Mobile devices are the most commonly used form of technology globally, but they also present many dangers when poorly managed. Popular mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches are made with lithium-ion batteries, known to ignite when damaged. Users may assume that simply being careful with their electronics will prevent such an occurrence. However, battery fires can also be caused by device overheating, which can occur by merely storing assets in the wrong place.
Device Overheating
Heat can damage electronic devices in several ways, and proper IT asset management is crucial in battery fire prevention. The longer devices are used, the warmer they get, especially with no ventilation to keep the air circulating. Laptops are designed with vents, usually located on the sides and the bottom, that allow heat to escape to keep the device cool. Airflow is essential, and blocking any of these vents for an extended period will prevent the heat from being released and cause the laptop to overheat. One obvious sign of overheating is if the keyboard seems swollen or bowed. This makes storage extremely important. Leaving IT assets in warm places for too long, such as a car or an attic, can cause them to overheat. Electronics are made with metals like gold, silver, copper, nickel, lead, and lithium, as well as materials like glass, which grow extremely hot very quickly, even if they seem cooler when the sun is down.
Risk Prevention
Excessive heat causes devices to overheat faster, and keeping electronics out of the sun, whether in a hot car or near an open window, will help reduce the risk of batteries overheating. Keeping electronics clean can help prevent ports or vents from clogging with dust, hair, or other stray particles that might prevent airflow. Stacking IT assets also produces more heat and conducts higher temperatures. Additionally, if a battery is damaged and catches fire, it could start a chain reaction and ignite every other battery around it.
The risk of device overheating is prevalent with retired IT assets. Many end up in storage, piled together in storage units without airflow or closets with no ventilation. Partnering with an ITAD provider prevents the hassle of finding a disposition plan for used assets and eliminates the need for storage.
IT asset disposition facilities like HOBI are trained in battery removal and dispose of lithium-ion batteries in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. With more than 30 years in the industry, HOBI is a premiere IT asset management and disposition enterprise focusing on mitigating environmental liability via electronic recycling. HOBI prioritizes employee and asset safety with safe, efficient storage that prevents heat damage.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.