MBC Graphic
A cheaper replacement battery may seem like a good deal, but Perth Fire Chief Trevor Choffe says consumers need to make sure it is actually designed and certified for the device they are using.
Rechargeable batteries are the focus of Fire Prevention Week this year, and Choffe says firefighters are seeing problems as battery-powered equipment becomes more common.
Cordless tools, lawn equipment, vacuums and other devices have made life easier, but he says replacement batteries can create problems when they are not made or certified for the original equipment.
Choffe says consumers should be especially cautious when shopping online. A product description may claim a battery works with a particular device, but that does not necessarily mean it has been certified for that equipment.
He says buyers should confirm the replacement is approved for the specific make and model rather than simply choosing something because it fits or costs less.
The same caution applies to batteries used in outdoor equipment.
Choffe recommends charging them in an appropriate, safe location and storing them properly. Batteries should not simply be left outside where rain or other weather can damage them.
His advice is straightforward: replacement batteries can be useful, but compatibility and proper certification should come before price.
