As summer approaches and Australia enters fire season, safety becomes top of mind for households across the country. While bushfires and electrical faults are common concerns, few people realise that everyday devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones can also pose a fire risk if not handled properly.
It might sound unlikely, but lithium-ion batteries, the power source behind nearly all modern portable devices — have the potential to overheat, catch fire, or even explode under the wrong conditions. Here’s what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to stay safe during the warmer months.
🔋 Why Batteries Can Overheat and Catch Fire
Most smartphones and laptops rely on lithium-ion batteries, prized for their high energy density and long lifespan. However, the same chemistry that makes these batteries efficient also makes them sensitive to heat, physical damage, and improper charging.
When a lithium-ion battery is exposed to extreme heat or electrical stress, its internal components can break down. This can lead to a dangerous chain reaction called thermal runaway, a rapid increase in temperature that can cause the battery to swell, smoke, or ignite.
Common causes include:
● Overheating: Leaving a device charging on soft surfaces (like a bed or couch) can block ventilation.
● Faulty chargers: Cheap, unregulated chargers can deliver unstable voltage that overheats or damages the battery.
● Physical damage: Dropping your laptop or phone can puncture the battery casing, increasing fire risk.
● Overcharging: While most modern devices have safeguards, leaving them plugged in constantly can still generate heat buildup.
● Dust and debris: Blocked vents and ports reduce cooling efficiency, especially in laptops.
☀️ Summer Heat + Devices = A Risky Combination
Australian summers are notorious for their high temperatures, and heat is one of the biggest threats to battery safety. Devices left inside cars, on window ledges, or in direct sunlight can quickly exceed safe operating limits.
● Inside a parked car, temperatures can reach over 60°C, hot enough to damage your phone or laptop battery permanently.
● Using or charging devices outdoors in the sun can also cause components to overheat, especially when running high-performance apps.
● Even home offices without adequate ventilation can become hotspots for battery stress during heatwaves.
Pro tip: If your device feels unusually hot to the touch, unplug it, turn it off, and move it to a cool, dry space until it returns to normal temperature.
🧯 How to Keep Your Laptop and Phone Safe
A few simple habits can dramatically reduce the risk of overheating or fire:
1. Use Genuine Chargers and Batteries
Counterfeit chargers are one of the biggest fire hazards. Always use chargers that meet Australian electrical safety standards and are designed for your device.
👉 Laptop Plus offers certified replacement chargers and batteries for over 40,000 laptop models, all compliant with local standards for safety and reliability.
2. Avoid Charging on Flammable Surfaces
Charging your phone on your bed, couch, or under a pillow traps heat. Instead, place devices on hard, flat surfaces that allow airflow.
3. Keep Devices Clean and Ventilated
Dust build-up can block laptop vents, causing overheating. Regular cleaning helps airflow and prevents heat damage.
👉 Explore Laptop Plus Cleaning Kits to safely remove dust and debris from fans, vents, and keyboards.
4. Don’t Leave Devices in Hot Cars
Even when switched off, lithium-ion batteries degrade faster in extreme heat. If you must leave your device in the car, keep it shaded and out of direct sunlight, but ideally, take it with you.
5. Replace Ageing Batteries
Old or swollen batteries are a major warning sign. If your laptop battery feels hot, loses charge quickly, or looks distorted, it’s time to replace it.
👉 Browse Replacement Laptop Batteries at Laptop Plus for safe, reliable upgrades that help prevent overheating and extend performance.
🚨 When to Unplug Immediately
Stop using and unplug your device if you notice:
● A swollen battery or warped casing
● A burning smell or smoke
● Unusual hissing or crackling noises
● Excessive heat that doesn’t cool down after turning it off
If this happens, place the device on a non-flammable surface, move it away from flammable materials, and contact a professional. Never try to puncture or cool the battery with water.
🔒 Stay Cool and Stay Safe This Fire Season
As fire season approaches, it’s important to remember that tech safety starts at home. Simple precautions — like using approved chargers, keeping vents clean, and avoiding heat exposure, can make all the difference.
👉 Visit Laptop Plus to explore our range of replacement batteries, genuine chargers, and cleaning kits designed to keep your devices safe, efficient, and cool all summer long.