How to Use a Power Bank: tips, do’s don’ts

Introduction:

With the holiday season in full swing, many people are taking to the roads or skies to visit loved ones. But what happens when your phone runs out of juice and there’s no outlet in sight? A power bank can be a lifesaver in such a situation, and with so many on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to use a power bank. Read on for tips on do’s and don’ts, as well as a list of our top five favorite power banks.

Micro USB (sometimes mini-USB)

Most power banks will use a micro-USB input in order to be charged. This means that the standard USB A to micro-USB leads can be used to charge the power bank. This is convenient as it means that the same lead that is often used to charge a mobile phone or other device, can be used to charge the power bank. It is important to note however, that some power banks may use a mini-USB input. If this is the case, then a standard mini-USB to USB A lead should be used.

USB Type A connector

The USB Type A connector is the larger of the two types of USB connectors and is used to enable the power bank to charge other devices. This means that standard charging cables supplied with most phones and other devices can be used with the power bank. Normal USB chargers have a Type A connector from which the charge is supplied.

usage tips & guidelines

In order to get the best from any power bank there are a few guidelines that will help ensure the performance is gained from the power bank for as long as possible:

-Avoid leaving your power bank in hot environments such as a car in summer. High temperatures will cause the battery to degrade faster.
-When not in use, keep your power bank in a cool, dry place.
-Do not short-circuit the battery by connecting metal objects to the terminals.
-Avoid dropping or subjecting your power bank to any physical shocks.
-If your power bank does not contain a built-in LED flashlight, avoid using it as one. The bright light can cause damage to your eyes and the LED itself.

Keep at room temperature

The first thing to remember is that power banks contain a lithium rechargeable battery, which can be damaged if it gets too cold or too hot. So it's best to store them somewhere temperate, like in your room. Another thing to keep in mind is that they should not be left in automobiles. In the summer sun, the inside of cars can reach temperatures of over 50°C, and in winter the cars can fall below freezing temperatures. Neither of these scenarios is good for lithium rechargeable batteries, so it's important to remember to take your power bank with you when you leave your car.

Charge before first use

Most power banks come with a little booklet that has all the instruction manuals and cautions for the user. Always read these before using the power bank. Almost all manufacturers recommend giving the new power bank a full charge before use. This is to make sure that the internal circuits have been properly initialized and that there is no danger from an uncontrolled surge when you start using it. The excess charge will be cut off, but it is always wise to get it into a known state before starting to use it.

Keep the battery charged

It is important to keep the power bank battery charged. This may seem like an obvious statement, but if the power bank is not charged it is of no use to you. Another way to think about it is to get in the habit of charging the power bank as soon as possible after you have used it. This way, you will always have it ready for when you need it.

Charge the power bank when not used for period

It is important to remember to charge the power bank when not in use. This is because lithium ion and lithium polymer rechargeable batteries do not like being left in a discharged state for long periods. This is because, as batteries will always lose a little charge with time, it is best to periodically recharge the power banks when they have not been used for some while. This means they are ready for use and the battery is kept in tip top condition

Only use power bank in the intended way

It might sound obvious, but it's worth stating: a power bank should only ever be used for charging the type of device for which it is intended. If you try to use it to charge a different device, you could damage the power bank—or worse, the device itself. In addition, most power banks have a specific voltage rating, and using them with a device that has a higher voltage could damage the power bank or the device. Some devices may even have different USB connection types, so check your device's specs before plugging it in. And finally, remember that large devices may draw too much current from a small power bank—so always try to match the wattage of the power bank with the wattage requirements of the device.

Keep away from moisture

Most people know not to get their power bank wet, but few know the other dangers of moisture. As a general rule, moisture and electronics don't mix well. So, it's important to keep your power bank away from any and all water and humidity. Otherwise, you could damage the device beyond repair. One way to protect your power bank is to keep it in its own protective case. This will help to keep it dry and safe from accidental spills or moisture exposure. With the amount of power packed into a power bank, moisture can cause some serious damage—so be sure to stay vigilant!

Don’t keep in pocket or bag with metal objects

One very important thing to remember when using a power bank is to never let it come into contact with metal objects. This is because the metal could easily cause a short circuit, which would in turn damage the power bank and potentially even start a fire. It's therefore important to keep the power bank in a safe place, where it can't come into contact with anything metal. Make sure you also check the position of the power bank before you press the button to activate it - there have been cases where people have accidentally pressed the button and started a fire when the power bank was in their pocket!

Don’t drop it

As with any other piece of technology, you want to take care of your power bank. Dropping it can damage the case, and even the circuit board. It's also important to remember that the rechargeable batteries in power banks are easy to use--but they need to be charged. If you're not going to be using your power bank for a while, make sure to fully charge it before putting it away.

Conclusion:

A power bank is a lifesaver when you’re on the go and your device is running out of juice. But using a power bank can be a little tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why we put together this guide on how to use a power bank. We’ll give you tips on how to charge your power bank, as well as how to use it to charge your devices. Plus, we’ll give you a few do’s and don’ts to make sure you get the most out of your power bank.