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Power banks for power cuts: buying, charging and storing them safely

A charged power bank keeps your phone working when the power is off, so you can report a fault and get updates. Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, so buy and charge them with care.

Last checked 1 November 2026Applies across the UK

Why a power bank helps

In a power cut your phone is how you report the fault on 105, check updates and reach family. Ofcom notes that some home phones stop working in a power cut, so your mobile matters more. See the first hour of a power cut.

Buying

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service advises:

  • buy from reputable retailers, especially online
  • check the device meets British or European safety standards
  • avoid counterfeit goods, which pose a serious fire risk
  • register the product with the manufacturer so they can contact you about recalls

You can check for recalls on the government’s product safety alerts and recalls page.

We do not list prices or recommend brands. We will only say we have tested a product if we have; see how we test.

Charging

  • Do not charge while you are asleep or away from home.
  • Unplug once it is fully charged.
  • Use the charger the manufacturer approves, and follow its charging instructions.
  • Do not cover the power bank, charger or device while charging.
  • Do not charge in hallways or escape routes, or near anything flammable.
  • Do not overload sockets. Use uncoiled extension leads rated for the device.
  • Replace damaged chargers with official ones from a reputable source.

Spot a damaged battery

Do not use or charge a power bank if it is:

  • producing smoke, or extremely hot to touch
  • swollen, lumpy or leaking
  • hissing or cracking, or smelling unusual
  • taking longer to charge, or not charging fully

Take extra care if you have recently dropped it.

If it catches fire

If you see flames or smoke, a fire has already started. Get out, stay out and call 999. Do not try to put it out yourself.

Storing and keeping it ready

  • Store it somewhere cool and ventilated, away from extreme heat or cold.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s advice on long-term storage.
  • Put a reminder in your calendar to check it is charged when you check the rest of your emergency kit. Be Ready suggests checking supplies every six months.

Recycling

Never put lithium-ion batteries in household waste. Most local recycling centres accept them with other electrical items. Check your council’s rules.

Official sources we used

  1. Lithium-ion batteries (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service)
  2. Product safety alerts, reports and recalls (Office for Product Safety and Standards, GOV.UK)
  3. Your landline is going digital: what you need to know (Ofcom)
  4. Report a power cut (Energy Networks Association (powercut105.com))
  5. Be ready for emergencies (Be Ready, UK Government)

We link to official pages so you can check the latest advice yourself. If something here differs from what an official source says now, follow the official source. Where we quote or adapt official text, it contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.