Not long ago, Samsung was forced to withdraw all the Galaxy Note 7 because the batteries of 35 already sold were exploded. Last year other similar cases were reported that also affect other producers. This event, unfortunately, could cause damage to things or, worse, to people. Despite being a very rare phenomenon, all users should know what are the main causes of the explosion of smartphone batteries and what to do to protect themselves.
The causes
Always having a smartphone with you is very comfortable, thanks to the increasing number of tools available. The producers insert more and more technologically advanced and at the same time powerful batteries. Sometimes, however, these compact energy sources can be the protagonists of a real explosion. Before analyzing the various guidelines, it is useful to know the causes of the related problems.
Manufacturing defects
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 involved in the recall had been distributed with a manufacturing defect. A group of defective batteries, non-compliant transport, a disconnected wire or any problem- defective products could actually be at risk of explosion. It must be emphasized that Samsung has promptly solved the problem.
A smartphone destroyed after the explosion of the device.Counterfeit batteries
Buying a counterfeit battery to save money is not always the best solution. Products that are not up to standard, as it is easy to see, are more likely to be defective or to be made of poor materials.
Incorrect charger
How many times has it happened, finding ourselves outside the home and with the smartphone totally unloaded, to look for a battery charger to solve this annoying problem? Often, in these moments, we could put our device in a not very happy condition. Who tells us that specific charger is actually correct for our smartphone and, above all, that it is not counterfeit?
In fact, the use of a battery charger not suitable for our product or simply defective could provide an excessive amount of electricity to the battery and, inevitably, damage it. Even counterfeit products can be a probable problem- chargers of this type could be built with non-compliant materials.
An internal fracture
When the phone falls into the floor, the owner’s first thought is always on the screen. Still, the display is not the only component that could break. The impact, in fact, could cause an internal fracture of the battery, often difficult to verify. A small crack in the solid material that divides the different cells could cause an explosion of the same. There are some signs that could help you to identify this problem: deformation/swelling of the battery or of the smartphone itself, excessive heat during the charging phase, automatic restart of the device, the battery will discharge too quickly or the smartphone does not charge as it should.
A swollen battery (extreme case)Excessive heat
The excessive heat of the smartphone could prove to be very dangerous and irreparably damage the battery. This condition, for example, could damage the internal cells of the energy source. It is not difficult to understand that this is one of the causes of the explosion of the same battery.
A smartphone and a figural thermometer.The so-called “thermal leak” is a condition in which the excess heat accumulates directly in the battery. The increase in temperature could change the internal chemical reactions contributing to further increase this value. The result could be catastrophic and create fertile ground for a possible explosion.
The overheating of the device almost always derives from its intense use. Try to imagine using a graphically complex videogame in your device, such as Asphalt 9- Legends (Gameloft, 2018), for a long time in a warm place. You will notice, after a while, that the smartphone’s heat will increase significantly. In these details, but at the same time common conditions, the cooling phase of the device is considerably reduced.
How to protect yourself
Now you know the main causes of smartphone battery explosion. However, we need to find out what measures can help to weaken this dangerous problem. Here, then, our advice.
Do not charge the phone near the bed
We should avoid sleeping next to the smartphone. Keep the device under the pillow, maybe to be sure to hear the alarm or to immediately send the “hello” to your own half, represents a real risk. We know that the battery could explode- would not it be better to keep the device away from the body during this phenomenon? Charging the smartphone when the user is lying in bed could be another problem for two reasons:
- The smartphone could overturn and overheat ;
- If the cable remains bent for a long time, it may be damaged and do not provide the correct amount of electricity to the battery.
Check the compliance of the device
As was the case with Samsung Galaxy Note 7, manufacturers could withdraw all devices if a minor flaw should appear. We, therefore, recommend that you stay up-to-date to find out if your new smartphone is also part of the retired devices. Have you purchased a new device and noticed some problems with the battery? Do not think twice, take it to the store where it was purchased and point out the problem and possibly ask for the product to be replaced.
Cool your device
If during the recharge phase you should notice an increase in heat, immediately disconnect your smartphone and wait for this value to stabilize. If it should happen often, go to an authorized service center. When you are in too hot environments , you should avoid using the device too much and, in case you notice the overheating, switch it off and bring it to a place with a more welcoming temperature.
Use the correct charger
Use only the supplied charger or a product of the same nature. It absolutely avoids chargers of different types, which may not offer the correct amount of current.
Find reliable dealers
Find a reliable dealer and avoid buying imitations. This speech applies to:
- The battery;
- The charger;
- The same smartphone.
In today’s world, where e-commerce is increasingly numerous, it is no longer easy to distinguish good quality original products from counterfeit products. We advise you to check if the desired product is present in the official stores of the manufacturer or on secure websites. Amazon is one of the most important examples- however, pay close attention to product sellers and prefer to buy the devices you can read “sold and shipped from Amazon”.
Conclusion
Thanks to these guidelines you can prevent the battery of your smartphone from being damaged or, worse, exploding. Despite being a phenomenon present, producers are trying to prevent it and, year after year, the risks decrease. These tips, however, will always remain valid. After all, it is better not to risk finding yourself in front of this potentially dangerous defect.
