In many households, it’s common to see phone chargers plugged into outlets, even when not actively charging a device.However, leaving your charger plugged in without a phone connected can have unintended consequences.
Even when idle, chargers continue to consume power. For example, a test using a genuine Apple charger revealed that it draws approximately 130 watts of power per month, or 1.5 kilowatt-hours annually.
While this may seem like a small amount, the cumulative effect of multiple chargers in a household can add up. Larger chargers tend to use more power, and non-genuine chargers can consume up to 10 to 20 times more than their branded counterparts.
With millions of idle chargers in use, this constant draw on energy contributes to higher consumption and increased carbon emissions, furthering environmental concerns.
Another concern is the potential fire hazard posed by leaving chargers plugged in.
When left under items like clothing or books, chargers can overheat, reaching dangerous temperatures and increasing the risk of fire.
This danger is especially pronounced with low-quality or non-branded chargers, which may not meet proper safety standards.
In addition to safety concerns, keeping chargers plugged in also impacts electricity bills.
