Phone users have been warned to avoid some bad habits
Mobile phone users have been urged to take care when charging up their device. An expert has warned some common mistakes could lead to your device overheating and could even cause a fire. James Harrison, director at installation group Fusion Electrical, has shared some tips when putting your phone on charge.
He said: “Your phone charger may seem harmless, but if misused or faulty, it can become a serious fire risk – especially in warmer conditions.” The expert said one common mistake is when people put their phone on charge.
Mr Harrison warned never to leave your phone charging unattended overnight. He also warned against leaving your charger plugged in when your phone isn’t on charge. The expert said: “Simple precautions like these can prevent a lot of potential damage and give you peace of mind.”
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He also urged people not to put charging phones on soft surfaces like beds, sofas or cushions. 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.”
Bargain hunters picking up a cut-price chargers are also exposing themselves to danger, according to the specialist. This is because budget or counterfeit chargers often lack essential safety features. Mr Harrison said: “Using these can result in electrical faults, posing a serious fire hazard.”
Another danger is using a damaged charger, such as one with frayed cables. The expert gave a stern warning: “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.”
Explaining the dangers of charging up in hot temperatures, he said that the higher surrounding temperatures can cause strain for your device. Mr Harrison said: “Heat makes electrical components inside chargers more likely to overheat, which can cause sparks or fires.”