If a phone or power bank gets hot, stop

A hot phone is more than a nuisance. Heat, swelling, hissing, a chemical smell or smoke are warning signs. Stop using the device.

You do not need to wait for a news report. Make this a household rule.

Charge where someone can see it

Charge it on a hard surface, such as a table, desk or tiled kitchen counter.

Do not charge it under a pillow, under a duvet, on a sofa or in a closed bag. Soft furnishings can trap heat and hide the first signs of a problem.

Do not leave a power bank under a stack of paper overnight. If it fails at 3am, nobody is there to notice.

If it gets hot, swollen, or starts to smell

1. Stop using it.
2. Unplug it only if you can do so without touching a hot or smoking device.
3. Keep people away. If it is safe to move, place it on a non-flammable surface. Do not pick it up if it is already smoking.
4. If there is smoke or fire, get everyone out, stay out and call 995 from a safe place.

An extinguisher is only an option for a small fire if you have a clear exit behind you and the extinguisher is suitable. If you are unsure, leave. Do not go back for the phone.

Get out. Stay out. Call 995.

If you want an extinguisher for battery risk

Standard dry powder still has its place for ordinary Class A and Class B fires. A battery fire needs a different type of extinguisher.

COMBAT lists its 6-litre fluorine-free lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher for this type of risk. According to the current product page, it has been tested to NTA 8133:2021 on a lithium-ion battery fire up to 600 Wh. The page also lists fluorine-free FER T1 medium, Class A, B and F testing, and dielectric testing.

View the specifications and check current availability.

Quick answers

What should I do if my phone or power bank gets hot? Stop using it. Unplug if it is safe. Keep people away. If there is smoke or fire, get out and call 995.

Where should I charge at home? On a hard surface in clear view. Not under a pillow, in a bed or in a bag.

Should I throw water on a battery that is smoking? No. Get everyone out and call 995. Do not try to put it out yourself.