A counterfeit item is an exact imitation of something, that is intended to defraud or deceive someone else. We hear of an increasing number of substandard batteries pretending to be famous brands. Unfortunately, some of these copies are substandard and have caused battery fires. Spotting counterfeit lithium-ion batteries is fast becoming a skill that every consumer needs.
Counterfeit Lithium-Ion Batteries May Be Dangerous
Some counterfeit lithium-ion batteries are past their use-by date, but display labels that promise exceptional performance. However, most counterfeits are brand new, because building a battery is actually quite straightforward with the right equipment.
Sadly, these counterfeit factories may cut corners to save money. This again is quite easy, because backyard lithium-ion battery factories are not subject to regulation, and nobody is watching them over their shoulders.
The only defence that consumers have is knowing how to spot counterfeit batteries. We wrote this article to help reduce the disastrous outcomes of counterfeit lithium-ion battery fires.
Avoiding the Counterfeit Battery Trap
Check the Battery Case
Open the packaging and examine the battery for signs of poor quality, that are unlikely to occur in mass-produced commercial products. Look for warning signs like printing errors, sloppy construction, and uneven terminals.
Examine the claims made for battery life, energy density, and charging time. Counterfeiters often claim to be able to beat the best, but in practice they do not. This is one of the best ways to a spot lithium-ion counterfeit battery.
Test the Battery Carefully
You should check any battery from time-to-time, and every time you charge it. This is especially important with a new battery, which could be counterfeit or defective. Watch for signs of unusual warming. Stop charging immediately if this happens.
Monitor the Charged Battery
Compare the battery’s performance to your experience of similar products (or ask another person for advice). Counterfeit batteries may charge slower than others, become unusually warm during use, or discharge faster than you expect.
Don’t be fooled by cheap prices, especially on the internet. Store suspect batteries in a fire-resistant battery bag, until you can hand them in for recycling with a warning note. You may never get your money back. But at least you know more about spotting counterfeit lithium-ion batteries now.
More Information
Counterfeit Battery Software Detection System
