This couple's terrifying experience with a power bank will shock you - read this before it's too late!
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Power banks are the go-to solution for anyone who wants to keep their mobile devices charged on the go. However, as one Australian couple discovered, they can also be the source of unexpected disasters.
Chris Thorpe and her husband were looking forward to a relaxing holiday when they innocently left a power bank in their car. Little did they know that this simple mistake would almost turn their holiday into a nightmare.
When they returned to their car, they were horrified to discover that the power bank had caused severe damage.
The charger was 'smouldering' and burned through the seat covers, front passenger seat, and centre console. The car had been saved from going up in flames, but it was a close call.
The situation was a scary one indeed. Thorpe recounted that it was a scorching hot day when she accidentally left the power bank in the car, and the device was not plugged in. It was simply sitting inside the car when it started to overheat.
The car's temperature rose, and disaster was almost inevitable with the sun beating down on the power bank. Thorpe shared her experience in a social media camping group, describing the shocking scene that greeted them upon returning to the car.
The front seat, seatbelt, seat covers, and console were all destroyed, and black soot covered everything.
Though the situation looked dire, Thorpe and her husband were able to put out the flames before they caused any further damage. Thankfully, their car was still drivable, and they could continue their travels.
Thorpe said they were fortunate to have insurance and that the incident was just a 'blip' in their adventures. She encourages others to take precautions when using electronic devices and to always check their cars for any items that may pose a risk.
Their experience serves as a warning to others who might be tempted to leave a power bank in their car. As convenient as these devices may be, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly.
The couple wants others to learn from their mistakes and be cautious when handling power banks.
It's important to note that the dangers associated with power banks stem from the batteries they use.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in these devices due to their energy density and long lifespan. However, they are also highly flammable and must be handled with care.
Fire and Rescue NSW has warned that lithium-ion batteries can easily catch fire in certain situations, such as overcharging or using the wrong charging equipment, overheating, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
The batteries can undergo thermal runaway, which involves the violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, hissing, and the release of toxic, flammable, and explosive gases. This can result in an intense, self-sustaining fire that can be difficult to extinguish.
You read it here, members! The next time you reach for your power bank, remember to handle it carefully. You never know what could happen. And if you're going on a trip, double-check that you haven't left any electronic devices in your car - it could make all the difference between a dream holiday and a nightmare.
Do you have other tips when it comes to electronics and extreme temperatures? Let us know in the comments!
Chris Thorpe and her husband were looking forward to a relaxing holiday when they innocently left a power bank in their car. Little did they know that this simple mistake would almost turn their holiday into a nightmare.
When they returned to their car, they were horrified to discover that the power bank had caused severe damage.
The charger was 'smouldering' and burned through the seat covers, front passenger seat, and centre console. The car had been saved from going up in flames, but it was a close call.
This story serves as a warning to others who might be tempted to leave a power bank unattended. Credit: Unsplash/Reka Sarudi.
The situation was a scary one indeed. Thorpe recounted that it was a scorching hot day when she accidentally left the power bank in the car, and the device was not plugged in. It was simply sitting inside the car when it started to overheat.
The car's temperature rose, and disaster was almost inevitable with the sun beating down on the power bank. Thorpe shared her experience in a social media camping group, describing the shocking scene that greeted them upon returning to the car.
The front seat, seatbelt, seat covers, and console were all destroyed, and black soot covered everything.
Though the situation looked dire, Thorpe and her husband were able to put out the flames before they caused any further damage. Thankfully, their car was still drivable, and they could continue their travels.
Thorpe said they were fortunate to have insurance and that the incident was just a 'blip' in their adventures. She encourages others to take precautions when using electronic devices and to always check their cars for any items that may pose a risk.
The images of the burnt seat covers and melted centre console serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of leaving a power bank in a car on a hot day. Credit: Facebook.
Their experience serves as a warning to others who might be tempted to leave a power bank in their car. As convenient as these devices may be, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly.
The couple wants others to learn from their mistakes and be cautious when handling power banks.
It's important to note that the dangers associated with power banks stem from the batteries they use.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in these devices due to their energy density and long lifespan. However, they are also highly flammable and must be handled with care.
The batteries can undergo thermal runaway, which involves the violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, hissing, and the release of toxic, flammable, and explosive gases. This can result in an intense, self-sustaining fire that can be difficult to extinguish.
You read it here, members! The next time you reach for your power bank, remember to handle it carefully. You never know what could happen. And if you're going on a trip, double-check that you haven't left any electronic devices in your car - it could make all the difference between a dream holiday and a nightmare.
Do you have other tips when it comes to electronics and extreme temperatures? Let us know in the comments!
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