At a time when mobile phones have infiltrated many areas of our lives and have become an almost indispensable tool for all of us, we are more and more likely to keep them constantly in the dark. handy, whatever the time of day ... or night.
As a result, many people keep their phones near them when they sleep or even rest on their bed. This seemingly innocuous behavior may yet present a real danger if the phone is charging, because when an electronic device charging all day or all night, its battery quickly overheated and any flammable surface or object with which it is in contact with a risk of catching fire and causing a fire.
In this regard, the US police and firefighters have recently posted a series of messages on social networks warning people against sleeping with a mobile phone in bed, they recall that these devices have already been the source of domestic fires.
Newton Firefighters, New Hampshire: "Research has shown that 53% of kids and teens load their phones or tablets on their beds or under their pillows. This can be extremely dangerous. The heat generated can not dissipate and the charger becomes hotter. The likely result is that the pillow or bed will catch fire. This puts the child or teenager and all other people in the home in great danger. Please check where you and your family members charge your mobile devices.
How to avoid a fire caused by a cell phone charging
To avoid the danger and degradation of your mobile phone and to prevent the risks of overheating the battery, here are 5 things you should do right now:
1. Do not leave your device near flammable material
Keep your phone away from any flammable surfaces or objects such as carpeting, parquet, an armchair, or a bed.
2. Prefer to use the cables and chargers of the provider of your device
To avoid a tragedy, it is strongly recommended to use a non-compliant, counterfeit or defective battery, as well as a charger of poor quality, damaged or not adapted to your phone.
The cables and chargers for iPhone from sub-brands do not have for example built-in overload protection device, and therefore against the risk of overheating or explosion, which are equipped with the original chargers.
3. Do not let your phone charge when the battery is 100%
It is a mistake for many people to leave their phone or tablet in charge overnight, because in addition to the risk of overheating, excessive charging can damage the battery in the long run.
4. Avoid letting the battery drain completely
Excess and undercharging have adverse effects on the batteries, which are designed to work best with 30-80% charging.
It is therefore better to charge your phone or electronic device at intervals throughout the day. And in case you find yourself outside, you might consider using a Power Bank, an external backup battery.
5. Do not use your phone while charging
It is also best not to use your phone while charging. This prevents the risk of overheating and will prevent possible degradation of its components.
6. Do not charge your phone in the sun or near a heater
As heat is the main cause of degradation for batteries and other electronic components, Apple manufacturers recommend that the most appropriate temperatures for the operation of iPhone are between 15 and 22 ° C.
Never leave your phone near a heater or in direct sunlight, whether charging or not.