Six Important Things to Know About Power Banks
Little Known and Useful Facts About Custom Power Banks
As reliance on mobile devices such as smartphones continues to increase, so does the need for convenient power sources. Pow
er banks have stepped in to fill that need and are now in high demand. However, not all power banks are created equal, and there are a variety of banks to fit the needs of a diverse population. Here is what you need to know to choose a power bank that is right for you.
1. What is a Power Bank?
A power bank is a special battery used to charge almost any USB-charged mobile device. This includes: smartphones, tablets, cameras, portable speakers, GPS devices, GoPros, and MP3 players. They are also called: portable batteries, power stations, batter banks, mobile batteries, and external batteries.
2. How Does a Power Bank Work?
Power banks store electrical energy that can be used later to charge your mobile device. Most power banks feature a Mini or Micro USB port to receive power. They can be charged via a wall-charger or from a computer. Using a wall charger is faster. Then, the power bank discharges energy to your device via a full size USB port.
Power banks usually include an LED indicator to show how much charge they currently hold. Some also have a safety cut-off to prevent overcharging and overheating. Once your power bank is fully charged, disconnect it from the power source.
3. How Much Charge Does a Power Bank Hold?
The charging capacity of a power bank is measured in milli ampere hours or mAh. The level of mAh is called the power bank’s “power rating” or “real capacity” and expresses the capacity for power flow over time. The higher the power rating, the more charge the power bank holds. In general, power banks can have power ratings of ~2000 to ~10,000.
Approximate Charging Ability of 3 Power Rating Levels
2,200-2,600 mAh battery — gives a mobile phone 1 full charge
5200 mAh battery — gives a mobile phone 2 full charges
10,000 mAh battery — gives a mobile phone 4 full charges
4. How Long Should a Power Bank Last?
The lifespan of a power bank depends on 2 things. First, the quality of the components and the manufacturing affect how many charging cycles the power bank can reliably complete. Banks made with high quality parts and a strict manufacturing protocol will be able to perform more charging cycles. They often last for at least 18 months.
Secondly, power bank lifespan is impacted by how long a bank holds its charge when not in use. Even though most power banks lose some power over time, banks made with higher quality circuitry and battery cells can keep their charge for 3 to 6 months.
5. What is the Difference Between Li-Ion (18650) and Li-Polymer Batteries?
Li-Ion (18650) Li-Polymer
Size & dimension are fixed Size & dimension are flexible
Produces more heat Safer, produces less heat
Cheaper More expensive
Less durable More capacity and durability
6. How do I Prolong the Life of my Power Bank?
Follow these steps to maximize the lifespan of your power bank:
— Before using your power bank the first time, make sure to charge it to 100%. Manufacturers often charge banks only to 30
to 40%.
— Once your power bank reaches 100% charge, remove it from the charging cable.
— Store your power bank with at least a 30% charge. Storing a bank with low or no power decreases its life.
— Charge your mobile devices before they get below 20% charge. Do not wait until you are <5% charged before you use the power bank. It will take longer and use my power to charge your device.
— Store your power bank at room temperature. Extreme hot or cold temperatures decrease the lifespan of your power bank.
Geek Tech Branding carries a large variety of customizable power banks to meet the needs of your business and employees. Each power bank can be imprinted with your company logo to increase your brand exposure. Visit our website today to find out more.
