Why are power banks banned in planes? Safety issues to take note of

In recent years, we've heard of multiple news reports about power banks exploding and causing fires. It's resulted in many being concerned about power banks. Are they really safe? Such concerns are equally valid in Malaysia, so it's important to understand the potential risks of using power banks and how we can use them safely.

Why are power banks potentially dangerous?

The main component of a power bank is the lithium battery inside, which has become the core of modern electronic devices due to its high energy density. However, this high energy density carries a potential risk. This risk could be higher with poorly designed batteries and those with manufacturing flaws. Misuse or careless handling could also cause accidents.

Why? The chemical reaction inside a lithium battery is very complex, and its stability is affected by many factors. If a lithium battery is short-circuited, overcharged, overheats or is exposed to high temperature, a violent thermal reaction may occur inside, eventually causing the battery to catch fire or even explode.

This can happen to uncertified, low-quality batteries. Such batteries typically use low-cost materials and lack safety features like overcharge protection and current regulations. During the manufacturing process, due to the lack of strict quality control, low-quality batteries are prone to internal defects, such as uneven diaphragms and substandard battery cell materials. These hidden dangers may suddenly erupt during use.

Improper storage or usage is also a big concern. For Malaysians, the risk is exacerbated by our hot weather (this May has been particularly hot). For example, if you leave a power bank in your car, it could be exposed to high temperatures for a long time. The battery's temperature could rise rapidly, causing the internal chemicals to decompose. Using a power bank that does not match the device's power rating may also damage its charging system. It could even cause an explosion or fire.

Power banks could also release toxic gases when the lithium cell inside is damaged from a fire, explosion, or being punctured. The resulting leak could affect a person's skin, eyes, and lungs. Such a leak would be more hazardous in a confined space like a plane's cabin.

Why you can't bring a power bank on board?

As mentioned, it's because they're potential fire hazards. In March this year, a power bank caught fire on a Hong Kong Airlines plane. According to reports, it was due to a power bank that caught fire in the overhead compartment, causing smoke to fill the cabin. Fortunately, the fire was discovered in time. The passengers and flight attendants managed to douse the fire, thus avoiding a major accident.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), power banks are considered dangerous due to the lithium batteries inside. As such, strict regulations must be followed when carrying one on board.

Passengers putting out the fire in the overhead compartment

First, the rated capacity of the power bank must meet aviation safety standards. Generally, the rated capacity must not exceed 100Wh. If the capacity exceeds 100Wh but is within 160Wh, special approval from the airline is required. Passengers are allowed to bring up to two (depending on the airlines) power banks on board, but will not be allowed to use them and must keep them powered down.

Some airlines require passengers to carry all power banks with them and strictly prohibit them from being placed in checked luggage. This is because the fire extinguishing system in the checked luggage compartment can't effectively deal with fires. After all, it's easier to discover and handle any problems caused by a power bank if it's inside the passenger cabin, where people can see it.

A power bank was allegedly responsible for a fire on an Air Busan plane earlier this year (image from Reuters)

Before boarding a flight, check for the airline's battery regulations. This is to ensure any power banks you're carrying are allowed on board, or you may receive a fine for non-compliance. It's also recommended that you properly store and switch off the power bank before boarding as a preventive measure to ensure an incident-free flight.

Most airlines now have safety requirements for power banks, and passengers must strictly follow these regulations. The regulations of local and regional airlines are listed in the table below.

As you can see, all airlines have standardised regulations for power banks these days. Firstly, you can keep any in your check-in luggage. You can bring them with no issues if the capacity doesn't exceed 100Wh (equivalent to 27000mAh). If your power banks have a total capacity of 100 to 160Wh, you will need to seek approval at the check-in counter. Anything more than that is not allowed, as any resulting fire could be disastrous (bigger battery = more energy = bigger explosion/fire).

10000mAh = 37Wh; 100mAh is roughly equivalent to 27000mAh

Airlines have strict guidelines on what can be brought on board, especially with items with potential risks like power banks. A rule of thumb is to know the regulations applicable to items you plan to pack into your luggage or hand luggage. If you know the rules, you're unlikely to break them. Right?

So, do you bring power banks with you on a flight regularly? Have you encountered incidents caused by power banks on a plane? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below, and stay tuned to TechNave for more articles like this.