Recently, many brands of power bank manufacturers have recalled multiple batches of products due to safety risks in their batteries. On the 16th, according to the website of the Shenzhen Municipal Administration for Market Regulation, Shenzhen Romans Technology Co., Ltd. recalled some of the Romans brand PAC20-272, PAC20-392, and PLT20A-152 mobile power supplies. On the 20th, Anker Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. issued an announcement that it would recall the A1642, A1647, A1652, A1680, A1681, A1689, and A1257 mobile power supplies.
The State Administration for Market Regulation has revoked or suspended the 3C certification of multiple power bank and battery cell manufacturers. What exactly is 3C? How to identify authentic and fake 3C? What are the rules for carrying power banks on a plane?
What is the 3C logo and how to identify it?
3C certification (China Compulsory Certification, China Compulsory Product Certification) is a compulsory market access system implemented by China in accordance with the law to protect the personal safety of consumers, national security and the environment. According to national regulations, power banks that are officially on the market must obtain 3C compulsory certification.
How to identify authentic and fake 3C?
In terms of three-dimensional effect, if you observe the 3C certification mark from the front facing the light, the mark has a white base plate and a black pattern. Aim at the logo screen and observe through the diamond shape of the 3C certification mark. The logo screen has a profound three-dimensional feeling and a sense of reality. If there is no three-dimensional effect, it can be judged to be a counterfeit logo.
On the anti-counterfeiting code, products that have passed safety certification have a unique code. After peeling off the 3C logo, you will see this anti-counterfeiting code. Generally, counterfeit logos do not have this security code behind them. For a real 3C logo, after it is torn off, the logo will be broken and cannot be pasted back on. This is also a way to identify it.
In addition, log in to the official website of the China Quality Certification Center, click "Certificate Query", select the manufacturer – the manufacturer of the product, and the query result indicates that it meets the national safety standards. If it displays "The certificate was not found", it is unqualified. You can also enter the anti-counterfeiting code into the "certificate number" to make the query more accurate. The 3C certification mark is only the most basic safety certification, not a quality mark.
Power banks that are used “on board” the aircraft cannot be charged during flight.
It should be noted that the new regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China ban power banks without the 3C logo from being allowed on the plane. During the flight, even power banks with the 3C logo that can be taken on board are not allowed to be used to charge electronic devices. At the same time, always turn off power banks with activation switches.
The aircraft cabin is a pressurized environment. During the takeoff and landing of the aircraft, the cabin pressure changes. It will drop from 1 atmosphere before takeoff to about 0.6 atmospheres during cruise, and then slowly increase to 1 atmosphere during landing. Using a power bank in this environment can easily cause heat generation and increase the probability of spontaneous combustion.
In 2014, the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued an "Announcement on the Regulations on Civil Aviation Passengers Carrying 'Power Banks' on Boarding." According to the announcement, a power bank refers to a lithium battery mobile power supply whose main function is to provide external power for mobile phones and other electronic devices.
According to the announcement, passengers carrying power banks on board should comply with regulations such as "power banks must be carried by the passenger for personal use", "power banks can only be carried in hand luggage or carry-on strictly, and are not allowed in checked baggage" and "power banks with a rated energy of no more than 100Wh do not require airline approval; power banks with a rated energy of more than 100Wh but not more than 160Wh can only be carried with the approval of the airline, but each passenger is not allowed to carry more than two power banks."
Screenshot of announcement regarding regulations for civil aviation passengers to carry “power bank” on board. Source: Civil Aviation Administration of China
China Fire Protection Tips: To prevent power banks from becoming "exploding" during charging, you should not blindly choose high-capacity products, but choose power banks produced by regular manufacturers. When carrying power banks, you should pay attention to avoid heavy pressure and strong exercise. When the power bank is not in use, it should be placed in a ventilated place. Do not charge the power bank for a long time. Try to use the original plug for charging the power bank…
Sino-Singapore Jingwei is compiled from China Fire Protection, CCTV News, and Civil Aviation Administration of China
