Every Serb Has This Habit, and Because of It My Apartment Almost Burned Down Last Night

Is it dangerous to leave a charger plugged in without a phone? Find out when there's a risk of fire, how to recognize a damaged charger, and why it's important to keep it away from water.

Every Serb Has This Habit, and Because of It My Apartment Almost Burned Down Last Night

TL;DR

  • Chargers consume a small amount of electricity when plugged in, even without a phone.
  • Damaged chargers, faulty adapters, unusual heating, and proximity to water increase the risk of electric shock or fire.
  • Original or tested chargers of appropriate specifications should be used, avoiding unknown brands.
  • Extra care is needed in bathrooms due to moisture; keep chargers away from sinks, tubs, and showers, and do not handle them with wet hands.
  • Signs of a faulty charger include damaged cables, overheating, sparking, or burning smells.
  • Never attempt to repair a damaged charger; replace it with a functional device.
  • While modern, functional chargers are generally safe to leave plugged in, unplugging them when not in use is an extra precaution, especially for older or questionable devices.
  • Chargers should be placed on dry, stable surfaces with adequate ventilation, away from materials that retain heat.
  • The most important rules are to never use a damaged charger and to keep electrical devices away from water.