What are the risks of leaving a charger plugged in when empty?

 

Leaving a charger plugged in all the time, even without a connected device, seems harmless. However, this habit can have negative consequences on power consumption, charger wear, and even safety. Here’s why it’s best to unplug your unused chargers.

Why it is not recommended to leave your charger plugged in when empty

Invisible but very real electricity consumption

A plugged-in charger always consumes electricity, even when no device is connected to it.

• Economic impact:  Multiply this consumption by the number of chargers in a household and over several years, this can represent  several euros wasted unnecessarily .
• Environmental impact:  Added up on a global scale, this consumption contributes to  energy waste  and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Premature wear of the charger

Leaving a charger plugged in all the time reduces its lifespan.

• Continuous heating:  Even when not in use, a charger receives current, which generates heat and causes  internal wear .
• Risk of incompatibilities:  Chargers using cables or adapters from different brands are often more prone to  failure and overheating .

A (low) risk of fire

Although rare, a charger left plugged in can overheat and pose a  fire risk , especially if it is:

• Defective,
• Of inferior quality,
• Not suitable for the outlet or device it is supposed to charge.

Practical alternatives to avoid these problems

To limit risks without having to constantly unplug your chargers, try these solutions:

1. Use an extension cord or adapter with a switch.  This allows you to  turn off the power  with one click without any extra effort.
2. Avoid leaving wireless chargers plugged in.  They draw up to  30% more power  than a traditional cable.
3. Optimize your charges.  Keep your batteries between  20% and 80%  to extend their lifespan.

In short: a small gesture for big benefits

Unplugging your unused chargers is a simple but effective way  to extend their lifespan ,  reduce your energy bill  , and help  protect your home  and the environment.

Adopting practical solutions like an extension cord with a switch will make your life easier while providing  peace of mind  and long-term savings.