Most people don’t really consider safety when it comes to charging their phones or other devices but it is an important factor that must be considered — as several risks are present including the possibility of a fire starting. Fires aren’t the only hazard for charging devices with overcharging or charging on a bed having the potential to cause battery damage.
Small mistakes add up over time—repeated bad habits can shorten your device’s life or lead to other serious technological issues. The cost of devices such as tablets, laptops and phones means that replacing them can be expensive — looking after your tech will save you some serious hard earned cash in the future. Experts told AOL their best tips for minimising risks and prolonging the life span of your device.
Never use damaged or frayed charging cables
Using damaged or frayed charging cables is highly dangerous.
Experts recommend that they are replaced at the first sign of breakage or fraying — the damaged charge cords should be discarded and replaced immediately.
According to Nick Barber, co-founder at Prepaid Electricity, “Frayed cables may cause electrical arcs, which increase the risk of electrical shock, overheating, or an electrical fire.” If the insulation appears compromised, the cord should be replaced.
Don’t frequently leave devices plugged in overnight
Try not to make a habit of charging devices overnight — while it is fine to do once in a while, Barber urges against leaving devices plugged in night after night.
“Modern devices turn off the charge when the battery is full, but plugging them in every night puts the battery through constant heat and energy,” he explains. “This can cause gradual degradation of battery performance and life.”
Avoid overloading outlets
While it may seem tempting to use one charging station to power all of your electronics, experts staunchly warn against the practice.
“Overloading outlets can cause wires to overheat, leading to fire hazards,” warns electrician Daniel Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky.
Mock recommends using multiple outlets or (occasionally) extension cords if you need to charge several devices at once. It is vital that you ensure the outlets are designed for the electrical load of your device and that you’re using.
Don’t ignore signs of overheating
If you feel a device and it is hot to the touch, it is recommeneded that it should be unplugged at once. “This is the symptom of either a wiring fault or incompatibility between the device and the charger,” explains Barber.
Sergey Nikolin, president at Product Air Heating & Cooling, adds that keeping it plugged in is not likely to start a fire, but it could easily damage your device. It’s best to play it safe.
Don’t rely on extension cords
Extension cords should not be used for charging your devices all the time.
“Extension cords are designed to be temporary,” explained Barber, adding: “using them on a daily basis, particularly for high-draw devices such as laptops, raises the risk of overheating and fire.” It is recommended that you try to locate a secure wall outlet or power strip for your device instead.
Never use off-brand cables
“Steer clear of third-party and low-quality knockoff chargers,” advised Barber. The cheaper alternatives may lack important safety features like surge protection and voltage regulation — according to experts . This could lead to unstable voltage, overheating, or even electrical fires. “The best and most trustworthy approach is to charge using the manufacturer-recommended charger,” he said.
Don’t leave charging devices on beds or upholstery
If you decide to charge your phone while in bed, laying the device or the charger within your sheets or blankets is a negative.
This is because fabrics trap heat and lead to phone battery overheating which could potentially start a fire or cause serious injury.
This also applies to leaving charging devices on upholstered armchairs, sofas, and other surfaces that are made from fabrics.
“Charging generates heat, and soft surfaces do not provide good airflow,” explained Barber. “The heat tends to build up very quickly and may damage the battery, reduce the efficiency, or lead to a fire at the extreme end.” He recommends instead placing the device on a flat, stable surface when charging.
