“Don’t use your phone while it’s charging” – is one of the most popular myths about cell phones. As a matter of fact, there has been several reports and pictures on social media that show people electrocuted or their phones exploding after receiving calls while it is charging. It is thus not unsurprising that there are a lot of solicited (and unsolicited) advice that people should unplug their phones from the power outlets before answering phone calls.
Under normal circumstances, the current flowing into a charging cell phone ought not to be strong enough to kill anyone, and neither manufacturers nor consumer agencies warn customers against using mobile phones while they are being charged. So how dangerous is answering your phone while it is charging?
MYTH OR FACT?
The mobile phone is one of the greatest inventions of the 21st century and unarguably, the device is the most widely used means of communication. It is powered by a battery which needs to be frequently recharged to remain active and working.
There have been reported cases of cell phones exploding all of a sudden and causing death of users while charging. Experts have however said such cases only occur when an unauthorized battery or faulty charger is used to charge your phone.
When Dubawa contacted an Electrical Electronic Engineer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Sanni Shuib, he stated that it is safe to speak on the phone while charging as long as the battery and charger in use are in good conditions.
“As long as you are using factory-authorized batteries and power supplies, which ensures their compatibility and shelf life, talking on the cell phone while charging is not wrong and it is safe“, he said. “The current flowing into a charging cell phone is strong enough to kill“.
Another expert, Innocent Martins said: “with a properly designed charger and battery, there is no harm in using your phone while charging. What happened to people who have been electrocuted while charging their phone is traced to off brand third-party phone chargers that don’t have the proper AC isolation built in.”
HOW TO REMAIN SAFE:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lists the following safety precautions to avoid explosion when receiving a call while a phone is plugged.
- Don’t use incompatible cell phone battery or charger
- Don’t tamper with battery or allow it to be punctured or to come in contact with metal object outside the phone
- Avoid dropping a phone in a place where it can become overheated or get wet.
- Follow manufacturers’ instructions for battery usage, storage and charging.
If all these precautions are duly adhered to, it is not deadly to use your phone or receive calls while charging your cell phone!
In paragraph 6 of your write up, “The current flowing into a charging cell phone is strong enough to kill“. I presume you meant “is not strong enough”. Pls check and reconcile.