The Consumer Council has found unsafe mobile phone batteries on the market in Hong Kong.
This followed a second round of test on a new batch of batteries which were bought mainly from shops other than the authorized dealers.
The Council has been concerned over recent reports of "exploding mobile phones" of the leading international brand Nokia in some countries abroad.
Hong Kong had a report of a similar nature only on Tuesday (April 13).
But as early back as November last year, when the Council first conducted a safety test on a number of batteries for the brand concerned, all samples passed the test in that these rechargeable batteries were equipped with protection against short-circuit (without which it could lead to temperature rise and overheating, burning or even explosion in case of short-circuit fault).
Continuing the study, the Council decided to test a new batch of samples from a different source - retailers who are not the authorized dealers of the phone manufacturer.
This time the results confirmed that indeed some batteries for this brand may pose a potential safety hazard to consumers.
Out of the 10 models of batteries tested, 4 had one sample each detected with problem in the short-circuit test resulting in high current flows in the batteries (of over 10 Amps).
This caused the temperature to rise in the batteries in excess of 100°C at the surface of the plastic housing of the battery. In the more serious case, the plastic case of one sample was seen smoking and gradually melted.
Besides damaging the battery, this burning hazard could cause potential injury to consumers if the battery is in close contact with the body.
Among these 4 samples, 2 bore the brandname concerned (both on the packing and on the battery in one sample, and on the battery in the other sample that came without packing), while the other 2 were labelled specifically for use of the brand but produced by a third party other than the phone manufacturer. The phone manufacturer was shown the results of the safety test on the 2 samples purportedly coming from the company.
After a physical examination of the 2 samples identified, the manufacturer came to the conclusion and affirmed in writing to the Consumer Council that these batteries were "non-original products without short-circuit protection".
The manufacturer, however, conceded that it was quite impossible for consumers to differentiate merely from the packing or appearance if a battery was a counterfeit product.
The Council has suggested to the manufacturer to improve the anti-counterfeiting features of their batteries to make it harder to copy - and more recognisable by consumers.
The Council has already referred its test findings to the Customs and Excise Department.
Contained in the test report in the April issue of CHOICE were useful tips in the purchase and use of mobile phone batteries which consumers are urged to consult to ensure safety.
Consumers are advised to purchase batteries and even mobile phone products that come with batteries from the authorized dealers or reliable sources.
They should exercise care in handling phone battery, particularly when placing it inside pocket. Make sure it does not come in contact with metallic objects.
Do not use damaged battery, and re-charge the battery only with the appropriate charger. Stop using the battery immediately if any abnormal heating is detected.
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