It may seem inconsequential, but unplugging your phone charger after use really does make a difference. When left plugged in, your charger can continue to pull energy, posing a serious safety risk as well as other hazards. We spoke with electrical experts for the reasons why you should always unplug your charger in-between charging sessions. Plus, a few best practices when it comes to charging safely.
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It’s a Fire Risk
Let’s start with the most obvious—and serious. While most modern smartphones have hardware and software safeguards to prevent against charging-related mishaps, older or defective charging equipment has caused enough fires to warrant basic precautions, according to Evan Jones, a representative with the Electrical Safety Foundation International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated exclusively to education on electrical safety. “Additionally, charging equipment such as cables, charging bricks, extension cords and power strips can also fail and lead to fires,” Jones warns.
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It Can Consume Vampire Energy
Phone chargers are one of the biggest culprits of vampire energy, says Daniel Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky. “A phantom load, commonly referred to as vampire energy, is when an electronic device continues to pull power and electricity while plugged in—even if it is ‘off’ or in ‘standby’ mode,” Mock explains.
According to the office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, vampire devices can add up to 20 percent of a monthly electricity bill, adds Bidisha Nagaraj, a brand spokesperson for Schneider Electric, one of the world’s largest energy management companies. “Although a single 5W charger averages around 26 cents to run per year, most homes don’t have just one charger,” Nagaraj says, “and fast charging options use even more power.”
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It Increases the Risk of Shock
“Cheap chargers are often built with thin wiring, weak plastic and insulation, and no thermal cutoff,” warns Sergey Nikoli, electrician and president at Product Air Heating & Cooling. “Damaged chargers are the riskiest because cracked casings, frayed cables and loose plugs can easily spark or short out.”
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It Can Reduce the Life of the Charger
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Chargers that are unplugged after use are less exposed to voltage spikes from the grid. “Most chargers don’t have a surge protector built in,” Nikoli explains. “What they do have is a small circuit that regulates the incoming voltage so your phone gets steady voltage—but this doesn’t protect against a lightning strike or a big power spike.”
Leaving your adapter always plugged in might result in reduced life of the charger due to capacitors exceeding their rated operational life. Donovan Wallace, vice president of electronic design at Design 1st who has 30 years of experience developing consumer electronic devices with battery and charger features, says quality is the key factor here. “It comes down to how well designed the charger is,” Wallace says, “and the quality of the components.”
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It Perpetuates a Risky Habit
Finally, leaving your charger plugged in when it’s not in use may increase the likelihood of other mishaps. “If you don’t have a habit of unplugging a charger after use, a chance you forget to unplug something riskier like a space heater, iron, or hair tool goes way up,” Nikoli says. “It’s a useful skill to do such things just automatically.”
Do’s and Don’ts of Charging Safety
For best (and safest) results, adhere to the following best practices when handling your chargers.
Don’t place a charging phone under a pillow or any place that restricts airflow.
Do only use the manufacturer-approved charger and/or adaptor. Resist cheap, third-party products.
Don’t leave your phone charging unattended.
Do replace your cord or charger as soon as you notice any damage.
Don’t charge your phone while sleeping.
Do be on the lookout for any visible defects, such as swelling or cracks.
Don’t use portable chargers unless approved by a testing laboratory.
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