Charger left plugged in: Necessary unplugging or unneeded concern
Illustrative photo (Photo: Freepik)
Many people keep chargers plugged into outlets without removing them, even when no devices are charging.
How-To Geek explains whether it's necessary to unplug chargers from outlets and what consequences might arise.
Is it safe to leave a charger in the outlet?
According to experts, there's no harm in leaving the power adapter plugged into an outlet even when no devices are connected. Major mobile device manufacturers initially assume such usage patterns and pay attention to safety concerns. As a result, leaving the charger constantly plugged in ensures no issues.
Should you unplug the charger to save electricity?
This decision is yours to make. A plugged-in power adapter does consume energy, albeit in small amounts. For instance, a smartphone charger typically uses about 5 watts per day, totaling 2-3 kilowatt-hours per year.
However, it's unlikely that electricity bills will noticeably increase due to several chargers connected in different areas of the apartment. Nonetheless, they still consume electricity.
Can chargers be left plugged in during storms?
Storms pose a significant risk to all household electrical devices, including chargers. It's better to unplug them during inclement weather.
Is it safe to leave a charger in an outlet that heats up even without a load?
If your charger, even after disconnecting the device, remains hot, it's advisable to unplug it. Perhaps the charger is faulty or there are issues with the electrical network. Such situations might occur in apartments with insufficient attention given to creating a safe electrical network or in rural areas. To avoid unforeseen consequences, consider replacing a charger that consistently heats up with a new one.
