Leaving chargers unattended on the internet: A questionable practice that raises concerns about safety and potential misuse.
Unplugging Your Chargers: Necessary Precautions to Ensure Safety and Save Energy
Keeping charging devices plugged in electrical sockets might seem harmless, but it hides potential perils that you should be aware of. While the risks are minimal, incidents of fires caused by neglected chargers shouldn't be dismissed, as seen in Russia this year. These unfortunate occurrences are often due to voltage surges in the residential electrical network that can fry even the most dependable devices [1].
Experts caution against using sockets with USB ports, as they are essentially stationary power supplies with similar dangers as charging devices themselves.
Home safety is paramount, especially with young children and pets around. Even an idle charging device can be hazardous. Kids might accidentally damage cords or insert metallic objects into ports, causing injuries. Pets, too, may chew on the cords if given the chance [2].
Contrary to popular belief, chargers that are left plugged in but not in use still consume electricity, albeit in small quantities [1]. While this might seem insignificant, it can slowly add up on your electricity bills. If you're looking to save even the tiniest bits of energy, it makes sense to unplug your chargers.
Regularly unplugging your chargers also extends their lifespan. Constant plug-in usage leads to continuous, albeit slight, heating, which reduces the lifespan of chargers by several years. High-quality adapters can last up to eight years, but this lifespan can decrease if the devices are always left plugged in [1].
Overheating can also degrade batteries more rapidly [3]. It's essential to replace a charger if it gets too hot while in use to prevent potential harm.
In today's interconnected world, public USB ports also pose dangers. These USB ports can open the door to data theft or malware injections, often referred to as Juice Jacking attacks [4]. To safeguard your devices, it's best to use your own charging equipment wherever possible.
To summarize, unplugging charging devices when not in use reduces potential hazards such as fires, overheating, and electrical faults. It also helps save energy and extend the lifespan of chargers and batteries. Moreover, undergoing routine checks on chargers and using high-quality charging equipment can promote overall electrical safety at home [1].
Tips for Maximizing Charger Lifespan and Safety:
- Unplug when not in use: Reduces fire risks, prevents overheating, and conserves energy.
- Avoid overcharging: Keep a close eye on charger temperatures and ensure they aren't consistently hot to touch.
- Choose high-quality charging equipment: Opt for certified, dependable chargers to guarantee performance and safety.
- Monitor young kids and pets: Ensure children and pets are kept away from charging devices and outlets.
- Avoid public USB ports: Use your own charging equipment to minimize data breaches and malware infections.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charger_(electronic_device)[2] https://www.energystar.gov/products/electronics_computers/ eng_multiple_products/index.cfm?c=electronics.pr_energystar_chargers.ask_us[3] http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries[4] https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0417-juice-jacking[5] https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-best-way-to-charge-smartphone-battery-is-not-to-charge-it-to-100/
- Leaving chargers plugged in while they're not in use can pose risks such as overheating and electrical faults, which are best avoided for safety and energy conservation.
- Public USB ports should be treated with caution due to potential data theft or malware infections, often referred to as Juice Jacking attacks.
- To extend the lifespan of both chargers and batteries, it is recommended to unplug them when not in use, avoid overcharging, and use high-quality, certified charging equipment.
