What Are Lithium Batteries? Safe Charging, Handling and Storage
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Lithium batteries power smartphones, laptops, wireless earbuds, handheld gaming systems, controllers, speakers and power banks. Their ability to store significant energy in a small package makes them useful, but it also means they must be handled properly.
This JenDore Tech Lab guide explains what lithium batteries are, the warning signs of damage and how to charge, store and recycle them more safely.
What Is a Lithium Battery?
"Lithium battery" describes several types of batteries that use lithium in their chemistry.
Lithium-metal batteries are generally non-rechargeable. Some coin and button-cell batteries are examples.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and are commonly found in phones, computers, gaming devices, power banks and other portable electronics. Lithium-polymer batteries are a type of rechargeable lithium battery often used in thin or lightweight devices.
Inside a lithium-ion battery, charged particles move between internal components as the battery charges and discharges. A separator keeps the positive and negative sides apart. Physical damage, defects, excessive heat or improper charging can cause the battery to overheat.
Why Can Lithium Batteries Become Dangerous?
A damaged or malfunctioning lithium-ion battery can experience thermal runaway—a rapid self-heating reaction that may produce extreme heat, smoke, fire or flammable gases.
Risk may increase when a battery is:
- Crushed, punctured, bent or severely dropped
- Exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight
- Charged with incompatible or damaged equipment
- Modified, opened or improperly repaired
- Defective or included in a safety recall
- Used after swelling, leaking or overheating
- Stored where its terminals can touch metal
Properly manufactured batteries normally work safely when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Warning Signs of Battery Damage
Stop using or charging a battery-powered device if you notice:
- Swelling or bulging
- A device case separating at its seams
- Leaking, corrosion or unusual residue
- Hissing, popping or crackling
- An unusual chemical odor
- Smoke or vapor
- Melting or discoloration
- Excessive heat during normal use
- A sudden, unexplained change in performance
⚠️ Never puncture, crush or attempt to flatten a swollen battery. Do not charge it again to see whether it still works.
⚠️ If a device is smoking, burning or making alarming sounds, move away, alert others and call 911. Do not risk injury by attempting to carry a burning or severely overheating device.
How to Charge Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely
Use compatible equipment
Use the charger provided with the product or one approved or recommended by its manufacturer. The connector, charging standard, voltage and current must be compatible with the device.
A reputable higher-wattage USB-C charger is not automatically unsafe when the charger and device support proper power negotiation. However, damaged, counterfeit, incompatible or poorly manufactured chargers may create unnecessary risk.
Inspect chargers and cables
Do not use equipment with exposed wires, bent prongs, loose connectors, damaged housings or burn marks. Replace cables that are frayed, crushed or unusually hot.
Allow heat to escape
Charge devices on stable, uncovered surfaces. Do not charge a phone, power bank or gaming device under a pillow, blanket, clothing or anything else that can trap heat.
Avoid heat and moisture
Keep charging devices away from heaters, stoves, direct sunlight and wet surfaces. Never leave batteries or battery-powered devices in a hot vehicle.
Watch for problems
Follow the manufacturer's charging instructions. Disconnect the device if it begins swelling, producing an unusual odor or becoming abnormally hot. Do not charge a damaged device.
How to Store Lithium Batteries Safely
- Choose a cool, dry location.
- Keep batteries away from sunlight and heat sources.
- Protect them from crushing, punctures, water and impacts.
- Keep loose batteries away from keys, coins and jewelry.
- Use original packaging or an appropriate protective case.
- Keep batteries away from flammable materials.
- Store them out of reach of children and pets.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for temperature and charge level.
- Inspect stored products periodically for damage.
- Separate damaged batteries from usable products.
Loose battery terminals can short-circuit when they contact metal. When preparing batteries for recycling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or covering its terminals with non-conductive tape. Always follow the recycler's instructions.
What Should You Do With a Damaged Battery?
Do not place lithium-ion batteries in household trash or curbside recycling bins. Collection and sorting equipment can crush or puncture batteries, potentially causing fires.
Take intact used batteries to an approved battery or electronics recycling program.
Damaged, swollen, leaking, recalled or hot batteries may require special handling. Contact the manufacturer, retailer, local household hazardous-waste program or fire authority for instructions. Clearly explain that the battery is damaged before transporting it.
Do not mail or ship a damaged lithium battery unless all applicable carrier and hazardous-material requirements are being followed.
If leaking material contacts your skin or eyes, move away from the battery and follow the manufacturer's emergency instructions. In the United States, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical assistance when appropriate.
Quick Safety Checklist
Before charging or using a battery-powered product, ask:
- Is the battery swollen, cracked, leaking or unusually hot?
- Are the charger and cable undamaged and compatible?
- Is the device on an uncovered surface?
- Is it away from bedding, paper, clothing and heat?
- Has the product been recalled?
- Do I know where to recycle it?
If something looks, smells, sounds or feels wrong, stop using the product.
Use Everyday Technology More Safely
Lithium-ion batteries make portable gaming, communication and entertainment possible. Consumers do not need to fear them, but they should treat them carefully.
Use reliable products, follow manufacturer instructions, keep charging areas clear, protect batteries from damage and recycle them properly. These habits can help protect your devices, property and the people around you.
Visit JenDore Tech Lab for more practical guidance about batteries, chargers, power banks and everyday technology.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Frequent Questions: Lithium-Ion Batteries
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Used Lithium-Ion Batteries
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Battery Safety
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration — Lithium Batteries
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information. Follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturer and the guidance of local emergency, recycling and government authorities.