The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the industry trade group CTIA-The Wireless Association are warning consumers to “shop safely” when choosing replacement batteries for mobile devices.
The CPSC’s/CTIA’s recommendations to consumers include using only those batteries and battery chargers that are compatible with their devices, such as those recommended by the device manufacturer or an authorized wireless carrier. Consumers are urged to contact the original equipment manufacturer if they are unsure about the compatibility of a battery or charger with their mobile device.
The CPSC/CTIA’s notice comes in the wake of recent news reports of certain models of smartphones exploding or catching fire when connected to incompatible batteries and chargers. The CPSC says that 61 separate consumer reports related to wireless mobile devices and their accessories have been posted to the CPSC’s SafeProducts.gov web site since its launch in 2011.
