There have been a number of cases reported recently where components in faulty mobile phone chargers have exploded resulting in fire or electric shock. The international media reported in June this year that a teenager in Australia had suffered an electric shock whilst using a faulty USB charger. Prior to this a 28 year old woman, also in Australia, was fatally electrocuted while talking on a mobile phone connected to a faulty charger
Lessons Learnt
1. Faulty chargers are becoming more commonplace due to the rise of cheaper ‘unofficial’ products available online or through third party retailers.
2. Not all chargers are fit for purpose and mixing phone types with different chargers supplying different electrical currents is an easy mistake to make.
What action should be taken?
1. Where possible use the mobile phone charger and cable supplied by the manufacturer. Do not try to use a mobile phone charger with a phone that it was not designed for.
2. If replacing a worn or damaged mobile phone charger consider purchasing the new unit directly from the manufacturer.
3. If purchasing a third party mobile phone charger ensure it is approved by the mobile phone manufacturer and purchased from a reputable retailer. In most cases this will also include a CE marking but beware as this can be stamped on any charger by an unscrupulous manufacturer.
4. Unplug mobile chargers when not in use and, especially in the Middle East, ensure the correct type of plug/correct adaptor is used in a 3 pin socket.
5. Where practicable use the manufacturer’s USB charging cable plugged into a laptop or desktop computer as this eliminates the need for an electrical charger.
6. Regularly inspect mobile phone chargers and leads and replace if there are any concerns.
7. Do not use mobile phones whilst they are being charged.
credit: Atkins
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