Many wonder if leaving the charger plugged into the electrical outlet throughout the day is a hazard or just a common practice. While there are different opinions on this matter, it can generally be said that leaving the charger plugged in usually does not pose a risk, but it is not recommended. Let's take a closer look at some details.
Is leaving the phone charger plugged into power dangerous?
From a technical standpoint, chargers are currently considered safe and designed with protection technologies. Since they lack energy accumulation when no device is connected, leaving the charger plugged in is not typically a dangerous act. However, caution is advised regarding counterfeit or uncertified products, as exceptions and rare incidents may occur.
In the past, charger technology posed a greater risk, causing fires easily. But with technological advancements, chargers have become safer. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to use chargers certified by the phone manufacturer to avoid issues. Ultimately, disconnecting the charger from the power source can always be done to minimize the small likelihood of any problems.
How much does it cost to leave the charger connected?
"Unplug the charger to avoid wasting energy" is a common advice, but reality reveals a different aspect. As mentioned earlier, chargers are carefully designed to minimize energy accumulation to the lowest level when the phone is not connected. This helps avoid accidents, reduces energy consumption, and thus decreases the cost of leaving the charger plugged in.
Nevertheless, there is still a slight consumption. For instance, leaving the charger connected for 16 hours daily throughout the year might cost you only 14 cents annually.
Why should we unplug the charger?
Leaving the charger plugged in has a reason, as mentioned in the previous section. It's about the cumulative consumption for millions of people. A charger connected to someone consumes a minimal number of watts; however, if there are many chargers in a household, the amount spent will multiply.
It's okay to leave the charger plugged in at times, but it's better to disconnect it because it helps conserve energy. While our individual contribution may be small, collectively, with millions of people making the same gesture, it represents significant environmental progress.
