Have you ever found that your charger is burning hot? Or is it just warm to the touch? If it’s happening to you, you might wonder what is happening.
In this article, we’ll be going over the “why is my charger burning hot” question in detail. We’ll also talk about the most common causes and solutions to this problem. It can be somewhat annoying if you don’t know how to fix it – especially when you’re on your way out the door and can’t find any other chargers!
Why Is My Charger Burning Hot?
When a charger is plugged in, the current flowing through it creates heat. If the charger is designed correctly, this heat can build up and prevent the charger from becoming hot to the touch. In some cases, this can even cause the charger to catch fire.
There are a few reasons why chargers can become dangerously hot. In this article, I have explained to you seven main possible reasons that can cause your charger to burn hot. Let’s have a look!
1. Damaged Charging Cable
If your charger is burning hot, it’s likely due to a damaged charging cable. A damaged charging cable can cause a fire hazard, so it’s crucial to replace it as soon as possible.
There are a few signs that your charging cable is damaged and needs to be replaced:
- The cable is frayed or broken
- The connectors are loose or damaged
- The insulation is damaged
- The cable is excessively bent or kinked
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the charging cable immediately and replace it with a new one.
2. Cheap Quality Charger
Cheap quality chargers are known to cause problems like overheating and catching fire. Using a cheap charger, you must be aware of the dangers and take precautions. For example, don’t leave your charger plugged in unattended, and don’t use it while it’s hot.
If you’re concerned about your charger overheating, try using a different power source or investing in a better-quality charger. Cheap chargers are often made with lower-quality materials that can handle more power than higher-quality chargers. This means they’ll get hotter faster and more likely to cause problems.
3. Defective Charger
If your charger is burning hot, it may be defective. If you use a charger that came with your device, contact the manufacturer to get a replacement. If you are using a third-party charger, check to see if it is certified by a reputable organization such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Also, ensure that the charger is rated for the correct voltage and amperage for your device.
4. The Device Is Not Compatible with The Charger
It may be incompatible if you’re using a charger that wasn’t made for your device. Incompatible chargers can cause all sorts of problems, including overheating. If your charger is burning hot, it’s likely because it’s incompatible with your device.
Incompatible chargers can be dangerous. They can overheat your device’s battery, which could lead to a fire. If you’re using an incompatible charger, stop using it immediately and find a compatible one.
5. Leaving the Device for Charging too Long
Leaving your device plugged in for too long can damage the charger and the device itself. Overcharging a battery can lead to decreased battery life and, in some cases, explosions. If you’re going to be away from your device for an extended period, it’s best to unplug it and let it charge when you have time to keep an eye on it.
6. Device Malfunctioning
If your charger is burning hot, it’s most likely due to a device malfunction. Device malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Overheating
- Short circuits
- Faulty wiring
- Damaged internals
If you suspect your charger is burning hot due to a malfunction, stop using the device immediately and contact the manufacturer.
7. Dirt in Charger Port
Suppose there is dirt or lint buildup in the charger port. This can happen if the port needs to be cleaned regularly or if you use the charger in a dusty environment. Your charger can burn hot. To clean the port, use a cotton swab or toothpick to remove debris gently. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your charger.
What Temperature Should Your Chargers Be?
It is essential to know what temperature your chargers should be to keep them functioning properly and avoid potential damage.
The optimal temperature range for most chargers is between 32-104 degrees Fahrenheit (0-40 degrees Celsius). If the temperature gets too high, it can lead to premature degradation of the charging components and eventually cause the charger to fail. Additionally, excessive heat can also cause fires.
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, keeping your chargers within the safe operating temperature range is crucial. This may include using a cooling fan or air conditioner and keeping the charger in a well-ventilated area.
You can checkout the following youtube video of Joe Lam, in which he explained what is the normal temperature of the charger should be while charging.
What Temperature Should You Avoid Chargers Being?
Avoid chargers that get hot enough to cause discomfort. If you can’t comfortably hold the charger in your hand, it’s too hot. Prohibit charging if your charger gets hot above 50°C (122°F).
Of course, not all chargers are created equal. Some chargers are designed to get hotter than others. So if you’re using a charger that gets hotter than usual, keep an eye on it and avoid using it for extended periods.
In general, though, you should avoid chargers that get too hot. So make sure to keep your charger at a comfortable temperature and never leave it unattended while it’s plugged in.
Is It Bad If My Charger Gets Hot?
If your charger is getting hot, it could be a sign that it’s not working correctly. Chargers can get hot for various reasons, from everyday use to faulty components. If your charger is getting too hot to touch, you should unplug it and stop using it until you can find a replacement.
In general, it’s not good for chargers to get too hot. Heat is one of the biggest enemies of electronic devices, and if your charger gets too hot, it could damage the internal components. That said, there are some exceptions. For example, if you’re using a quick-charge adapter to charge your device, it’s normal for the adapter to get warm or even hot. But if the entire charger feels hot to the touch, that’s a different story.
Suppose you need to check whether your charger is getting too hot or on the side of caution and unplug it. Let it cool down for a few minutes before plugging it back in. And if you feel that charging is getting too hot, then we suggest you not use that charger. It can harm you or your device.
How To Prevent Charger From Overheating
When your charger starts to overheat, it’s essential to take measures to prevent the problem from worsening. There are a few things you can do to keep your charger from overheating:
- Unplug the charger when it’s not in use.
- Keep the charger in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid using the charger while it’s plugged into an outlet.
- Use a power strip with surge protection to protect your charger from power surges.
If your charger is starting to overheat, take action immediately to prevent further damage.
For closer look a over heat problem, when you use a fast charger, the current flowing through the charger and your device is much higher than when you use a standard charger. This can cause the charger to get hot, which is normal. However, if your charger gets too hot to touch, it may be damaged and needs to be replaced. If you notice that your charger is getting hot, unplug it from your device and let it cool down before using it again.
In the following Mrwhosetheboss youtube video, he explained about the fast chargers and their problems.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered why is my charger burning hot? You’re not alone. Many people have this same question, and there are a few possible reasons your charger might be overheating. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and can be easily fixed. However, it could indicate a more severe problem in some rare cases. If you’re concerned about your charger overheating, be sure to check out our list of 7 reasons why it might happen.
FAQs
Is it normal for a charger to heat?
It is usual for a charger to heat up while it is plugged in and charging your device. This is because the charger converts AC power from the outlet into DC power to charge the battery. This process of conversion creates heat as a byproduct. But it should not be burning hot.
What does it mean when your charger gets hot?
When your charger gets hot, it works harder to charge your device. This could be due to several factors, including a low battery, a cold environment, or a faulty charger. If your charger is getting hot frequently, it’s essential to stop using it and take it to a professional for further inspection.
Can a hot charger catch fire?
Yes, a hot charger can catch fire. This is because the charger’s heat can cause the wires’ insulation to break down, leading to a short circuit. If the short circuit is severe enough, it can cause a fire.
How do I stop my charger from getting hot?
It’s essential to keep your charger cool to prevent it from overworking and potentially causing a fire. If your charger is getting hot, unplug it immediately and let it cool down. Once it’s cooled down, check the cords and plugs for any damage. If everything looks good, plug it back in and turn on the power.
Why does my charger smell burn?
If your charger smells burnt, it’s likely because it’s overheating. When a charger overheats, it can damage the cords, insulation, and other components. This can lead to a fire hazard. If you notice your charger smelling burnt, unplug it immediately and don’t use it until you’ve had a chance to inspect it.
Can an overheated charger explode?
When a charger overheats, it can release a surge of energy that can cause an explosion. This is most likely to happen if the charger is old or damaged or has been used to charge a device for too long. If you’re using a charger that feels hot to the touch, disconnect it from the power source and stop using it immediately.
Is it OK to leave the charger plugged in overnight?
Leaving your charger plugged in overnight is not a good idea. While it may not cause any damage to your charger, it can shorten its lifespan. Additionally, it can pose a fire hazard if the cord becomes damaged. If you must leave your charger plugged in, unplug it before bed.