Swollen battery
A bulging cover, a lifted screen or a gap in the case are signs that the battery is damaged. Don't charge or use such a device, don't press on it or puncture it; take it to a repair service.
Safety
Safety
The battery in your pocket holds a lot of energy in a very small space. Usually it goes into calls and videos, but if the battery is damaged or charged improperly, that energy can show itself in a very different way. The good news is that most risks are removed by simple habits that cost neither money nor special knowledge.
A pillow is for sleeping, not for charging; this rule is cheaper than any insurance policy.
How this section works: we describe typical risks and warning signs in general terms, without analyzing real incidents and without technical details. It is not a substitute for fire safety rules or the manufacturer's instructions.
Risks
Situations that come up in ordinary homes more often than we'd like.
Damaged cable and connector
Cracked insulation, exposed wires, scorched contacts and a loose plug can lead to overheating and sparking. A damaged cable isn't fixed with electrical tape; it's replaced.
Charging on soft surfaces and under pillows
Beds, couches, blankets and pillows trap heat and catch fire easily. Charge your devices on a hard, non-flammable surface, especially if you leave them overnight.
Fake adapters with no markings
An adapter with no manufacturer details, no compliance marks, a suspiciously light weight and a crudely assembled housing may lack the protection it needs inside. Saving money on one is easy; regretting it is even easier.
Overloaded extension cords
Chains of extension cords, splitters plugged into splitters and a power strip with everything plugged in at once can overheat. Plug heavy appliances directly into the wall outlet, and don't hide extension cords under rugs.
Large e-mobility batteries
Charge scooters, e-bikes and cordless power tools only under supervision, not overnight and not while you're away from home. Don't charge them in a hallway or by the only exit from your home.
Why simple rules work
Most charging mishaps come from several small things at once: a dubious adapter, a frayed cable, a soft blanket and a night when nobody is watching. Remove even one link and the chain falls apart.
That's why the rules here are boring: a suitable adapter, an intact cable, a hard surface, supervision for large batteries, and no opening devices up or do-it-yourself repairs. Each one takes no more than a couple of seconds of attention.
Used batteries and rechargeable cells are part of safety too: they can be damaged in a trash bin, so they belong at a drop-off point.
Read next
- 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.
- Not charging?
What to do if a device charges slowly or not at all, the adapter gets very hot, or the cable only works when held at a certain angle.
- Tools
What helps you charge calmly at home: markings, the charge indicator, a surge protector, a fireproof stand and a container for old batteries.
- Glossary
A glossary of device power terms: adapter, cable, connector, battery, capacity, voltage, current, fast charging and the charge controller.
- 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.