In 2022, a charger left on a bed started a fire in a bedroom in Buckinghamshire. Fortunately, no one was injured. But the damage was significant. This type of accident is not an isolated incident: a large proportion of domestic electrical fires occur at night , according to London’s emergency services.
These common mistakes that increase risks
Beyond loading under the pillow, other habits can also be dangerous:
- Using a poor quality charger : According to Electrical Safety First, 98% of Apple charger copies fail safety tests.
- Overloading an outlet : Plugging multiple devices into the same power strip can cause overheating.
- Leaving devices plugged in overnight , especially with older chargers without a regulation system.
- Charging on a bed, sofa or rug : These surfaces trap heat, preventing ventilation .
- Using damaged cable : Frayed wire can cause sparks near flammable materials.
