Years ago, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 made a splash when its battery caught fire in a series of incidents. There has been a series of similar, albeit isolated, incidents since then. However, despite the high coverage of the wrong battery, the vast majority of Li-ion batteries are safe.
The chemical reactions that take place inside a lithium-ion cell are complex, but as in any battery, there is a negative electrode and a positive electrode. In lithium batteries, the cathode is a lithium-carbon compound and the anode is cobalt oxide (although many battery manufacturers are moving away from cobalt). These two compounds cause a safe reaction when controlled and power your devices. However, when the reaction gets out of control, you will be stuck in your ear with the headset. What changes a safe reaction into an uncontrolled reaction can be anything: excessive heat, physical damage during use, physical damage during manufacturing, or misuse charger.
The three basic rules that have kept me safe (so far) through testing dozens of batteries are:
- Avoid cheap cords, chargers and outlets.
- Make sure the battery is not exposed to excessive heat (above 110 degrees).
- Regularly check the battery for signs of damage.
The most important thing is to avoid cheap wall outlet adapters, cords and chargers. This is your most likely source of problems. Those chargers you see on Amazon for $20 cheaper than the competition? Unworthy. They could have brought the price down by skipping insulation, ignoring power management tools, and ignoring the basics of electrical safety. Price alone does not guarantee safety. Buy from reputable companies and brands.
Then there’s heat. Too much of it can cause all sorts of problems, both in terms of discharge and in terms of safety. Avoid heat and pay attention to your batteries while they are charging. If your device is overheating while charging, this could be a sign of a problem. Likewise, beware of any bulging, bulging, or distorted batteries.
