Leaving the phone on charge overnight poses a fire risk!

Experts have stated that leaving a phone on charge overnight can pose a fire risk, pointing out that this risk depends on several factors, especially low-quality or damaged chargers, battery issues, and unsuitable charging environments, which are significant hazard elements.

Dr. Nuri Bingöl, an Occupational Health and Safety Expert and Assistant Professor at Üsküdar University, noted that charging a phone on surfaces that block airflow, such as pillows, blankets, or couches, can trap heat and cause overheating. He advised, "Do not leave your phone plugged in overnight, if possible. Instead of long-term charging, try to maintain the battery charge between 20-80%."

Dr. Bingöl emphasized the importance of using original equipment, ensuring proper airflow, preventing overheating, and paying attention to outlet safety when charging phones. He concluded, "If you follow these rules, you will minimize the risks of fires and battery problems."

Dr. Nuri Bingöl, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Üsküdar University, and an Occupational Health and Safety Expert, warned that leaving phones on charge overnight can increase the risk of fires.

Unsuitable charging environments increase the danger

Stating that leaving the phone charging overnight poses a fire risk, Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl stated that this risk depends on many factors and that especially low-quality or damaged chargers, battery problems and unsuitable charging environments are important danger factors.

Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl listed the fire risk factors as follows:

"Poor Quality or Damaged Chargers; Non-genuine, low-quality, or counterfeit chargers can lead to overheating and short circuit. Cheap adapters and cables often contain low-quality components and may not have safety certifications.

Battery Wear and Battery Problems; Batteries that are worn out, swollen or damaged over time can overheat and cause a fire. In particular, lithium-ion batteries can catch fire by entering a reaction called thermal runaway when they reach a certain temperature.

Charging the phone on surfaces such as pillows and blankets may cause overheating

Charging the Phone in Bed or Over Flammable Materials: Charging the phone on surfaces that obstruct airflow, such as pillows, blankets, or seats, can trap heat and cause overheating. The phone should be charged on a hard, flat and fireproof surface so as not to increase the risk of fire.

overheating during charging; If the phone is running background apps, playing games, or exposed to sunlight, it may heat up more during charging. Batteries that remain at high temperatures for a long time can become dangerous.

Use of Defective Socket or Extension Cord; Worn outlets, loose connections, or poor-quality extension cords can spark and cause a fire. It is safer to plug the charger directly into a solid outlet."

Recommendations for charging the phone safely!

To charge the phone safely, Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl listed the following suggestions:

- Use chargers from original or trusted brands.

- Charge the phone on a hard, flat surface away from flammable materials.

- You can charge it by removing the case to prevent overheating.

- Do not forget the phone in the socket, if possible, do not leave it charging overnight.

- Maintain a charge level of 20-80 percent instead of long-term charging.

- Check the phone and battery regularly; Do not use if you notice swelling or overheating.

Conclusion: Although modern phones are often equipped with circuits that prevent overcharging, especially old or damaged batteries, low-quality chargers, and unventilated environments can increase the risk of fire. That's why it's always better to charge the phone safely rather than leaving it charging overnight.

What precautions to take to charge phones safely

Noting the precautions to be taken to charge the phones safely, Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl stated that taking precautions to charge phones safely will reduce risks such as fire, overheating and battery damage.

Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl also listed the precautions to be taken for safe charging as follows:

"- Use Original and Quality Charger: Use the phone's own original charging adapter and cable. If you do not have an original charger, buy it from reliable and certified brands (such as CE, UL). Low-quality, counterfeit or unknown chargers may cause short circuits and overheating.

- Do not charge the phone on flammable materials: Charge the phone on a hard and flat surface (table, marble, coffee table, etc.). Charge in an environment that will not obstruct airflow. Avoid charging on flammable surfaces such as pillows, blankets, sofas, mattresses, or paper.

Keep the phone in a cool environment while charging!

- Protect the phone from overheating; Keep the phone in a cool environment while charging. Don't play games or run heavy apps for long periods of time. Removing the cover can prevent overheating. Do not charge in direct sunlight, in a car, or in hot environments.

- Avoid leaving it charging overnight; Keep track of the charge and unplug it when it is full. If possible, reduce charging time by using adapters with fast charging technology. Leaving it charging for long hours can shorten the life of the battery, cause it to swell and pose a risk. When the battery drops to 20 percent for charging, the charging process should be started, not waiting for it to run out completely. If possible, it should be withdrawn from the charger when it is at 80 – 90 percent. Thus, you can extend the life of the battery. The technology of some Li-ion batteries adopts this charging technique.

Charge the phone by plugging it directly into a wall outlet

- Reliable Use of Sockets and Cables; Charge the phone by plugging it directly into a wall outlet. If you are using an extension cord or power strip, choose high-quality and fused products. Broken, loose or worn outlets can create a fire hazard. If the cable is frayed or torn, replace it immediately.

- Check battery condition: Make sure that the phone battery is not swollen and does not overheat. If the battery is swollen or drains quickly, contact an authorized service agent. If the battery has punctures, leaks, or deformation, stop using it immediately.

- Do not overuse the phone while it is charging; If possible, do not run heavy applications while charging. Check that the phone does not overheat when making calls or playing games. Do not put the phone under a pillow or leave it indoors while it is charging."

Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl stated that using original equipment to charge the phone safely, providing airflow, preventing overheating and paying attention to socket safety are the most important factors, and said, "If you follow these rules, you will minimize risks such as fire and battery problems."

 

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)