Power banks + fast charge questions

[whatausername]

Is my understanding correct that with a device (e.g. a laptop or phone) you can safely use a power bank capable of fast charge with a regular cable and device without damaging the cable or device? I think devices have some sort of in-built protection?

My phone has fast charging but my laptop (Apple if that's relevant) doesn't. I've seen a rather powerful power bank that says it can charge laptops & phones. Would like to get it but not if it's going to fry my laptop's charging cable or my laptop's battery. The one I'm looking at is a Belkin 20,000mAh with 30W power delivery. Or there is an Energizer 30,000mAh with, I think, 15W capability but it doesn't mention laptop-compatibility. Although if the Belkin can do it then surely the Energizer one could as well?

I posted a thread about this a while back but I'm nearly ready to buy so just a few final questions!

Blatant bump

Big number is the amount of power it stored, small number is how fast it delivers it.

The 30w will probably charge your macbook, the 20w may not. If it has usb c PD it should charge a laptop... Some will charge as high as 120w, so a 30w one won't fry anything.

@FixTheBone so connecting my non-fast charge laptop to a fast charge power bank is okay? I think i once damaged some rechargeable batteries by accidentally using a fast charger 😰hence the paranoia

I’d be cautious too OP. If your laptop doesn’t have fast charge capability then, if it works (laptop might have a safety cut out to prevent fast charging), you could damage either the charger or the laptop. If the laptop is under any warranty or insurance it would invalidate a claim as you’re not using the proprietary charging lead. If the charger shorts, no harm done and you’re just out of pocket but you won’t be able to claim it back because you’re trying to charge something not compatible.

It also increases the risk of the powerbank overheating and catching fire.

If its an apple laptop with a USB C charger, which is the only thing you can plug into a power bank, it'll be fine. Usb c automatically regulates the power supply to what's sage for the device, or, defaults to the lowest setting.

If it hasn't got a usb c charging port, then you won't be able to plug It into a power bank, and you'll have wasted your money, but, it'll still be fine.

It's usb-c. It's more convenient and economical for me to get one power bank for both phone and laptop but naturally I'm protective of my laptop. I'll get one of the aforementioned then. Thanks.