up with the earbuds melting in your ears. Any number of things can change the safe response to an uncontrolled reaction: excessive heat, physical damage during use, physical damage during manufacturing, or using the wrong charger.
After testing dozens and dozens of batteries (so far), the three main rules that have kept me safe are:
- Avoid cheap cables, chargers and outlet adapters.
- Make sure batteries are not exposed to excessive heat (over 110 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Check batteries regularly for signs of damage.
It is most important to avoid cheap socket adapters, cords and chargers. These are your most likely sources of trouble. Those chargers you see on Amazon for $20 less than the competition? It’s not worth it. They probably kept the price down by skimping on insulation, omitting power management tools, and ignoring the basics of electrical safety. Price alone is not a guarantee of safety. Buy from reputable companies and brands.
Then there’s the heat. Too much can cause all sorts of problems, both in terms of discharge and safety. Avoid heat and take care of the batteries while they are being charged. If your device overheats while charging, this could be a sign of problems. Likewise, avoid batteries that are swollen, bulging, or otherwise misshapen.
