Fireproof mat for charging your phone: why it makes sense

Your phone charges almost every night. It usually lies on the bedside table, the sofa or even in bed. That is convenient, but not without risk. A lithium-ion battery can get very hot if it is faulty. In the worst case, it catches fire.

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A fireproof mat for charging your phone is a simple precaution. Here you can read when a battery becomes dangerous, what a mat can do and where its limits are.

Why phone batteries get hot while charging

When charging, current flows into the battery. This always produces some heat. That is normal. It becomes critical when the heat cannot escape or the battery is damaged. Typical causes are:

• Cheap or counterfeit chargers and cables
• Charging under the pillow or under a blanket
• Heat from the sun or a radiator
• Damage after a fall
• An old, swollen battery

In the worst case, so-called thermal runaway occurs. The battery then keeps heating itself up. It can emit flames and hot gases. This rarely happens. But when it does, it happens very quickly.

What a fireproof mat does when charging your phone

A fireproof mat separates the phone from combustible surfaces. Wood, varnish and fabric then do not come into direct contact with the heat. The mat itself does not keep burning. This gives you valuable time in an emergency.

FireMat is made of Panox and para-aramid fibres. The material withstands temperatures up to 300 °C. It has no melting point and is self-extinguishing. FireMat is certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2. You can download the certificate.

• Protects bedside tables, desks and shelves from heat and burn marks
• Also suitable for tablets, power banks, headphones and e-cigarettes
• Can be washed at 60 °C (washing instructions)
• Looks simple and is barely noticeable on furniture

Fireproof charging box or mat: which is better?

Many people look for a fireproof charging box for their phone. A closed box contains flames better. But it is larger and more expensive. In addition, the phone lies in the box while charging, so you cannot see messages.

A mat is flat and discreet. It protects the surface underneath, but does not enclose a fire. For everyday use on the bedside table or in the office, it is usually sufficient. For large batteries, such as those from e-bikes or model making, a closed solution is the safer choice.

Which size fits a phone?

A small mat is enough for a smartphone. 15 × 15 cm fits well, for example the FireMat Silk Edition in 15 × 15 cm. If you charge your phone, watch and headphones in one place, choose a larger mat. The FireMat Black Edition is available from 19 × 19 cm.

Tips for safe charging

1. Use the original charger or tested accessories.
2. Never charge your phone under a pillow, on the bed or on the sofa.
3. Place it on a hard, fireproof surface.
4. Unplug it when the battery is full. Many phones offer a battery-saving charging mode for this.
5. If the battery is swollen or the phone gets unusually hot, stop charging it. Have the battery replaced.
6. Install a smoke detector in the bedroom. It warns you in time at night.

If a battery smokes or burns, do not touch the device. Keep your distance, open a window and, if in doubt, call the fire brigade on 112.

Useful in the office too

In the office, phones, laptops and power banks often charge all day. That is why many companies, authorities and schools place FireMat mats under their electrical appliances. Read more in the guide Do you need a fireproof mat for electrical appliances?

Conclusion

A fireproof mat does not replace caution when charging. But it costs little and protects your furniture in an emergency. With good charging accessories and a smoke detector, you are well prepared.