Battery & Power Safety Policy
Battery & Power
Safety Policy
The Phone Supply Co. sells only certified, brand-name charging products. This policy explains the safety standards we require, how to use power accessories safely, and what to do if a product ever behaves unexpectedly.
Lithium-ion batteries and power accessories — chargers, power banks, cables, and wireless charging pads — are among the most common consumer electronics sold in the United States. They are also among the most regulated, because low-quality or counterfeit versions pose genuine risks including overheating, fire, device damage, and electric shock. This policy exists to be fully transparent about the products we sell, the standards they meet, and the safe practices every customer should follow.
Certified Products Only
Every charging product we sell carries applicable safety certifications required for sale in the United States. We do not list uncertified, generic, or counterfeit power accessories on our website.
Authorized U.S. Distribution
We source all power accessories through authorized U.S. distributors. Products sourced outside authorized channels may lack proper certifications, bypass import inspections, or carry invalid safety marks.
Full Transparency
This policy discloses the specific certifications, federal regulations, and safe-use requirements applicable to the power products we sell. There is no fine print — everything is stated plainly and completely.
Real Support If Issues Arise
If you experience any safety concern with a product purchased from us — overheating, swelling, sparking, or unusual behavior — contact us immediately. A real person responds within one business day.
This Battery & Power Safety Policy applies to all power-related products listed on our website. The categories below represent the full scope of products covered by this policy as of the date above.
Wall Chargers & Power Adapters
AC-to-DC wall chargers and USB power adapters, including single-port and multi-port models. Brands include mophie and Belkin. These products must meet UL, FCC, and CPSC requirements for sale in the U.S.
Portable Power Banks
Lithium-ion portable battery packs for charging phones and other devices on the go. Power banks are regulated by the CPSC under ASTM F3070 and must carry proper certifications including UL 2056.
Wireless Charging Pads & Stands
Qi-standard wireless charging pads, stands, and multi-device chargers. These products must meet FCC Part 15 requirements for radio frequency emissions and applicable UL or ETL standards.
Charging Cables
USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, and multi-connector cables. While cables are less directly regulated than chargers, we carry only brand-name cables from authorized manufacturers that meet MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad/Mac) requirements where applicable and are rated for the current and voltage they advertise.
Car Chargers
12V DC vehicle charging adapters. These products must meet applicable SAE and UL standards for automotive power accessories sold in the United States.
Charging Cases
Battery cases with integrated charging for specific phone models. These products combine the safety requirements of both protective cases and lithium-ion battery products and must meet applicable UL standards.
In the United States, certain safety certifications are legally required or industry-standard for power accessories sold to consumers. Below is a complete reference of the certifications applicable to the products we carry and what each one means for your safety.
| Certification / Standard | Issuing Body | What It Covers | Applies To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL 60335-2-29 | UL (Underwriters Laboratories) | Safety standard for battery chargers for consumer use — covers electrical safety, thermal protection, fault conditions, and construction requirements | Wall chargers, charging pads, car chargers | Required |
| UL 2056 | UL (Underwriters Laboratories) | Safety standard specific to power banks and portable battery packs — covers cell quality, overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and drop testing | Portable power banks | Required |
| FCC Part 15 | Federal Communications Commission | Limits radio frequency emissions from electronic devices to prevent interference with other electronics and wireless networks. Required by federal law for all electronic devices sold in the U.S. | All electronic power accessories | Federally Required |
| ASTM F3070 | ASTM International | Consumer safety standard for portable power banks — addresses lithium-ion battery hazards, labeling requirements, and performance benchmarks | Portable power banks | Industry Standard |
| MFi (Made for iPhone / iPad / Mac) | Apple Inc. | Apple's certification program for Lightning and USB-C accessories. MFi-certified cables and chargers are confirmed to meet Apple's electrical and data transfer standards, preventing device damage from underpowered or overcurrent accessories. | Lightning cables, USB-C cables & chargers for Apple devices | Where Applicable |
| USB-IF Certification | USB Implementers Forum | Verifies that USB-C cables and chargers meet the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) specification, ensuring correct voltage and current handling. Non-certified USB-C cables can damage devices or fail to charge at advertised speeds. | USB-C cables and chargers | Where Applicable |
| Qi Certification | Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) | Industry standard for wireless charging interoperability and safety. Qi-certified pads are tested for thermal control, foreign object detection, and device compatibility. | Wireless charging pads and stands | Where Applicable |
| CE Marking | European Commission | Some products we carry are also CE marked for European market compliance. CE marking indicates conformity with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. While not required in the U.S., CE-marked products meet additional validated safety standards. | Various power accessories | Additional Assurance |
| RoHS Compliance | EU / U.S. State Laws | Restriction of Hazardous Substances — limits the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, and other hazardous materials in electronic products. Some U.S. states, including California, enforce equivalent restrictions under state law. | All electronic power accessories | Where Required |
The sale of battery and power accessories in the United States is governed by several federal agencies and statutes. The following regulations directly apply to the products we carry and define the legal baseline we operate within.
| Agency / Regulation | Authority | Relevance to Our Products | Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CPSC — Consumer Product Safety Act 15 U.S.C. § 2051 et seq. |
Consumer Product Safety Commission | The CPSC has authority to recall, ban, or require labeling of consumer products that present unreasonable risks of injury. Lithium-ion power banks and chargers have been subject to CPSC recalls. We monitor CPSC recall notices and remove recalled products immediately. | Monitored & Compliant |
| CPSC — ASTM F3070 Power Bank Standard | Consumer Product Safety Commission | In 2021, the CPSC endorsed ASTM F3070 as the applicable voluntary safety standard for portable power banks. We carry only power banks that meet or exceed this standard. | Compliant |
|
FCC — Part 15 (Radio Frequency Emissions) 47 C.F.R. Part 15 |
Federal Communications Commission | All electronic devices sold in the U.S. must comply with FCC Part 15 limits on unintentional radio frequency emissions. Chargers, wireless charging pads, and power banks must be FCC-approved before they can be legally sold in the United States. | Federally Required |
|
DOT — Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations 49 C.F.R. Parts 171–180 |
Department of Transportation (PHMSA) | The DOT regulates the transport of lithium batteries via ground and air. Products containing lithium cells (power banks, charging cases) must be packaged, labeled, and shipped in compliance with PHMSA hazmat regulations. Our UPS shipments comply with these requirements. | Compliant |
|
FAA — Carry-On Battery Limits 14 C.F.R. Part 175 |
Federal Aviation Administration | The FAA limits power banks carried onto aircraft to those rated at 100Wh or less (up to 160Wh with airline approval). Spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage. Where applicable, our product pages note airline compliance information. | Disclosed |
|
FTC Act — Advertising & Labeling 15 U.S.C. § 45 |
Federal Trade Commission | Power product specifications — watt-hours, milliamp-hours (mAh), wattage output, and charging speed claims — must be truthful and not misleading. We do not inflate or misrepresent the capacity or performance specifications of any product we list. | Compliant |
|
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act 15 U.S.C. § 2301 |
Federal Trade Commission | Written warranty terms for power accessories must be clearly disclosed. Manufacturer warranties for mophie, Belkin, and other brands pass through to customers purchasing from us. See our Warranty Policy for full details. | Compliant |
Several U.S. states have enacted their own regulations for lithium batteries, electronic waste, and chemical disclosures that apply to power accessories. Below are the key state-level requirements relevant to our products and customer base.
| State | Law or Requirement | How It Applies to Our Products |
|---|---|---|
| California | California Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, Health & Safety Code § 25249.5) | If a product contains chemicals listed under Proposition 65 at levels above safe harbor thresholds, a warning must be provided. Where applicable, Prop 65 warnings are included on individual product pages for California customers. Customers in California should review product pages for any listed warnings before purchase. |
| California | California Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act (Public Resources Code § 42130 et seq.) | California law requires that rechargeable batteries be properly recycled. Customers in California should not dispose of power banks, charging cases, or other lithium battery products in household trash. We encourage responsible disposal through programs such as Call2Recycle at call2recycle.org. |
| New York | Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act (Environmental Conservation Law § 27-2600 et seq.) | New York requires manufacturers and retailers to facilitate the recycling of covered electronic equipment. Power banks and charging cases containing lithium cells should be returned to designated collection sites rather than disposed of in regular trash. New York residents can find collection sites through the New York State DEC. |
| Washington | Washington Rechargeable Battery Law (RCW 70A.500) | Washington state law requires rechargeable battery producers to fund collection and recycling programs. Power banks sold into Washington are subject to this requirement. We support responsible recycling through Call2Recycle. |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Rechargeable Battery Law (Minn. Stat. § 115A.9158) | Minnesota prohibits the disposal of rechargeable batteries in mixed municipal solid waste. Power banks and battery-integrated accessories should be brought to a designated collection facility. Contact your local county waste management for drop-off locations. |
| All 50 States | EPA Universal Waste Rule (40 C.F.R. Part 273) | The EPA's Universal Waste Rule provides simplified handling requirements for certain batteries, including lithium-ion batteries found in power banks and charging cases. Proper disposal is required nationwide. We strongly encourage all customers to recycle power accessories responsibly rather than discarding them in household trash. |
Even certified, brand-name power accessories can present risks if used improperly. The following guidelines are based on CPSC recommendations, manufacturer instructions, and industry best practices for safe use of lithium battery products and chargers in the United States.
Safe Practices
- Use only the charger and cable supplied with or recommended for your specific device model.
- Charge devices on hard, flat, non-flammable surfaces such as a desk or tabletop — not on beds, sofas, pillows, or carpets.
- Unplug chargers when charging is complete. Leaving devices plugged in indefinitely — especially overnight — accelerates battery wear and can generate heat.
- Store power banks and charging accessories in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Inspect cables regularly for fraying, kinking, or exposed wires. Replace damaged cables immediately.
- Recycle used lithium batteries at certified collection points — never in household trash.
- Keep power banks at 30–80% charge for long-term storage to preserve cell health.
- Buy from reputable, identified sellers who disclose their sourcing and sell certified products only.
What to Avoid
- Do not use chargers or power banks that show signs of damage — cracks, bent connectors, swelling, leaking, or a burning smell.
- Do not expose lithium battery products to water, rain, or high humidity. Most are not waterproof.
- Do not charge devices in extremely hot environments (above 35°C / 95°F) or extremely cold environments (below 0°C / 32°F).
- Do not leave charging devices unattended for extended periods, particularly when charging overnight.
- Do not attempt to open, puncture, crush, or disassemble a power bank or battery product. Damaged lithium cells can combust.
- Do not use generic, unbranded, or uncertified chargers purchased from unknown sources. These products may lack proper protective circuitry.
- Do not place power banks or devices in checked airline baggage — carry them in your carry-on bag per FAA regulations.
- Do not discard lithium batteries in household trash or residential recycling bins.
Heat Warning — Lithium Battery Products
It is normal for chargers and power banks to feel warm during use. However, if a product becomes hot to the touch, emits an unusual smell, makes popping or hissing sounds, or shows visible swelling or deformation, stop using it immediately, disconnect it from power, move it away from flammable materials, and contact us. Do not attempt to charge or use the product again until you have received guidance. If you believe the product is actively dangerous, follow the emergency guidance in the section below.
Lithium battery fires are rare but serious. If you experience a battery fire or explosion involving any product — purchased from us or elsewhere — follow these steps immediately. This guidance is based on CPSC and NFPA recommendations.
If a Battery Product Catches Fire
Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to extinguish a lithium battery fire with water — use a Class D or ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher if available and trained to do so, or evacuate and let emergency services handle it. Lithium fires can reignite after appearing extinguished. Evacuate the area and do not return until cleared by emergency personnel.
Stop Using the Product
If a power product becomes extremely hot, swollen, emits smoke or unusual odor, or shows physical deformation — immediately disconnect it from power and stop using it. Do not charge it again.
Move It Safely
If it is safe to do so, place the product on a non-flammable surface outdoors or in an open area away from people and combustible materials. Do not place a swollen battery product in a confined space or trash bin.
Contact Us
Email support@thephonesupplyco.com or call +1 (319) 775-5011 as soon as it is safe to do so. We will initiate a return and full refund and report the incident through our supply chain if the product was purchased from us.
Report to the CPSC
You may report unsafe consumer products directly to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov. Your report helps protect other consumers and may trigger an investigation or recall. We encourage all such reports.
If you experience any safety-related issue with a power product purchased from The Phone Supply Co. — overheating, swelling, sparking, failure to charge, or any other unexpected behavior — our return and refund process applies fully. You do not need to wait for the 30-day window if there is a safety concern; contact us immediately.
Contact Us Right Away
Email support@thephonesupplyco.com with your order number and a description of the issue. Include photos if it is safe to take them. Do not attempt to ship a damaged or swollen battery product — wait for our instructions.
We Assess the Situation
Our team responds within one business day. For safety-related issues, we escalate immediately. We will determine whether the product can be safely returned, whether a prepaid label is appropriate, or whether the item should be disposed of locally per hazardous waste guidelines.
Prepaid Return Label
For products that can be safely returned, we provide a prepaid UPS return shipping label at no cost to you. Do not ship lithium battery products that are swollen, leaking, or physically damaged — follow local hazardous waste disposal procedures instead.
Full Refund Issued
Once we receive and inspect the returned product, or upon confirmation that disposal was necessary, we issue a full refund to your original payment method within 7 business days. No restocking fee applies to any safety-related return.
Important: Do Not Ship Damaged Lithium Batteries Without Guidance
Per U.S. DOT regulations (49 C.F.R. Parts 171–180), damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries may not be shipped via standard parcel carriers without special packaging and hazmat authorization. If your product is swollen, leaking, or physically damaged, contact us first. We will provide guidance on the correct course of action based on the condition of the item.
Answers to the questions we hear most often about battery and power accessory safety, sourcing, and our policies.
This policy works alongside our other store policies and information pages. We encourage every customer to review the policies relevant to their order.
Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. For safety-related concerns, email us immediately and we will treat your inquiry as a priority.
Phone
+1 (319) 775-5011 Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM Central TimeLive Chat
Chat on Our Website Available during business hoursCPSC Recall Database
cpsc.gov/Recalls Search all U.S. product recallsShop Charging Products with Confidence
Browse our full selection of certified, brand-name chargers, cables, and power banks — sourced through authorized U.S. distribution.