Bulging LiPo power bank.

[Paul Drawmer]

I have a Swees RJ-PB06 25600mAh power bank.

I don't use it that much, but top it up occasionally.

Recently I noticed that it has developed a noticeable 'bulge'. It's working OK, but I wonder if I'm playing with a fire bomb.

How dangerous are these things? I gather that the bulge is due to excess gassing during charging. Should I just send it for recycling, or are there safe conditions/ methods to use it in?

[FWIW]

Depends what kind of cells are inside. Cylindrical cells shouldn’t explode.

I’d play safe and recycle it. Not worth the risk.

[Zirconia]

Warranty on it? Though not sure you could stick that in the post.

Personally I would stick it outside until it is recycled.

Swees? Odd web site. Only contact is email?

[anonymous-user]

Lipo batts swell when overcharged (unlikely), left on full charge for storage (sounds like what you've done) , overheated through over discharge (unlikely).

You don't need to top up lithium batts. They don't self drain, and are best stored around 80% full.

If this swelled, i'd bin it. It won't perform as well as it used to either.

[Paul Drawmer]

Thanks for the info everybody, and the usage tips Rogerdodger.

I'll replace it, I've just looked it up and I paid Amazon £26 for it 4 years ago.

Any recommendations for a similar size?

Current thinking
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Pxwaxpy-Portable-26800m...

[randlemarcus]

Anker ones on Amazon. My goto for this type of thing.

[i4got]

randlemarcus said:

Anker ones on Amazon. My goto for this type of thing.

+1 - Alway Anker for me too.

[Hoofy]

randlemarcus said:

Anker ones on Amazon. My goto for this type of thing.

Wouldn't pick an unknown brand for electrical stuff.

https://amzn.to/2k9PISd

[Zirconia]

Another Anker lover here. They do a good decent sized one that comes in under the max size for carry on. It will charge up our iPad, iPad mini and top off two phones providing they are not drained. (That is four items of course, if phone on its own then a few days use before recharge bank)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-PowerCore-20100-200...

Edited by Zirconia on Monday 2nd September 10:09

[malks222]

i’d dispose of the battery quickly and safely.

i only day this as my dad uses li-po batteries in remote control planes and nearly set the house on fire. battery exploded/ went on fire whilst charging, resulting in the fire brigade having to come out etc....... insurance job to sort out the loft!! thankfully the whole house/ roof didn’t go on fire, but he’s going to be a lot more careful with them from now on

[Zirconia]

Hoofy said:

Wouldn't pick an unknown brand for electrical stuff.

Amazon are getting a lot of fake reviews and nearly identical lookalikes plaguing the site at the moment. Better now than a few months ago. Easy to pick up junk at the moment.


Edit.
Irony. Report from Which today.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/09/killer-charge...

Edited by Zirconia on Monday 2nd September 10:19

[wazztie16]

Anker here too, just ordered 2 the other week and they're away on hol with me, had 2 before but I lost one and broke one, hence the replacements.

Can't fault the product.

[Hoofy]

Zirconia said:

Hoofy said:

Wouldn't pick an unknown brand for electrical stuff.

Amazon are getting a lot of fake reviews and nearly identical lookalikes plaguing the site at the moment. Better now than a few months ago. Easy to pick up junk at the moment.


Edit.
Irony. Report from Which today.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/09/killer-charge...

Edited by Zirconia on Monday 2nd September 10:19

Having been bitten (not literally) by crap quality unknown electrical kit, I don't buy such stuff online any more as it's a PITA to return.

eg £5 bluetooth speakers that stop charging after a month.

[i4got]

Anker chargers are on sale today at Amazon

[Mosman]

I'd go Anker also.

Here's a recent comparison test with a few different options...

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/usb-c-battery-pack...