A charger can already be good, be as expensive as the manufacturer wants or be built with the best materials, which will always become hot when you connect it to the mobile. And there are reasons for this, against physics it is difficult to fight. Although yes, there may be a problem if the charger becomes excessively hot. Let’s see the reasons and how to identify this burning problem.
This time of year begins in the northern hemisphere when we look at both the thermometer and our electronic devices: June is going to bring lots of warmth, vacations, and time outside. And of course, if the charger sees the temperature rise during the winter when charging the phone, during the summer additional diplomas are worrying. It is advisable to be aware of this.
The electronic components of the charger transform part of the energy into heat
Inside a USB A Fast Charger
This is pure physics: as energy is neither created nor destroyed, part of the electric current that passes through electronic circuits during charging ends up being transformed into thermal energy; which translates into the heat dissipated by the device. Regardless of the efficiency of the circuit there will always be a loss in the form of temperature increase
The main reason the charger’s temperature rises while charging is due to electrical resistance in the internal circuitry, called the Joule effect. Part of the electrical energy ends up being transformed into heat, particularly under the action of the transformer. This component is responsible for convert alternating current from outlet to direct current with which the mobile phone is powered.
Electrical resistance is linked to power and amperage, two key values in fast charging. Consequently, the greater the so-called power in W. more electrical current will flow through the circuit and more heat will be generated during the process; temperature that the manufacturer attempts to dissipate by optimizing the internal components of the charger and including aluminum heat sinks to evenly distribute the heat.
The faster the charger (power in W), the more electric current will flow inside. Which results in an increase in heat
Besides the Joule effect, there are other aspects that increase the temperature in the charger during the charging process:
- The quality of the charger. As we have already seen, the quality of the components ends up influencing the temperature generated during the process. If you don’t want a scare, use the original charger or, failing that, a quality one. The cable also influences, the same rule applies.
- Room temperature. We’re not going to reveal anything to you if we tell you that the heat in the room will cause the temperature of the charger to rise even more. Try not to charge your phone during peak times of the day and avoid using fast charging during these times.
- fast charge. We have already seen that fast charging is affected by the electrical resistance of the components, so try to reduce it as much as possible. Don’t be paranoid, use it when you need it: it’s very useful if you don’t have much time.
Although it is inevitable that a charger will heat up, just as it happens to the charging cable and the smartphone itself, this is not an effect that should be of concern in modern mobile phones, as manufacturers They have measured everything to maintain the charge with maximum safety. Even the fastest. The problem comes when the charger does not come in the box and we have to remove the first one we have.
Tips to avoid excessive temperature in the charger
We’ve already given some advice, mostly truisms, although it’s always worth considering all factors. And there is one aspect that we must make very clear: if you are charging your cell phone and you notice that the charger burns during the process, as if you can’t hold it in your hand, stop using it. This is not normal, even if it is warm in the environment.
If the charger burns you when you hold it, it is best to stop using it: the temperature rising this much is not normal.
Let’s go with these tips. We take this into account when we analyze devices, also in our cell phones and personal chargers.
- Throw away a charger that burns when you use it. We reiterate this point, since it is a safety measure: a charger of poor quality and/or in poor condition can cause a fire. It would not be the first time.
- Avoid fast charging if possible. If you don’t need your phone for a while, put it on slow charge.
- Try charging in a cool environment. You can’t always predict it, but it will be better to charge your phone at night or in the morning rather than at midday. Your phone’s battery will thank you, not just the charger.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
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