How to choose and where to buy portable chargers (power banks) for your phone and other electronic gadgets. What is important to know when using a power bank How to charge a power bank from the network

Without a Power Bank, we are already without hands - when we are not at home, but need to quickly recharge a smartphone or other device, it comes to the rescue. It fits easily into a bag and is not heavy at all. But it also needs to be charged from time to time. How to do this correctly?

How to charge the Power Bank correctly, including for the first time

Let's talk about charging rules and, in general, about ways in which you can recharge an external battery.

What to do immediately after purchasing a Power Bank

To ensure that the external battery pleases you with its work for a long time, immediately after purchase, do the following:


Instructions for proper charging

Before you start using your Power Bank, read the operating instructions that come with it, and also follow the recommendations that will be discussed further.

The Power Bank can be charged in three main ways: from a laptop or desktop PC via a USB cable, from an outlet using an AC adapter, and from the cigarette lighter in a car. The second method is the fastest, since the outlet can provide sufficient charging current. You may not find this adapter included with the battery, since it is assumed that you can use the adapter that comes with the phone. However, such adapters usually only supply 1A current. In this case, it is recommended to buy an adapter for 2–2.4A and 5V or use an adapter to charge, say, a tablet.

The power adapter must supply a current of 2 - 2.4A - no more

The Power Bank is connected to the network in the same way as a telephone: the USB plug on the cable is inserted into the adapter, the micro-USB is connected to the “battery”. Insert the adapter plug into the socket. Usually, you don’t need to press anything to start the adapter - the battery itself will recognize the flow of energy and begin charging.

How long do you need to keep the battery charged? A small battery with a capacity of 4000 - 5000 mAh will last about 4 - 6 hours. You can safely leave the battery charging overnight without fear that it may overcharge. Special controllers are installed in the “batteries” that completely turn off charging as soon as the battery is filled with energy. That is, you don’t need to monitor the progress of the charge at all.

How to understand that the Power Bank is charged

When the last light stops flashing or when 100% appears on the screen, this will mean that the bank is charged. Many “batteries” turn off on their own after being fully charged; all you have to do is remove the plug from the socket and the USB cable from the “battery”.

Instead of a display, there may be lights that show the battery charge level

If you just bought the device, charge it to 100%, and then, as you work with it, carry out 2 - 3 full charge-discharge cycles. You don’t need to monitor the charging process; you can safely leave the battery connected to the network overnight. When the battery is full, it will automatically disconnect from the network (all indicators will stop lighting). Use a power adapter with a current of no more than 2 - 2.4A for charging.

Using a mobile charger is an excellent solution for a long trip or outdoor recreation. In order for the capacity to last for a long time and to be able to constantly recharge gadgets, you need to know some of the features of charging and using an external battery. Power banks are built on the basis of Li-Ion batteries, taking into account the properties of which, you can extend the life of the equipment.

Features of Power Bank charging

  1. Regardless of the charge level when purchasing, fully charge the external battery immediately. At the same time, it is better not to disconnect it from the network quickly, after reaching the 100% mark. The process when the battery is charged, but is still connected to the network for some time and is powered by a weak current, is called “trickle charging” and is considered correct.
  2. To achieve maximum capacity, completely discharge and charge the battery 3-4 times. This method is suitable when you begin to notice that the device begins to lose charge faster.
  3. Regardless of whether you charge from an adapter from a wall outlet or from a computer’s USB port, use only original chargers, paying attention to the amperage indicated on the battery and charger: they must match. As a rule, these values ​​can be found in instructions or in product cards of online stores, for example, here http://www.moyo.ua/acsessor/acum/accu_univers/.

Correct use of devices

To extend the life of your external battery, try to always charge it to 100%. For Li-Ion batteries, the absence of memory effect is stated, but practice shows its minimal presence in phones, tablets and external chargers. Constantly completely discharging to 0% negatively affects the battery; make it a rule to connect power to the device when the level drops to 10-20%. It is recommended to perform a complete discharge once every couple of months - to reset the charge limit. For prevention, you can calibrate the battery from time to time. When you know that the battery will lie idle for the near future, it is better that it has about half a charge. Storing a charged or discharged battery will also reduce its life. Make sure that the Power bank does not overheat either in the sun or when exposed to other factors, or while lying down while charging.

In order to be able to use your favorite gadget without worrying about the lack of an outlet nearby, choose an external charger with a larger battery capacity and follow simple operating rules. This will significantly increase the quality and service life.


Smartphones and tablets perform many functions. Even at an average load level, they consume a lot of electricity to maintain wireless communications and run service programs. Extend autonomy without being close to a 220 V stationary power outlet using an external battery. This article talks about how to use power bank without errors. Careful study of the instructions provided will be useful when choosing the appropriate model. Following additional recommendations will prevent problems and emergency situations.

How does a power bank work: principle of operation, typical design

Portable devices in this category are based on lithium-ion batteries. A set of several standard batteries is combined into a single unit of the required capacity. To protect against adverse external influences, a durable housing is used. The charging mode is indicated using built-in LEDs. There are specialized sockets for connecting to the power adapter (gadgets).

Before using the power bank, you need to charge it fully. The following algorithm is used:

  • connect the device via a cable to a regular power adapter and then to a household two-phase network 220 V, 550 Hz;
  • flashing LEDs confirm normal charging progress;
  • the completion of the process is indicated by the lighting of all indicators;
  • at this stage, the automation, without user intervention, interrupts the current supply to the operating circuit.

Important! Manufacturers include a connecting cable with connectors in a typical sales kit. However, the adapter is included only in some expensive models.

To connect devices, use the same standard cord. The exact procedure is described in the accompanying documentation. The process of replenishing electricity begins:

  • automatically;
  • after pressing the ON/OFF key once;
  • 2-5 seconds after holding it.

The work process is accompanied by a light alarm. As in the previous case, it completes on its own without exceeding the full charge of the batteries of the connected smartphone. This is necessary to maintain the good functional condition of storage batteries over a long service life.

How to use power bank correctly

It should be noted that some models do not automatically activate the charging process when charging two gadgets in series without disconnecting the cord. In this case, you need to turn the power bank off and on again manually using the ON/OFF button.

To ensure long-term preservation of basic parameters, follow a few simple instructions:

  • the service life of its batteries will increase with sufficiently frequent use, at least 3-4 times a month;
  • if such a mode is not possible, maintain the charge at 75-85% of the nominal value;
  • use only serviceable connecting cords, monitor the integrity of the electrical insulation;
  • exclude complete discharge, connect the power bank via an adapter to a stationary power supply when the level drops to less than 15% of the nominal value;
  • use high-quality power adapters made by responsible manufacturers;
  • to avoid voltage surges, after fully charging the external battery, first remove the adapter plug from the power outlet, and then remove the connecting cord from the USB socket;
  • interrupt operation immediately if there is excessive overheating, smoke or foreign odors;
  • Connect several devices at the same time only if you have the appropriate permission from the manufacturer in the official rules of use.

The power bank should be stored at temperatures above zero, but at a sufficient distance from strong heat sources and open flames. Frost causes a rapid loss of charge in batteries. Electronics must be protected from water. High humidity can cause a short circuit and intensify destructive corrosion processes. The accumulation of oxides disrupts electrical contact.

High-quality products in this category are well adapted to difficult operating conditions. The end parts are made of impact-resistant plastic. The front plane is protected with metal plates. Despite this, one must remember the limited resistance of the device to mechanical loads in order to prevent accidental breakdowns.

Delicate products are used to remove dirt from external surfaces. Do not use abrasives, acids or other aggressive chemical compounds. The amount of water should be minimized.

During a long break (more than 70-90 days), it is necessary to replenish the external battery charge to the maximum. To extend its service life, experts recommend performing a simple preventive procedure. The battery is “trained” every 3-4 months. To do this, a complete discharge cycle will be performed once, followed by replenishment to 100%.

A slight increase in the surface temperature of the power bank is acceptable when connecting an adapter (smartphone). But to prevent overheating, it is not recommended to block the free access of air with thick clothing, a cape, or other things.

Features of choice

You need to clarify your personal criteria before visiting the store. A full charge of the power bank is enough if the capacity of the connected gadget is 15-25% less. Approximately this amount of energy is spent on heat generation and other technological losses. This means that for a smartphone with a 1800 mAh battery, an external battery of 2200 mAh or more is suitable. Additional reserve is useful in several situations:

  • long-term autonomous operation is expected away from stationary power supply networks;
  • ensures the functionality of several mobile devices;
  • The equipment is used outdoors at sub-zero temperatures.

Efficient, powerful processors consume a lot of electricity. You will have to use an external battery more often in the following modes:

  • active surfing the Internet using Wi-FI;
  • watching video in high definition;
  • games at maximum settings;
  • exchange large files via Bluetooth.

The next step is to check the matching of the connectors. For devices running Android OS, a microUSB connector is suitable. New Apple models are equipped with Lightning standard sockets. Some external batteries are designed in a universal design that allows you to use both types of cables.

When choosing a suitable model, check the main technical characteristics:

  • storage electrical capacity;
  • maximum input (output) current;
  • dimensions, weight;
  • type of batteries;
  • time for a full charging cycle from a 220 V household network.

In some devices, instead of the number of lighting devices, color indication of work processes is used. With appropriate equipment, the charge is displayed on the digital LCD display as a percentage.

Correct use of a power bank does not cause difficulties for ordinary users. In addition to the information listed, it is necessary to take into account the restrictions specified by the user in the accompanying documentation. Self-repair is only permissible if you have the appropriate qualifications. For a thorough check and high-quality restoration procedures, you should contact a specialized service workshop.

A power bank is a device used to charge gadgets when there is no power supply. Their connection occurs via a wire connected through the built-in USB port. However, in order to give charge to other devices, the Power Bank itself must first be charged.

Basic ways to charge Power Bank

When planning to purchase this device, you should ask how to charge this particular model and how to use it correctly. Despite the ease of operation, any model may have some differences and nuances. In order for the device to last a long time, you need to learn how to properly charge the Power Bank portable charger by looking at the instructions.

From a 220V outlet

The main question that interests buyers is whether it is possible to charge a power bank using electricity, because this charging method is the most convenient and familiar. To do this, you will need to purchase a network adapter - you need to buy it separately; it is not included in the Power Bank package.

Since the external battery is designed for smartphones, it is logical to use a telephone charger for charging from the network. Given that the standard charging time for an external battery with a capacity of 4000 mah - 5000 mah is 4-5 hours, it is most convenient to plug it into the network at night. Charging from the network is much faster than via a USB port.

From computer via USB

The simplest option that makes it convenient for every user to charge a Power Bank is a computer. To do this, you just need to connect it to a working device using a cable via a USB connector. Charging occurs during its operation unnoticed by the owner.

From the energy of the sun

Many users are interested in whether it is possible to charge a power bank in the sun. This is the most economical and inexpensive way - you just need to place the device in the sun. However, it is only suitable for those external batteries that have a solar panel.

From car cigarette lighter and other devices

Users are interested in the question of whether it is possible to charge from an outlet in the car. Car enthusiasts who have a cigarette lighter in their car can charge the Power Bank while the car is moving. Another charging method is from a mobile phone. Mobile gadgets have appeared on the market that also serve as an external battery.

How do you know if the external battery is charged?

How do you know if the power bank is charged? The standard device has 4 divisions indicating the amount of charge - 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%. The last indicator blinks when the battery is fully charged. However, the simplest budget models may have one or two indicators. When fully charged, the system will turn off the device automatically - there is no need to monitor the charge.

How long does it take to charge a Power Bank?

The time directly depends on two factors: battery capacity and charging method. The standard 5000 mAh capacity when connected to the network will require 5 hours to be fully saturated. If the capacity is twice as large, the time required for charging will also increase. Other methods take much longer; you can only find out how much you need to charge a power bank from a computer or car cigarette lighter by trial and error. The solar-powered device takes the longest to take energy out of thin air.

Features of charging Power Bank

The device must be charged until it is fully, 100% charged. However, when this indicator is reached, you should not rush to turn it off - experts recommend leaving it on for about another hour. At this time, “drip charging” occurs with a weak current, allowing you to maintain the maximum battery capacity for as long as possible.

You can track drip charging if you install an application specially created for this purpose - for Android and Apple.

Fully charge after purchase

There are different opinions on how best to charge a power bank after purchase. Some users argue that this moment does not matter. Manufacturers recommend that the purchased external charger, regardless of its charge level when purchased, be charged to 100%. It is important not to ignore drip charging.

Several charge/discharge cycles at the beginning of operation

When purchasing a Power Bank, you need to “boost” the battery - completely discharge and charge the battery. The same technique can be used if there is a faster than usual discharge.

3 or 4 full discharge and charge cycles will rewrite the battery statistics.

Always charge your external battery to 100%

Users and manufacturers unanimously claim that modern Li-Ion batteries do not have the disadvantage of the previous ones - the memory effect. Nevertheless, experience shows that this effect still exists, although it is less pronounced than with other types of batteries. Therefore, charging an external battery can be interrupted only in the most extreme cases, and in other cases, wait until the charge is fully 100% and withstand the trickle charging period.

Why can't you completely discharge the battery?

However, it is not recommended to constantly completely discharge the device to zero - this will shorten the battery life.

You need to charge the battery when the charge level drops to 10-20% charge.

Depending on the model, this can be recognized by the indicators, seen on the screen, or determined by eye by the LED indication.

Sometimes it needs to be discharged

If you do not use the battery for a long time, then...

If you do not plan to use the external charger for a long time, it should be left to “rest” half charged. Full charging and discharging will negatively affect the service life.

Use original chargers

What kind of charger should I use to charge the Power Bank - any or a special one? It is extremely important to use original chargers for this device!

If this is not possible, it is important to choose those that match the characteristics of the Power Bank. Buying cheap accessories can result in expensive gadget repairs.

Avoid overheating the device

It cannot be charged in direct sunlight (except for models with a solar battery). You also need to make sure that it does not lie on the battery or running gadgets, or near a heating radiator.


In order for the Power Bank to serve for a long time, it is important to ensure that it does not overheat.

Conclusion

It is important not to use the Power Bank in the cold - low temperatures significantly reduce the battery capacity. If all operating rules are followed, an external charger can serve its owner for a long time, for example, such well-known manufacturers as Xiaomi, Yoobao, Pineng provide a guarantee of 500 cycles, which equates to 7-8 years of active use.

As the performance of mobile devices increases, so do their power demands. A standard one or a smartphone can keep the gadget operational for 2-3 days under average load conditions. Obviously, this will not be enough if you are planning a week-long trip to nature or a trip where there may not be a possibility of recharging. For such cases, special devices are provided called powerbank - a portable charger that has a large capacity to power the same smartphones, tablets, cameras, etc.

What is a powerbank?

Externally, such devices resemble the same handsets of mobile phones. The standard form factor is a small cylinder or rectangle in which the working filling is located. Plastic or metal is used as the shell. The second option for finishing the case increases strength, and the first makes the design of the powerbank lighter. A portable charger of this type differs only in appearance from conventional mobile batteries, but it is manufactured according to the same principles. As a rule, the filling consists of a Li-ion element, characterized by its small size and fairly high capacity.

However, there are different versions of such drives. The standard design is one that allows you to charge tablets and smartphones at home via a USB interface. But there are also special modifications, which include the D-Lex Powerbank model - a portable starter-charger designed for use in a car. This drive is powered from a 12 V car power supply and, thanks to two USB outputs, allows you to charge mobile gadgets. This model is also distinguished by the presence of a flashlight and impact-resistant plastic in the body. If we talk about functionality, then with the help of D-Lex the driver can also start the engine.

Main characteristics

When choosing battery storage devices, two performance indicators should be taken into account - the capacity itself and the charging current. To begin with, it is worth considering the capacity, which on average ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 thousand mAh. For example, one of the best representatives of the segment, the Xiaomi Power Bank device of the Mi modification, provides the user with 16,000 mAh. But here we must take into account that dividing the capacitive potential by the volume of the target battery will not give an idea of ​​the complete replenishment cycles of the battery. To understand the actual possibility of servicing a mobile device, for example, it is necessary to cut off about 30-40% of the received capacity.

As for the current strength, on average it is 0.5-3 A. The lower level is optimal for modest consumers in the form of low-power phones, smartphones and flashlights. A tablet or a high-performance camera may require 3 A. It is advisable to follow the recommendations of the device manufacturer and select a power bank for this value. with the wrong current strength can also perform its task, but the energy efficiency of this process will be reduced.

Models from Xiaomi

This manufacturer is a leader in the segment, successfully competing with market giants such as Apple and Samsung. Although Chinese developers do not offer anything fundamentally new, releasing completely traditional and already standardized solutions. The simplest Xiaomi product from this family can be called a 5000 mAh modification. This drive has modest dimensions of 12.5x5.9x1 cm and a light weight of 156 grams. That is, the device is smaller than many of today's smartphones. What’s also important is that the 5000 mAh Xiaomi Power Bank has flat batteries provided with modern surge protection. User interaction with the device is facilitated by an LED charge level indicator. If we talk about the shortcomings, then we can safely include only one single USB port.

GP Powerbank series models

Quite an unusual line, the representatives of which cannot be called full-fledged powerbank devices. GP models are rather in the intermediate niche between battery storage and chargers. Such devices are designed to replenish the charge in batteries and some versions of batteries separately from the phone. In this case, the GP Powerbank device itself must be connected to a 220 V outlet during servicing. The fundamental difference from full-fledged drives is the absence of the possibility of autonomous charging via USB. Nevertheless, such devices also find application. In particular, the GP PB420 modification allows you to simultaneously charge 4 AA and AAA nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Model with solar panels Solar PowerBank

The idea of ​​connecting solar generators to mobile consumers has long been mastered by the largest companies, but on the path of each concept in one form or another there are always stopping factors that do not allow launching mass production. However, the Solar PowerBank device with a solar battery has made significant progress in this direction, offering users a new approach to energy supply.

This is an external storage battery that does not require a 220 V outlet. The device’s 20,000 mAh capacity is replenished using solar energy, which makes the device practically free to maintain. But there are also disadvantages to such powerbank models. The portable charger can only be charged with energy in good weather and in summer. The rest of the time you will have to resort to a standard system for filling the container from an outlet.

User manual

To start working with the drive, you need to connect the target device to the USB interface. The process of filling with energy will start automatically. The current status of the battery being serviced will be indicated by the indicator on the drive display. Again, do not forget that an outlet is not required to perform this procedure in this case, since the powerbank is a portable charger. How to charge multiple batteries with different amperages? As a rule, models that provide multiple USB outputs supply different current levels to each circuit. A common example of a three-channel device is a configuration with 1, 2, and 3 A ports.

Conclusion

Despite the obvious benefits of portable drives of this type, using them as universal assistants is not always convenient. After all, this means that along with the same smartphone you will have to carry an auxiliary charging unit. Particularly impractical in this regard is a power bank with a solar battery, which, thanks to the accumulation panels, is rather large in size and also requires being outdoors. And yet there are cases when it is impossible to do without an additional and independent source of energy. This can be not only long trips or trips out of town, but also excessive loads on the smartphone on weekdays, when the charge runs out within a few hours.

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