Many years ago, the The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 got a bad reputation when its batteries caught fire in a series of incidents. There have been a series of similar, albeit isolated, incidents since then. However, despite the advanced coverage of batteries going bad, the vast majority of lithium-ion batteries are safe.
The chemical reaction that occurs inside a lithium-ion cell is complex, but as in any battery, there are negative and positive electrodes. In lithium batteries, the negative is a lithium-carbon compound, and the positive is cobalt oxide (although most battery manufacturers are moving away from cobalt). These two combinations create an effect that is safe when controlled and provides energy to your devices. However, when the response goes out of control, you end up with the headphones melting in your ears. What changes the safe response to an uncontrolled reaction can be any number of things: overheating, damage to the body during use, damage to the body during manufacture, or using the wrong charger.
The three basic rules that have kept me safe through dozens and dozens of battery tests are these:
- Avoid cheap cords, chargers, and outlet adapters;
- Make sure the batteries are not exposed to excessive heat (over 110 degrees Celsius);
- Inspect the battery regularly for signs of damage.
Avoiding cheap wall adapters, cords, and chargers is the most important thing. This is the source of your problems. Those chargers you see on Amazon for $20 cheaper than the competition? It’s not worth it. Maybe they cut the price by skipping insulation, leaving out power management tools, and ignoring the basics of electrical safety. Price alone is no guarantee of safety, either. Buy from well-known companies and brands.
Then there is the heat. Overloading can cause all kinds of problems, in terms of discharge and safety. Avoid heat, and be careful when your batteries are charging. If your device is overheating while charging, this could be a sign of a problem. Also, beware of any swollen, clogged or deformed batteries.
