As we near the middle of summer, it’s important to keep in mind that electronics are not meant for high temperatures, and can pose a danger if they are not managed properly. Temperatures are rising, and if electronics are left in the heat too long they could overheat and lead to battery swelling and potentially a fire.
Most electronics today are made with Lithium-Ion batteries including smartphones, cameras, laptops, tablets, electric cars and even electric toothbrushes. Lithium-ion batteries are known for their explosive nature and causing chemical fires when they are damaged. For this reason, it’s crucial to know the signs of overheating electronics.
One of the easiest signs to notice is when devices are hot to the touch. Ever notice how smartphones tend to get warm after long periods of use? This is from overheating, and the device should be cooled down before continued use. Battery swelling is also a large indicator of overheating. In laptops, keyboards or the edges of the computer can warp if the battery swells. In certain computers, overheating can cause the fan to be unusually loud and make whirring noises. Some devices may even become slow or unresponsive.
To prevent electronics from overheating, keep them in cool places. Try not to leave them in direct sunlight and never leave them in a vehicle. When storing, make sure no vents or ports are blocked, and try not to stack laptops.
In the event that an electronic device does overheat, check for battery swelling. Users can typically locate the battery by finding the hottest spot of the device. If no swelling is evident, immediately stop using the device and place it somewhere cool such as in front of an air conditioner unit, or a fan. No matter how tempting it may be to put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes, an extreme change in temperature may do more harm than good.
If battery swelling has already occurred, cooling it down may no longer work. Do not try to push on the battery or remove it on your own as damaging a lithium-ion battery could cause a chemical fire. Third party repair shops may be a cost effective alternative to OEMs, but either way it is best to let trained professionals handle swollen or damaged batteries.
IT asset disposition facilities like HOBI partner with enterprises looking to reduce their carbon footprint when disposing of IT assets. HOBI is R2v3, RIOS and ISO-14001 certified, and focuses on mitigating environmental liability via recycling, and maximizing device value via repair and reuse. HOBI collects old, retired IT assets and ensures they are properly disposed of at no environmental detriment. Our trained professionals implement safety protocols for battery handling, and use special tools for battery removal.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.