Balsat Mskcharge under control: a reference on charging and powering devices at home

An independent reference on charging and powering devices at home. We do not sell devices, do not repair batteries and are not affiliated with the previous website on this domain. Follow your device manufacturer's instructions.

Glossary

Glossary

Charger boxes and housings use words that sound like a page from a physics textbook. You don't need the formulas for everyday life, but knowing what each word means is useful: it makes it easier to read the markings and not take an advertising promise at face value.

Knowing what voltage is doesn't mean you have to feel tension every time you see someone else's adapter.

— Editor's note

How this section works: the definitions are short and contain no numbers. Terms are grouped by meaning, not alphabetically. Look for the exact specifications of your device in the manufacturer's instructions and on its markings.

Adapters and cables

Power adapter
A device that converts power from the outlet into what your device can use. In everyday speech it is often just called the charger, although charging is usually managed by the device itself.
Cable
The wire connecting the adapter or another power source to the device. Cables differ not only in length and connectors but also in how much load they can carry without overheating.
Connector
The port on the device or the plug on the cable through which power flows. A matching connector shape does not guarantee that an adapter is compatible with the device.
Power bank
A portable energy store you can use to charge a phone or other small device away from an outlet. It needs charging itself and should be handled with care.

Rechargeable and disposable batteries

Rechargeable battery
A power source that can be charged many times. Over time it wears out and holds a charge less well, and if damaged it can become dangerous.
Disposable battery
A single-use power source for remotes, clocks and toys. It must not be recharged, and once it runs down it belongs at a drop-off point.
Capacity
A measure of how much energy a battery can store. The higher it is, the longer a device usually runs between charges, but the longer it takes to charge.
Battery swelling
An increase in a battery's volume caused by internal damage. It shows as a bulging cover or a lifted screen. It is a signal to stop using the device and contact a repair service.

Ratings and charge management

Voltage
An electrical characteristic listed on the adapter and the device. It must match what the device is designed for; otherwise it won't charge or the device may be damaged.
Current
A characteristic that largely determines charging speed. The device draws as much as it needs, but a weak adapter cannot supply more than it is rated for.
Fast charging
A mode in which the adapter and the device agree on higher power. It works only if both support it and a suitable cable is used.
Charge controller
A circuit inside the device or battery that monitors charge and temperature and stops charging at the right time. It's the reason modern devices don't overcharge just because they were left plugged in.
  • Comparisons

    How a wall adapter, a computer port and a power bank differ, disposable versus rechargeable batteries, and an original versus a dubious adapter.

  • Tools

    What helps you charge calmly at home: markings, the charge indicator, a surge protector, a fireproof stand and a container for old batteries.

  • Guides

    Practical guides: how to charge devices safely at home, extend battery life and tame the tangle of cables. The article catalogue lives here too.

  • Safety

    Home charging risks: a swollen battery, a damaged cable, soft surfaces, a fake adapter and an overloaded extension cord, and what to do about them.

  • Questions

    Answers about this reference, everyday charging of phones and laptops, and what to do with batteries and rechargeable cells that have reached their end.

Sources

  • Manufacturers' instructions for devices and chargers
  • General household fire safety guidelines
  • Balsat Msk editorial materials

This advice is written in general terms and reflects our editorial understanding as of the preparation date. Devices, adapters and batteries are built differently, so your main reference remains the manufacturer's instructions for your device: if they differ from our text, follow the instructions.