HOBI Weekly Blog Recap (8/8-12/22)
Some electronics may seem sturdy enough to withstand physical damages, but most forget that just because you cannot see the damage, doesn’t mean it’s not occurring. As we head into triple digit weather it’s important to remember that your electronics are not invincible, and are easily susceptible to heat damage, especially during the hottest part of the summer. Below are some tips for keeping your devices from overheating while you’re cooling off by the pool.
Heat can damage electronic devices in several ways. If you’ve ever experienced your phone getting slightly warmer the longer you’re on it, this is because the battery is heating up. Most electronics today are manufactured with Lithium Ion batteries that are known to cause fires when they get too hot, or when they are damaged. Not to worry, it’s normal for phones to warm slightly when in use, but if your phone starts getting too warm, turn it off and give it time to cool down before using it again. Laptops are designed with vents usually located on the sides and/or on the bottom that allows heat to escape to keep the device cool. Airflow is extremely important, and blocking any of these vents for an extended period of time 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.
Leaving electronic devices in hot cars can also lead to overheating and potentially cause battery swelling. Think about how hot the steering wheel and leather seats are when you first get in the car, and imagine how hot devices can get. Electronics are made with metals like gold, silver, copper, nickel, lead and lithium, and materials like glass that grow extremely hot very quickly. Make sure no electronics are left in the car overnight, even if it seems cooler when the sun is down.
Keeping electronics clean can also help prevent any ports or vents from becoming clogged with dust, hair or any other stray particles that might prevent airflow. When storing electronic devices, try not to stack them, as stacking produces a higher 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. Try to store devices in cool, dry areas and do not leave them near windows in direct sunlight.
If you notice your phone or laptop is swollen due to battery overheating, do not try and remove the battery yourself. Lithium ion batteries are extremely dangerous and should be handled by professionals. IT asset disposition facilities like HOBI are trained in battery removal and will dispose of the battery in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. With more than 30 years in the industry, HOBI is a premiere IT asset management and disposition enterprise that focuses on mitigating environmental liability via electronic recycling.
For more information about our ITAD services call 817-814-2620, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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