INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — When a phone or laptop charger breaks, many people rush to get a generic one right away. It's an easier, cheaper option, but experts say it's probably not worth the risk.
A lot of people buy the knock-off brand to save a few bucks, but those generics may not be as safe as the brand name.
A Google technician looked at the insides of a genuine Apple laptop charger and its generic counterpart, and the results were shocking.
Photos show the after-market version is much more stripped down than the original. Wayne Township Fire Department Captain Mike Pruitt said that stripped-down technology may lead to an increased risk of overheating and fire.
"We have to be very careful about how we match up cords and chargers because sometimes there's a mismatch, and sometimes they're so cheap, they can cause a fire," Pruitt said. "They're cheap. That's the reason why they're in a gas station, hanging there on the counter."
Pruitt suggests only using the cord and charger that came with the device.
Experts at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) agree. They suggest only using charging devices approved by a qualified testing laboratory and those that are specifically designed for the mobile device you're charging.
In addition, the NFPA warns against other unsafe charging practices like charging your phone under a pillow, on your bed or in direct sunlight.
Pruitt said phones generate heat as they charge, which creates a hazard when it's not being watched or regulated.
"When you go to bed at night and...that phone falls down in between mattresses, under pillows, under blankets, it has no way to ventilate itself," he said. "It can build up heat, and we know there's been cases where a fire has started from that."
Instead, charge phones on a night stand, or even better, try to charge them while you're awake.
The fire risk has become even greater with the growing popularity of generic chargers.
Nick Ellis, CEO of local business PcComputerGuy, said people frequently buy the generic chargers without knowing the safety concerns.
However, there are some after-market chargers that are inexpensive, high-quality and safe:
- AmazonBasics
- Anker
- Aukey
- Belkin
- RavPower
- SyncWire
- Ugreen
Ellis said one thing to look out for in charging devices is "OEM" parts: Original Equipment Manufacturer. "OEM-compatible" devices may pose a risk because it's impossible to tell where it came from.
Regardless of what charger you're using, Pruitt suggests using a power strip because most have a built-in function that automatically shuts them off if they get too hot. But they're not fail-safe, so avoid overloading them.