Why phone and laptop batteries explode - and 6 ways to protect yourself

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's key takeaways

• It's rare for a rechargeable battery to cause problems for the user.
• Some 1,500 fires and 5,000 overheating incidents are attributed to rechargeable batteries yearly.
• Don't use any gadget that's damaged or showing signs of overheating.

Rechargeable batteries are everywhere.

Stop what you're doing and think about all the things in your life right now that contain a rechargeable battery -- the laptops, smartphones, tablets, power banks, smart doorbells, and surveillance cameras. And don't forget to count your wearables:   smartwatches, earbuds, and smart rings all contain rechargeable batteries.

Then there are the batteries that we put to our mouths and suck on -- the ones inside e-cigarettes and vapes. 

Also: I tested a solid-state portable battery for a week - now lithium-ion feels outdated

And don't forget that ...