Convenience is now one of the top priorities for many people. Many do not think that plugging the charger in all the time could be a problem. Since the connection is so quick, it’s easier to go for the cable and put it into your phone.
My electrician’s unexpected advice completely surprised me. He told me how leaving chargers connected without a device could be dangerous and this information should have reached me sooner!
Here are some reasons to always unplug your charger when you don’t need it.
1. The fire risk from a small electronic device can be very significant.
A common risk of plugging in your charger is that it might start a fire. A charger will slightly draw electricity even if there is no device connected. Should the charger have a fault or due to a surge in power there’s an overload, it might get too hot and might ignite a fire.
The electrician highlighted this by telling about several homes that caught fire because of a simple charger that was plugged in overnight. Using worn-out or unbranded chargers is even more risky, since they are not made to prevent overheating.
The Methods Used:
Leaving a charger plugged in can cause it to get hot. The heat inside computers increases over the years, mainly in poorly ventilated spaces and this can lead to the burning or melting of parts.
A short circuit may take place if the wires or charger are damaged which can cause sparks and, in some cases, a fire.
You should try to unplug your chargers and pick ones that are certified by a well-known organization.
2. Losing energy makes a big problem.
It may surprise you that your device isn’t really needed to make your charger draw current. Wearable fitness trackers don’t use much energy, but some amount is still consumed. Vampire power grows as items remain plugged in and can make it much harder to keep electricity bills down.
It can seem that charging your phone with a charger use little electricity. When you spread those amounts across the various chargers, devices and appliances always being used at home, you can see your power savings drop over time.
The effect on nature and the environment.
Every charger uses just a little bit of power, but millions around the world charging devices at the same time causes a big impact. Experts in energy say that the electricity used by electronics in “standby” modes can be as much as 5-10% of total household electricity. We can lessen our energy waste by switching devices off at the wall when they are not required which benefits the environment as we work towards better sustainability.
3. Lifespan of the Charger: Becomes Shorter
When you unplug your charger, the device’s life is also extended. Whenever a charger is always connected to a power outlet, the parts inside are receiving power at all times which leads to wear and tear.
Even without a mobile device connected, the charger still works which heats it up and damages its components. Staying plugged in most of the time may shorten how long the internal parts last compared to occasional charged devices. Extended use of an old charger could result in it not working anymore which is usually more expensive to fix.
Signs That Your Vehicle Is Beginning To Wear Out
When your charger is warmer than usual while it is plugged in with nothing connected, this is a warning for stress and a possible risk. Apart from, heat gradually breaks down internal items inside the car.
Leaving your charger on for long periods can result in damage to the cable near the ports used for charging which may cause the insulation to tear or expose wires inside. Not only is it dangerous, but it will also ruin your charger for sure.
4. The safe use of electronics that are easily damaged
Sudden changes in the power supply can happen at any moment such as during storms or because there are problems with the home’s electrical system. A charger can still be damaged if you leave it plugged in during a surge, even when it is not charging your phone. It could also happen that the flawed charger causes damage to your electronics the next time you charge them.
A powerful surge can damage the smaller parts in your charger which makes it less reliable in supplying steady power. When you attach your device to power incorrectly, it may receive either too little or too much electricity which could damage it.
Surge Protection:
Surge protection is sometimes part of a charger, but you cannot always depend on it. Surge protection on a power strip acts as a double precaution. For the best safety, be sure to unplug the charger when you are not using it.
5. Doing This Task Often Could Stop You From Getting into Trouble
When I was told not to keep phone chargers plugged in, I didn’t pay much attention to what the electrician said because it sounded like too much worry. Nevertheless, when I explored his approach and listened to his actual stories, I found out that evading these dilemmas is surprisingly easy. Simply pulling out your charger helps avoid fires, use less energy and make your chargers last longer. Making it a habit is very simple and always pays off.
Starting to Establish the Habit:
Add a reminder in your calendar or write a note by your sockets so you remember to unplug the charger.
Power Strips: Try to use ones that let you switch off each item individually. You simply have a single setting that shuts off all chargers at the same moment.
Make an area or areas where you’ll only connect chargers when using them. It will help you identify where you left the chargers so you remember not to leave them plugged in.
Wrap up: Be in Control of Your Device Charging
Although charging your phone every day may seem easy, when you forget to remove the charger, it can have some risks. Many electrical issues like fires, wasted power, shorter charger durations and harm to your phone are just a few good reasons to get in the practice of cutting energy use when you’re not using your charger.
Personally, when the electrician explained this to me, it made me notice new things about my normal electronics. I wish I had found out earlier about this. Taking out your chargers when not in use is easy and can help you save, stay safe and help the environment. Why put it off any longer?