Stories
Essential Power Bank Safety Guide: 5 Certifications to Check Before Buying
- •An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai made an emergency landing in Hyderabad after smoke emerged from an electronic device, believed to be a power bank.
- •Always check for BIS registration under IS 16046, which is mandatory for power banks sold in India to ensure they clear local safety tests.
- •Look for UN 38.3 transport test compliance, ensuring the lithium battery can withstand simulated high altitude, temperature swings, and physical impacts during air travel.
- •Verify IEC 62133-2 cell safety and UL 2056 product certification for rigorous third-party scrutiny against fire and electrical hazards.
- •Ensure the power bank has a clearly printed watt-hour rating, as units exceeding 100Wh face strict airline restrictions or confiscation.
Key Questions Answered
IndiGo flight 6E 6115, operating from Delhi to Chennai on October 11, made an unscheduled landing in Hyderabad after smoke rose from an electronic device belonging to a passenger. Early reports pointed to a power bank, though the airline did not explicitly name the device.
Shoppers should look for BIS registration under IS 16046, UN 38.3 transport test compliance, IEC 62133-2 cell safety certification, UL 2056 product certification for complete device safety, and a clearly printed watt-hour (Wh) rating.
Power banks are allowed only in hand baggage and must never be placed in checked luggage. Under aviation regulations, passengers are barred from using power banks to charge devices during flights, and some airlines also prohibit storing them in overhead bins.
