13 public libraries to close charging stations; power bank rentals available from July 27
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The Quick Charge station for mobile devices at Bishan Public Library. The NLB said faulty devices and use of multi-adaptors at the points have caused electrical overloading in some cases.
PHOTO: ST FILE
- Charging stations at 13 public libraries will close from July 27 due to electrical overloading caused by faulty devices and multi-adaptors, says the National Library Board (NLB).
- Power banks can be rented from ChargeSPOT stations starting July 27, costing $1.50 for the first hour with a daily cap of $10.
- The Singapore Civil Defence Force advises against leaving devices charging unattended to prevent electrical fires; free charging points remain available via the Seat Booking System.
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SINGAPORE – Charging stations for mobile devices at 13 public libraries will be closed from July 27 due to an increase in incidents involving unattended devices.
The libraries are Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Harbourfront, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Sengkang, Serangoon, Toa Payoh, Tampines, Yishun and Woodlands.
In some cases, faulty devices and use of multi-adaptors at the points, also known as Quick Charge stations, have caused electrical overloading, the National Library Board (NLB) said in social media posts on July 8.
Power banks will be available at ChargeSPOT rental stations from July 27. According to the website, renting a power bank will cost $1.50 for the first hour, with the rate capped at $10 a day.
NLB said: “This will supplement free charging points at more than 1,800 seats available through the Seat Booking System.”
In response to The Straits Times’ queries, an NLB spokesperson said on July 10 that the incidents involving Quick Charge stations included “several security and safety incidents, such as theft of devices left unattended and patron disputes arising from misuse”.
“Electrical issues caused at Quick Charge stations thus far (have) not affected library operations, but remain a concern for safety,” said the spokesperson.
“Charging points are still available at seats at our libraries, and we encourage all patrons to use these charging points safely by charging one personal device at a time per designated power point.”
More information about power bank rental and troubleshooting can be found on the ChargeSPOT app.
To avoid the risk of electrical fires, the Singapore Civil Defence Force has advised people not to leave batteries or devices charging unattended for extended periods, or leave them charging overnight.
More information can be found in the latest edition of the civil defence emergency handbook at go.gov.sg/cdemergencyhandbook