What's the best way to avoid problems?
- Buy devices from a reputable vendor. I've yet to come across a charger from Apple or Samsung or Amazon that has been unsafe. As for third-party brands, I've found Amazon, Zendure, Anker, RAVPower to be consistently high-quality and I've never had an issue with a product from these companies.
- Avoid no-name brands, or brands that you've never heard of.
- If in doubt, seek advice. Reputable manufacturers are always open to being asked safety-related issues, so if you think something isn't right, disconnect the device and get in touch with them.
- Don't take chances -- you (and the people around you) only get one life, and it's worth a heck of a lot more than a cheap charger or power bank you picked up from a dollar store or online.
Do you come across dangerous devices?
Yes.
What sort of bad things have you seen?
I've seen chargers explode, power banks smolder, chargers that have metallic parts that expose the user to dangerous mains current, and I've seen countless device break apart to expose the electronics when used.
What's the most important piece of test equipment?
Your senses!
- Look for signs of visual damage
- Feel (carefully, I suggest the old electrician's trick of using the back of your hand) for overheating
- Smell for smoke
- Listen for snaps, crackles or pops when the device is in use
- Also use common sense -- if something doesn't feel right, don't take chances!
What do you do with devices that fail?
I report them to the relevant authorities. I work closely with UK Trading Standards to remove unsafe devices from market.
Have you had an electric shock?
Yes, a few times.
Is it safe to leave devices charging overnight?
Technically, it should be because well-made devices have a myriad of built-in safety features. The scabbier the devices, the more sketchy this becomes. I've dealt with a number of fire-related "incidents," but that was when awake and ready for it. I wouldn't like to wake up at 3:30am, all groggy, and having to deal with an incident.
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