Longer life for mobile phone batteries

For many people their mobile phone is their constant companion, by their side practically day and night. But the rechargeable battery at its heart stays in the dark, only becoming the centre of attention when it runs out at inopportune moments or when its performance starts to flag. A few simple rules can play a significant role in retaining the safety of a mobile phone battery and enhancing its useful life. TÜV SÜD has assembled some tips on how to treat phones and their batteries correctly for the best result.

• Mobile telephones are governed by the European Directive for Radio & Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) (1999/5/EC). To enable them to be placed on the European market, mobile phones must be tested for compliance with the EN 60950-1 (Information technology equipment - Safety) standard. Rechargeable batteries are additionally tested for compliance with EN 62133 (Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells). When selecting a mobile phone, it is a good idea to check that the model of your choice meets these standards.
• A further point to note is that neither mobile phones nor batteries should be exposed to high temperatures. If a phone is left on a car dashboard, say, it may overheat even in the autumn or winter sun. Mobile phone manufacturers provide precise specifications concerning ambient temperature with respect to the use of the phone and its charging process, and care should be taken to observe them, advise the TÜV SÜD experts.
• If the telephone becomes extremely hot – even if only used for a short time – it should be thoroughly checked by a specialist store.
• Mobile phones are generally fitted with lithium-ion batteries. A Li-ion battery reaches its maximum life at an operating temperature of 20 to 40 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above or below this range may significantly shorten battery life. In addition, the battery should not be exposed to major temperature changes – they impair its performance and life considerably. It's useful to know that the less often a battery is recharged, the more its useful life is prolonged.
• A mobile phone – and its accompanying battery – should be protected from impact, shock and other types of stress. Care must be taken if the phone has fallen to the ground or into water or has been in proximity to open fire. In this case, a specialist store should inspect the phone to ensure it can still be used safely.
• Be sure to use only original batteries and their accompanying chargers, recommends TÜV SÜD. Buyers who are tempted by cheap batteries and unbranded chargers may be purchasing an unforeseeable safety risk.
• Mobile phone users should never try to open a rechargeable battery themselves, warn the experts at TÜV SÜD.
• And finally a tip which should actually come at the very beginning: before hooking the new mobile up to the charger and starting operation, first read the operating manual carefully and pay particular attention to instructions about battery charging and discharging.

Contact: Dr. Thomas Oberst