This 1 Common Phone Charger Habit Could Actually Be A Major Safety Hazard
We use our phone chargers daily to keep our devices powered up. The one you choose can have a lasting impact on your safety.
That's because when you're buying or replacing a lost iPhone, Android phone, or a charger adapter, you may be tempted to buy a generic, off-brand version instead. Typically, these are much cheaper than ones approved by the manufacturer, and they often claim to be designed for use with devices that have USB-C ports, which are supposed to charge faster.
However, this can come with some potentially hazardous side effects.
A charger that isn't built well can break apart or the plug blades may not stay in the outlet securely when you unplug the charger, allowing live parts to be exposed and creating a risk of electrical shock," said Pamela Rucker Springs, communications director for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. "Additionally, a charger's internal wiring may be insufficient and cause an issue when charging a phone.”
A study was conducted by the British nonprofit organization Electrical Safety First, which tested 64 standard chargers compatible with Apple devices for safety. The results showed that 58% of the generic chargers failed a safety inspection that checks the insulation barriers between the circuitry and the parts that are accessible to the user. This means that many of these chargers posed a safety risk, as they were more likely to overheat, catch fire, or deliver electric shocks.
A 19-year-old woman suffered second-degree burns to her neck from a generic phone charger. She was sleeping when her necklace chain accidentally came into contact with the charger, which was lying under her pillow.
The authors of the report recommend that consumers stay away from these generic [devices] to minimize the risk of getting hurt.
That is why the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends using a charger that is made by your device's manufacturer, according to Springs.
If you're going to use a phone charger that isn't the one that came with your phone, the Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests using one that's been certified by a third-party testing lab, like UL Solutions, Intertek, or CSA, Springs advises.
You should only purchase chargers that display this type of certification on their packaging. When it comes to a UL Solutions-tested charger, it should specifically say "UL certified," that is, according to Shanika Whitehurst, associate director of product sustainability, research, and testing at Consumer Reports.
The labs test for problems like "Is it going to become so overloaded that it causes a fire?" Whitehurst said. They also check the device to make sure it doesn't have the potential to cause a burn or fire hazard.
5. "It's Been Damaged": If your charger has been damaged in some way, such as being bent or crushed, it should be replaced. A damaged charger can cause electrical shock or short circuits."
Beyond purchasing a generic charger without any testing, there are other health and safety hazards it could pose. Don't ignore these warning signs:
The wires are damaged or not entirely encased.
If you actually see an exposed wire, your charger has become a hazard of electric shock, Whitehurst warned. “If people are unplugging and those wires start to show, they should get rid of it and buy a new charger.”
The device becomes too hot to handle.
If a charger feels warm when you touch it, it shouldn't be extremely hot or melt," Springs said. "Assume the charger isn't working properly or that it might be the outlet's problem if it displays any sign of overheating.
If something is really hot to touch, it means there's a lot of electricity running through it, explained Whitehurst. Additionally, feeling heat coming from the casing of the wires is a problem because it could indicate an issue with the insulation barrier.
The device is charging items other than your phone.
The best charger for your phone might not be the one you need for your gaming device or laptop, even if it fits the port. "Just because it might power your phone doesn't mean it can fuel your laptop," Whitehurst stated.
Certain USB-C phone chargers are not equipped to handle the sudden surge of electricity when charging other devices, according to Whitehurst.
When you're buying another phone charger, be sure to review the device specifications. "It may claim to support only one or two types of devices," Whitehurst advised. "Take note of those details."
Above all, be wary when the price is "too good to be true," Whitehurst said. Buying a generic phone charger is easy on your wallet, but your safety may be put at risk. If the charger is $10 and it normally is $40, for example, "there's a good chance that is a generic, and that probably isn't something that you want to plug into your $1,200 cellphone."
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