Experts state that leaving the phone on charge overnight poses a fire risk, adding that this risk depends on many factors, and that low-quality or damaged chargers, battery problems, and unsuitable charging environments are significant hazard elements.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl, noting that charging a phone on surfaces that block airflow, such as pillows, blankets, or couches, can trap heat and cause overheating, said, “Do not forget your phone plugged in, and if possible, do not leave it on charge overnight. Instead of prolonged charging, maintain a charge level between 20-80 percent.”
Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl stated that using original equipment, ensuring airflow, preventing overheating, and paying attention to outlet safety are the most important factors for safe phone charging, adding, “If you follow these rules, you will minimize risks such as fire and battery problems.”
Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi and Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, drew attention to the fact that leaving phones on charge overnight can increase the risk of fire.
Unsuitable charging environments increase the danger
Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl stated that leaving the phone on charge overnight poses a fire risk, adding that this risk depends on many factors, and that low-quality or damaged chargers, battery problems, and unsuitable charging environments are significant hazard elements.
Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl listed the fire risk factors as follows:
“Low-Quality or Damaged Chargers; Non-original, low-quality, or counterfeit chargers can lead to overheating and short circuits. Cheap adapters and cables often contain low-quality components and may not have safety certifications.
Battery Wear and Problems; Over time, worn, swollen, or damaged batteries can overheat and cause fires. Especially lithium-ion batteries can catch fire when they reach a certain temperature, entering a reaction called thermal runaway.
Charging the phone on surfaces like pillows, blankets can cause overheating
Charging the Phone in Bed or on Flammable Materials; Charging the phone on surfaces that block airflow, such as pillows, blankets, or couches, can trap heat and cause overheating. To avoid increasing the fire risk, the phone should be charged on a hard, flat, and non-flammable surface.
Overheating During Charging; If the phone has background applications running, if games are being played, or if it is exposed to sunlight, it may overheat more during charging. Batteries that remain at high temperatures for long periods can become dangerous.
Using a Faulty Outlet or Extension Cord; Worn-out outlets, loose connections, or low-quality extension cords can spark and cause fires. It is safer to plug the charger directly into a sturdy outlet.”
Recommendations for safe phone charging!
For safe phone charging, Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl listed the following recommendations:
- Use original or trusted brand chargers.
- Charge the phone on a hard, flat surface, away from flammable materials.
- You can remove the case while charging to prevent overheating.
- Do not forget your phone plugged in; if possible, do not leave it on charge overnight.
- Instead of prolonged charging, maintain a charge level between 20-80 percent.
- Regularly check the phone and battery; if you notice swelling or excessive heat, do not use it.
Conclusion: Although modern phones are generally equipped with circuits that prevent overcharging, older or damaged batteries, low-quality chargers, and unventilated environments can increase the risk of fire. Therefore, it is always better to charge your phone safely rather than leaving it on charge overnight.
What measures should be taken to charge phones safely
Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl, who also noted the precautions to be taken for safely charging phones, stated that taking precautions for safe phone charging would reduce risks such as fire, overheating, and battery damage.
Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl listed the precautions for safe charging as follows:
“- Use Original and Quality Chargers; Use the phone's own original charging adapter and cable. If an original charger is not available, purchase from reliable and certified brands (such as CE, UL). Low-quality, fake, or unknown brand chargers can cause short circuits and overheating.
- Do Not Charge the Phone on Flammable Materials; Charge the phone on a hard, flat surface (table, marble, coffee table, etc.). Charge it in an environment that will not obstruct airflow. Avoid charging on flammable surfaces such as pillows, blankets, couches, beds, or paper.
Keep the phone in a cool environment during charging!
- Protect the Phone from Overheating; Keep the phone in a cool environment during charging. Do not play games or run heavy applications for long periods. Removing the case can prevent overheating. Do not charge in direct sunlight, inside a car, or in hot environments.
- Avoid Leaving on Charge Overnight; Monitor the charge and unplug it when full. If possible, shorten the charging time by using adapters with fast charging technology. Leaving it on charge for long hours can shorten battery life, cause swelling, and pose a risk. Charging should begin when the battery level drops to around 20 percent, without waiting for it to fully deplete. If possible, unplug it when it reaches 80-90 percent. This way, you can extend the battery's lifespan. The technology of some Li-ion batteries adopts this charging technique.
Charge the phone by plugging it directly into a wall outlet
- Use Reliable Outlets and Cables; Charge the phone by plugging it directly into a wall outlet. If using an extension cord or multi-outlet strip, choose high-quality and fused products. Broken, loose, or worn-out outlets can create a fire hazard. If the cable is worn or torn, replace it immediately.
- Check Battery Health; Ensure that the phone battery is not swollen or overheating. If the battery is swollen or drains quickly, contact an authorized service center. If there is a puncture, leak, or deformation in the battery, stop using it immediately.
- Do Not Overuse the Phone While Charging; If possible, do not run heavy applications during charging. Check that the phone does not overheat when making calls or playing games. Do not place the phone under a pillow or leave it in an enclosed space while charging.”
Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl concluded by stating that using original equipment, ensuring airflow, preventing overheating, and paying attention to outlet safety are the most important factors for safe phone charging, adding, “If you follow these rules, you will minimize risks such as fire and battery problems.”