Flame-retardant Plastic Grades

There's a wide array of portable power banks on the market, yet it's not common for their materials to display a flame-retardant grade, leaving consumers in the dark about fire prevention ratings. Flame-retardant plastics are designed to resist ignition and slow down flame spread should an accident occur. The American UL94 fire safety standard categorizes these grades as:

• HB: The UL94 standard's base flame-retardant rating. Materials less than 3mm thick should burn at a rate below 70mm/minute, and those between 3mm and 13mm thick should burn less than 40mm/minute or extinguish before reaching the 100mm point.
• V-2: After two 10-second flame tests, any flames or glowing residue should die out within 60 seconds. Droplets may light cotton on fire.
• V-1: Similar to V-2, but droplets should not ignite cotton.
• V-0: Post two 10-second flame tests, flames or glows should fade within 30 seconds, and droplets must not set cotton alight.
• 5VB: Following five 5-second flame tests, any flames or glowing remains must go out within 60 seconds, with the stipulation that droplets can't ignite cotton. It's allowable for the sample to burn through.
• 5VA: Like 5VB but requires flames and afterglow to be extinguished within 30 seconds, without burning through the material.

HB is typically used in general industry, V-2 to V-0 are preferred in electronics, while 5VB and 5VA are applied in construction. SP chooses the V-0 grade for their portable power banks, reflecting the top standard for electronics. This may seem inconsequential, but considering fire resistance in power banks adds a significant layer of safety that, though not always called upon, is the most prudent choice.

Safety Features

When shopping, it's important for consumers to look for safety certifications, choosing products recognized by the BSMI and NCC (in Taiwan as an example). Take SP's portable power banks as an example; these comply with multiple standards such as BSMI, FCC, CE, GS, RoHS, and WEEE, and also boast their own safety technologies like smartSENSE, smartBOOST, smartFOCUS, and smartSHIELD. Notably, smartSHIELD is designed with 12 extensive safety mechanisms to guard against various electrical risks and adhere to fire safety norms.

Before purchasing these items, make sure they come with the right certifications and advanced safety characteristics. Adhering to the instructions in the user manual can significantly enhance both safety and reliability during charging. Proper usage is just as crucial. Always check your power bank for potential issues like cracks or bulging before using it. Try to use the charging cables provided by the manufacturer and keep an eye out for damage or bare wiring, replacing them when needed. Regular checks of your power bank's condition are key to ensuring your safety and giving you peace of mind.