Camilla Jessen
Unplug your charger. Here’s what could happen if you don’t.
It may seem harmless, but keeping your charger in the wall could cost you more than you think.
A Common Habit
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably left a charger plugged into the wall long after your phone or device has finished charging. It’s one of those little things we all do without much thought.
After all, what harm can it do?
According to experts, more than you might expect.
Your Charger Is Still Drawing Power
Even when it’s not actively charging anything, your charger continues to pull power from the outlet. Inside it, a transformer and other components stay active in standby mode.
While the amount of electricity used is small, it still contributes to your energy bill. If you’ve got several chargers left plugged in around your home, it adds up over time.
It might not break the bank, but it’s still wasted energy that you could easily avoid.
Long-Term Damage and Overheating
Chargers aren’t built to stay plugged in 24/7.
When left constantly in the wall, their internal components are under steady stress, especially during sudden changes in voltage — like when other devices are switched on or off, or during power fluctuations.
Over time, this can wear out the charger faster, making it more prone to malfunctions, overheating, or even sparking.
In rare cases, this could lead to smoking or small fires, especially with cheaper or older chargers that lack modern safety features.
The Hidden Dangers of Water and Metal Contact
Let’s say your plugged-in charger is sitting unused near the floor.
If the metal tip touches water, or comes into contact with a metal object — like jewelry, keys, or even a toy — it could complete a live circuit.
That can cause serious shocks, or worse, an electrical short.
Even if this is unlikely, it’s a potential risk that’s easily avoided just by unplugging the charger when you’re done using it.
Not Just an Electrical Issue — It’s a Safety One
If you live in a home with small children or pets, this becomes even more important.
Chargers hanging loosely from wall sockets might look like toys to a child. That could lead them to pull or tamper with the cord, or worse, investigate the outlet itself.
Aside from damaging the charger or socket, this kind of curiosity could lead to accidental injuries.
But Is It Really That Dangerous?
Most modern chargers are designed to be safe, and the chances of a serious incident like a fire are extremely low.
Electrical standards and safety regulations have come a long way, and for many people, a charger left plugged in will never cause any harm.
But the risks, however small, are real, and they come with no real benefit.
Leaving a charger in the wall might be easy, but unplugging it takes just seconds, and helps avoid all of the potential downsides.
Small Habit, Big Impact
By getting into the habit of unplugging your charger when you’re done using it, you can:
- Save electricity (even if just a little)
- Reduce wear on your charger
- Avoid overheating or short-circuits
- Protect your home from unnecessary risks
- Keep children and pets safer
This article is based on information from Newsner.
