There’s a popular saying about safety: “You may forget about safety, but you can’t ignore the consequences.” This is especially true in today’s world, where technological advancements bring both convenience and new risks. 

Take, for example, wearable gadgets like wired earphones or wireless earbuds, which now sit comfortably inside our ears, and smartphones, which are almost always in our hands or pockets, seem harmless. Yet, numerous incidents of battery explosions and overheating have been reported, leading to injuries and raising important questions about the safety of the devices we rely on daily.

But, Why Do These Incidents Happen?

These incidents often occur because gadgets are composed of complex electrical and electronic components, which can become hazardous if they degrade or overheat. 

Overheating is a common issue, especially in devices used continuously or charged improperly. As components heat up, internal circuits can weaken, and the integrity of the battery may decline, creating a higher risk of fire or even explosion. 

Similarly, component degradation over time can lead to potential hazards. During normal wear and tear, electronic parts may be unable to regulate power properly, increasing the risk of short circuits and malfunctioning batteries. 

The degradation of components and overheating are both critical factors that may pose a risk to safety if not managed correctly.

India Introduces a Government Body to Ensure Product Safety

To ensure the products we use daily are safe and to help consumers make safer choices, the Government of India (GOI) established the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1986. As India’s National Standards Body, BIS introduced the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), under which most electronics like laptops, notebooks, tablets, microwave ovens, and other IT products fall. 

To view which products are covered under the BIS-CRS scheme: Click Here

Under this scheme, BIS has specific responsibilities to ensure product safety:

• BIS has developed rigorous testing standards that examine various safety aspects, such as electrical safety, fire resistance, radiation safety, and insulation properties.

• Recognized specific laboratories across India to conduct testing as per these standards.

• BIS officials review test results, as well as factory and brand profiles, before granting safety labels to products.

• BIS conducts market surveillance to prevent the sale of substandard or non-compliant products. 

• Additionally, the GOI also prohibits the import of non-BIS-certified products, ensuring that potentially unsafe products don’t enter the Indian market.

While BIS certification provides a level of assurance for quality and safety, there are instances where BIS-certified products have still experienced failures. These failures may result from factors such as manufacturing defects, low-quality components, or poor maintenance practices. 

So, when using any gadget, it is crucial to follow safe practices that can help reduce risks associated with electronic devices. 

Practices to Follow When Using Any Smart Gadget

Here are a few tips for using gadgets safely:

• Charge Responsibly: Avoid overcharging or leaving devices plugged in overnight. Charge the battery when it’s low (around 15-20%) and unplug it when it reaches full capacity (98-99%).

• Limit Continuous Use: When possible, take breaks to allow the device to cool down.

• Minimize Direct Contact: Avoid long periods of direct contact with devices on the body.

• Regular Maintenance: Take devices for regular check-ups at service centres to catch potential issues early.

• Proper Ventilation: Use stands or holders that allow airflow, especially for laptops.

• Follow Product Instructions: Review and follow all safety instructions included with the device.

• Address Malfunctions Promptly: Seek help from the brand’s service centre if you notice any signs of malfunction.

Following these precautions can significantly reduce the risks associated with electronic devices, ensuring a safer experience as we continue to enjoy the conveniences that technology offers. 

Choose Certified Products to Ensure Safety

As consumers, we play a crucial role in promoting safety. When we buy any electronic device we often look for aesthetics, performance, battery backup, and so on but one thing we usually neglect is safety which should be an important factor to be considered before making a purchase. 

So, if you are thinking of buying any electronic device make sure to research if the product is certified or not by the respective regulatory body. This not only ensures safety but also sends a clear message to manufacturers that safety matters. 

By creating a demand for certified products, we encourage manufacturers to prioritize safer designs, more durable components, and robust quality control. Informed choices not only benefit individual consumers but contribute to overall market improvement, as companies respond to safety-conscious customers by investing in higher standards.

If you have any queries or questions, write to us at info@vincular.in