Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, many people still wonder about the proper way to charge their devices. Should you plug the charger into the phone or the power outlet first? Let’s find out what the experts have to say on this matter.
Which should come first when charging a phone: plugging the charger into the phone or the power outlet?
Plugging and unplugging your smartphone charger may seem like a mundane task, but it’s important to do it correctly. While you may think it doesn’t matter as long as your phone gets charged, incorrect charging practices can actually damage your beloved device.
Manufacturers often emphasize the importance of proper charging techniques to prevent overcurrent, which can lead to damage or even cause the device to explode. This advice applies not only to smartphones but also to other devices such as laptops, tablets, and accessories with similar charging mechanisms. The way you plug and unplug your charger can significantly impact the lifespan of these products, especially accessories like portable fans, game controllers, and wireless headphones.
To understand this, let’s delve into the charging mechanism of smartphones. As you may know, smartphones are charged through a charger that supplies power via a charging cable. The charger converts high-voltage alternating current (AC) to low-voltage direct current (DC) (from 220V to 5V, 9V, 12V, etc.) to safely charge the device’s battery.
In simpler terms, the charger acts as a transformer that steps down the voltage to a level suitable for your phone. Therefore, when it comes to charging your smartphone, it is generally recommended to plug the charger into the power outlet first. This ensures that the transformer is in place before connecting the phone, which is a safer approach from an electrical perspective.
The hidden dangers of a small charging accessory
You might think that chargers are harmless and that it doesn’t matter how you charge your phone as long as it gets charged. However, if you’re not careful, even a small amount of electricity can damage your smartphone or even pose a risk to your safety, especially if you’re using a low-quality charger.
Manufacturers always advise users to plug the charging cable into the power source before connecting it to the smartphone to ensure a safe charging process. This practice is intended to prevent a sudden surge in voltage, also known as a “surge.”
A surge occurs when the voltage increases abruptly and exceeds the normal working voltage of the charger. You may notice this surge as sparks or strange buzzing noises coming from the charger when you plug it into the outlet. Although this happens very quickly, it poses a significant threat to your smartphone.
If you plug the charging cable into your smartphone before connecting it to the power source, and a voltage surge occurs, it can create a voltage spike that is higher than what the charger can handle. This spike will then be transmitted directly to your phone.
When your phone receives this high-voltage current, it can damage the battery and its lifespan. Additionally, the charging circuit and other internal components may fail. In mild cases, the phone may short circuit and lose data, while more severe cases can lead to a swollen battery or, in the worst-case scenario, unfortunate incidents that affect the user’s body.
Similarly, when unplugging the charger, it is important to follow the correct sequence. Always unplug the cable from your phone first before removing the charger from the power outlet. This ensures the safe disconnection of the charging process.
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