The problem with leaving our mobile phone charging while we sleep is that if there is a problem the smoke will not alert us.
When it comes to improving home safety, a fundamental aspect to consider is the electrical installation. It is not only important to check the condition of the plug sockets and cables, but also to pay attention to the devices that we connect to the power supply. In this sense, a firefighter is very clear about which practices should be avoided when charging a mobile phone.
It is not the first time that there has been news about domestic accidents that lead to fires, and on many occasions the cause is related to the mobile phone charger. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with this practice, as this professional warns.
Household fires are one of the most common problems and, in most cases, they are due to human carelessness. Whether it is due to the use of an electric brazier, a badly extinguished cigarette or the inadequate charging of a mobile device, any fault in the electrical installation can trigger a tragedy.
To minimize these risks, David, a firefighter from Kent, shares a series of recommendations on his TikTok account about the dangers of charging your mobile phone incorrectly. As a member of the Fire and Rescue Service, he warns about the consequences of leaving your phone charging while you sleep.
As he explains, this habit can be dangerous because, in the event of a fire, the person would not detect the presence of smoke quickly enough. This would significantly reduce their ability to react, increasing the risk of a potentially fatal situation.
“When you sleep you don’t smell anything. So if it starts to burn, the fire won’t wake you up.”
The specialist emphasizes that by inhaling the smoke generated in a fire just three times, a person can lose consciousness, drastically reducing their options for acting quickly in an emergency situation. He also warns about the risk posed by chargers, pointing out that not only inferior ones can be a source of danger, but even original devices have been involved in fires in certain circumstances.
“If you can, we advise you to charge your phone when you are there and when you are awake; from the fire service’s point of view, it is much safer”.
In addition to the timing or how the mobile phone is charged, this specialist focuses on another essential element to guarantee safety: having a quality charger. Although many people prefer cheaper alternatives, not all devices available on the market comply with the required safety regulations. Generic or counterfeit chargers may lack proper certification, increasing the risk of overheating, short circuits, electrocution or even fire.
Other charging tips
But in addition to these observations, there are other actions, many of them unconscious, that can put our safety at risk. Therefore, before charging the mobile phone (and in general before plugging in any device), check if the power outlet is faulty; in this case it is preferable not to use it, as it could compromise the safety of the device and other electrical appliances. If you detect a faulty socket, it is advisable to avoid using it and contact an electrician as soon as possible to prevent accidents.
In addition, although using your mobile phone while it is charging is not usually dangerous, if the device is hot it is best to stop using it, disconnect it from the charger and even turn it off until it cools down. It is also important to avoid using cables in poor condition, as trying to repair them with insulating tape or improvised splices increases the risk of short circuits and fires.
The order in which the charger is connected also influences the safety and durability of the device. To minimize wear and tear on the charging port and reduce the risk of sparks, it is best to first connect the cable to the power adapter, then plug the adapter into the power outlet, and finally connect the phone. In addition, keeping the charging port clean not only optimizes battery performance, but also prevents possible electrical faults that could lead to more serious problems.
How to choose the right charger and cable
In addition, as we have explained on other occasions, mobile phones, tablets and modern devices in general have specific charging requirements, so not all adapters are fully compatible. An unsuitable charger can end up damaging the phone’s battery and compromising the safety of the charge.
The cable is also important. And the same thing happens with the charger, it is also advisable to use the original cable that came with the phone in its packaging. Although they may not be the most advanced in terms of materials or charging speed and data transfer, they do guarantee compliance with the safety and quality standards established by the manufacturer and current regulations.
When selecting a phone charger and cable, it is important to consider the following:
- EU certification: Make sure the charger has the CE mark, which guarantees that it complies with European regulations and has passed the required safety tests.
- Compatibility: Consult your device manual to verify that the power adapter matches the recommended voltage and amperage, thus avoiding damage to the battery or the mobile itself.
- Cable quality: The cable should be made of resistant materials and have an internal design suitable for withstanding the charging current without risk of overheating or breakage.
- Avoid imitations: Confirm that the charger is an original or certified product, as there are lower quality copies that may lack safety certifications.
- Choose trusted brands: It is not mandatory to buy the charger from the same brand as your mobile phone, but opt for recognized manufacturers that offer quality and safety guarantees.
Hence, to avoid these risks, it is always recommended to use the charger and the original cable from the manufacturer or one of proven quality. The first because it has been specifically designed for the model in question and complies with the necessary safety standards, and the second because of the guarantee offered by a reputable manufacturer.
