Power Banks

Power Banks – What You Need To Know 

There is a growing demand for power banks and there are many differences! Power Banks differ from one style to another predominantly with the main difference being the quality of the battery. The quality relates to the type of Lithium battery, true capacity, cell grade, regulated output voltage/current and protection circuitry. In fact 70% of the unit cost for a power bank can be devoted to the quality of the battery.

Power Bank Capacities

The capacity of a power bank gives an indication of how much you can charge. For example, a capacity of 2600mAh allows an iPhone 5 (battery approximately 1570mAH) to be fully charged, however a Samsung Galaxy S5 (battery approximately 3000 mAH) cannot be fully charged. A power bank at 2200 mAH will not fully charge an iPhone 5S partly due to voltage equation output.

It’s all about Output and Input – This part controls the flow of capacity into the device to be charged. For example, you can have a very high capacity 5200 mAH yet it takes forever to charge. Think of a bucket filled with water, the smaller the hole in this bucket (output) the longer it takes for the water to run out. The output of the power banks enables charging of only smart phones or tablets. In general, smart phones need an output between 0.5A and 1A, while tablets need a least 1A to 2A. The higher the ampage the faster your device charges.

Inside the power bank is a lithium battery. There is a big difference to quality depending on the battery. Cheap batteries might catch fire or even explode when over charged. The correct circuitry to prevent overheating and reverse charging must be present. Such goods should have MSDS (material safety and data sheets) when imported.

Power Bank Batteries

Batteries – batteries fall into 2 major groups both of which can be called ‘rechargeable’. A Lithium ion – tends to be rectangular or cylindrical and is usually cheaper. They are hard shelled with a strong casing. They weight a little bit more, are sturdier and are hard to puncture. They also have high energy densities and cost less as they suffer from ageing, even when not in use. The Lithium Polymer – tends to be thinner and come in a silver bag. They are soft shelled and can be damaged easier. They weight less and can fit into small shells particularly the custom designed PVC moulded power banks. Although these batteries are more expensive – they are a better battery.

Questions to ask when purchasing Power Banks

a) Is the supply of your power bank from a company that meets international compliance? b) Do the Power Banks come with relevant compliance certificates be that CE, FCC, Reach, ROHS and UN38.3 for transport? c)What battery is in the power banks and are they a brand like Samsung or generic? d)Do the power banks come with control circuitry to regulate the voltage and current output to prevent your phone charging the power bank? e)How fire retardant is the casing surround the battery? f)What features are actually in your power bank – battery type, protection circuitry, true capacity (mAh), stable output current and voltage, certification, 1 or 2 Amp output, dual capacity indicator, cable quality and designs, and charging tips and plastic or metal casing?

These are all important questions to check on when purchasing POWER BANKS. If one price is ridiculously cheaper than others, then the question one must ask is what is the quality of the battery. Don’t get short changed – always go with a quality product – because you may get burnt literally.