Leaving a phone charger plugged into the wall after charging is something many people do every day. But firefighters in China are now warning users not to treat chargers as harmless devices when they are left connected to power for long periods.
According to a report from IT Home citing CCTV News, several residential fires have been linked to phone chargers that remained plugged in for extended periods. Fire departments are advising people to unplug chargers after use and keep them away from materials that can easily catch fire.
Two Home Fires Were Linked to Phone Chargers
One reported fire happened in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Investigators found that a phone charger had been left plugged into an outlet under a sofa in the living room for a long time. The charger later malfunctioned and produced sparks, which ignited nearby flammable materials.
The fire badly damaged the living room. The walls were covered with smoke stains, the sofa and other furniture were destroyed, and debris was left across the floor.
Another fire happened in Yuanjiang, Yiyang, Hunan Province, in late July 2026. Investigators said aging components inside a charger caused a short circuit and overheating. Nearby bedding and other items caught fire.
The fire happened late at night while the homeowner was away and neighbors were asleep, allowing the fire to grow before it was noticed. The home, furniture and appliances were damaged.
Firefighters Tested Unused Chargers
Firefighters also carried out an experiment using six different brands of phone chargers. The chargers were plugged into a power strip without being connected to a phone.
Using a voltage tester, firefighters found that the tester remained illuminated when brought near the chargers. According to firefighter Zhu Zhengyongcheng of the Quanzhou Fire and Rescue Bureau, this indicated the presence of induced current and that the charger’s metal connectors remained electrically active.
Firefighters then measured the temperature of an unloaded charger after it had remained plugged in for some time. Its surface temperature was around 5°C higher than the surrounding environment.
That constant heat can contribute to the aging of internal components and insulation materials over time.
In another part of the test, firefighters simulated a short circuit in a charging cable. When the two wires touched, a spark appeared immediately and white smoke was produced.
The fire department said that leaving chargers plugged in for long periods can waste electricity and accelerate charger aging. If a fault or short circuit occurs near flammable materials, it can also create a fire hazard.
Simple Charger Safety Tips
Users do not need to panic every time a charger is plugged in, but a few simple habits can reduce unnecessary risk. Unplug the charger when your phone is fully charged or when the charger is no longer needed. Avoid placing chargers under sofas, beds, pillows or other flammable materials.
Firefighters also recommend using original or properly certified chargers and charging cables. Do not use damaged, overheated or visibly worn chargers.
It is also better to avoid charging phones near pillows or other soft materials that can trap heat. Keep phones away from direct sunlight and high-temperature locations such as areas close to kitchen stoves.
FAQ
Is it dangerous to leave a phone charger plugged in?
A plugged-in charger can still draw power and remain electrically active. While this does not mean every charger will cause a fire, damaged, aging or faulty chargers can create additional risks.
Should I unplug my charger after charging?
Yes. Unplugging a charger after use is a simple habit that reduces unnecessary electrical exposure, power consumption and long-term heat-related stress on the charger.
Can a charger overheat without a phone connected?
According to the firefighter experiment reported by CCTV News, an unloaded charger became warmer than the surrounding environment after remaining connected to power.
Where should I avoid charging my phone?
Avoid charging near pillows, bedding, sofas and other flammable materials. Also keep the phone away from direct sunlight and other high-temperature environments.
Passionategeekz Take
A phone charger may look like a simple accessory, but it is still an electrical device that should be treated with care. The reported fires are a reminder that damaged or aging chargers should not be ignored.
The easiest habit is also the simplest: charge your phone, unplug the charger when you are done, and keep charging equipment away from things that can easily catch fire.
Small safety habits can prevent much bigger problems.
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