People charging their mobile phones at home have been urged to be careful where they put their devices. James Harrison, director at installation group Fusion Electrical, warned that some common habits with phone chargers could lead to your device overheating and even catching fire. He said: “Your phone charger may seem harmless, but if misused or faulty, it can become a serious fire risk – especially in warmer conditions.”
He said that one of the biggest mistakes is leaving your phone chargers plugged in and unattended for long periods, especially when the surrounding environment is hot. The expert warned: “Heat makes electrical components inside chargers more likely to overheat, which can cause sparks or fires.”
One thing to avoid is putting your charging phone on a soft surface, such as a bed, a sofa, or a cushion. Mr Harrison said: “Soft materials trap heat and restrict airflow around the charger and device. This can cause the temperature to rise quickly, increasing the risk of overheating.”
Those going for the cheapest option when buying a charger also run a risk of starting a fire. The expert warned that cheap or counterfeit chargers often lack proper safety features.
Mr Harrison said: “Using these can result in electrical faults, posing a serious fire hazard.” Another major hazard is if your charger is damaged or has worn cables.
The expert issued some definitive advice here: “If you see frayed wires, exposed metal, or a plug that feels loose, don’t use it. These defects can easily cause short circuits and fires.”
Users should also take care when charging up their device during warmed weather, as higher ambient temperature can put a lot of strain on electronic devices.
Another tip is to leave your charger unplugged when you’re not using it and to never leave your device unattended overnight. Mr Harrison said: “Simple precautions like these can prevent a lot of potential damage and give you peace of mind.”
