Charging Electronic Devices Safely

Every household now has devices with Li-ion or Li-po batteries that regularly need recharging. In the vast majority of cases, this will cause no issues but you should charge safely as a precaution.

(This article relates to small battery operated devices. See our article on Fire Safety for E-Scooters, E-Bikes and Hoverboards for charging tips for these larger devices.)

Choosing your Device, Charger and Cables

Only use devices that carry a genuine CE European Safety Mark to ensure it meets expected safety standards. To do this, buy from reputable retailers. You can also find information on identifying genuine CE marks on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's website.

Once you have your device set up, keep these charging tips in mind:

• The charger and cable that come with the device are the best items to use with any device.
• Don’t use chargers or cables that are damaged or discoloured.
• If the charger or cable needs to be replaced, buy genuine branded manufacturer replacements or branded replacements that are certified by the original manufacturer.
• Cheap replacements probably won't reach the safety standards required.

Charging Safely

When leaving your device to charge, make sure you:

• Only charge your device for as long as required, until it reaches 100%. Don’t overcharge it.
• Don’t charge your devices overnight, while you are asleep or when you leave your home.
• Leave your device to charge on a flat, hard, non-flammable surface.
• Charging naturally creates heat within the battery, so never cover a charging device with a pillow, cushion, blanket or anything else. Let the heat dissipate.
• Unplug the charger from the wall socket when it's not in use.

It's also important to look out for any signs that your device's battery is damaged or failing. Watch out for:

• Discolouration, burning smells or signs of melting on the device or charger.
• Swelling of the battery or the housing around the battery.
• A leak from the battery.
• Erratic behaviour; if your device is charging too quickly or discharging quicker than normal, this could indicate that the battery is failing.

If any of these things occur, you should stop using the device immediately and place it outside of your home.

Dublin Fire Brigade's Fire Prevention Programmes

Making Dublin safe from fires and other emergencies is at the heart of what we do. Dublin Fire Brigade runs a number of fire safety programmes, which aim to get the community involved in the prevention of fires.

If you would like a fire officer to talk to your school, business or community, get in touch below.