AT A GLANCE
- UL Standards & Engagement evaluated common portable electronic devices to determine risk levels for each
- Read on to find out which rechargeable devices fit into High-Risk, Medium-Risk, and Low-Risk categories
Portable electronic devices have become essential travel companions, from widely used smartphones and laptops to everyday items like electric toothbrushes, power banks, and medical devices, as well as emerging technologies such as e-cigarettes/vapes, and electric face masks.
But behind their convenience lies a growing safety challenge: lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway incidents have surged since 2020, coinciding with the return of global air travel following the COVID-19 pandemic. In the confined environment of an aircraft, where escape routes are limited and emergency response options are constrained, a single battery failure can escalate into a catastrophic thermal runaway event: a chain reaction of uncontrolled heating that can lead to fire, explosion, and toxic gas release.
In the latest white paper from UL Standards & Engagement, Hazard Assessment of Portable Electronic Devices in Aviation, ULSE researchers perform a comprehensive hazard assessment of seven representative portable electronic device categories, analyzing risk levels and likelihood across five critical dimensions: manufacturing defects, state of charge, abnormal environmental conditions, safety control failures, and thermal runaway. Through data-driven insights, the researchers identify which devices fit into High-Risk, Medium-Risk, and Low-Risk categories, and provide recommendations to help mitigate risks and improve aviation safety.
Seven Common PEDs Show Stark Risk Profile Differences
Key considerations include prevalence of use in aviation, energy storage capacity (state-of-charge), design vulnerabilities under abnormal environmental conditions, potential safety control failures, historical incident data, and other regulatory requirements.
- Power Banks: Highest risk. With capacities up to 110 Wh, these devices store enormous energy and often lack advanced safety controls. They account for the majority of thermal events and recalls.
- E-Cigarettes/Vapes: High-Risk. Flammable cartridges and high discharge rates elevate fire and explosion risk.
- Laptops and Smartphones: Medium-Risk. Frequent use and high state-of-charge increase hazard potential, especially when exposed to abnormal conditions. Early warning signs of battery failure include swelling (commonly observed in laptops).
- CPAP Machines: Medium-Risk but mitigated by medical-grade reliability and safety controls.
- Electric Face Masks: Emerging risk category with limited long-term safety data.
- Electric Toothbrushes: Low-Risk due to small battery size and robust ingress protection (IP Rating) for water resistance.
What Can Be Done to Enhance PED Safety in Aviation?
- Mandatory Certification for High-Risk devices (e.g., power banks, e-cigarettes/vapes).
- Passenger Education on safe handling and deactivation measures for e-cigarettes/vapes.
- Capacity Limits for high-energy devices on board.
