Plugged‑in chargers waste power and can damage devices, experts warn

Experts say chargers left plugged into the wall continue drawing a small amount of electricity, known as standby or “phantom” power. While each unit consumes little, the combined load of multiple chargers in a household can add to electricity bills.

Constant connection also keeps internal components slightly warm, which over time can degrade capacitors and shorten the charger’s lifespan. Damaged, low‑quality, or counterfeit adapters are more prone to overheating, voltage spikes, and in rare cases, fire.

Recommendations include unplugging chargers when not in use, using only certified devices, avoiding moisture, employing surge‑protected power strips, and following a proper connection order (plug the charger in first, then the device, and disconnect in reverse). For battery health, keep smartphones between 20 % and 80 % charge and avoid prolonged overnight charging.