Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. Just this one gadget can allow us to pay for goods, connect with others and even monitor our health. Therefore, keeping the phone powered up is a must. It might be tempting to use a cheap and generic charger to save some money, but it can pose a serious risk to the phone and the user.
Why you might want to stick with your smartphone brand’s charger
Unlike before, most smartphones sold today by major manufacturers do not include a charging cable and adapter. Since buying it brand new can be pricey, some consumers look for cheaper options, despite manufacturers warning them only to use authorized accessories.
Persuading customers to only use branded chargers may seem like a marketing scheme to generate more money, but they could also save people’s lives.
Many reports of chargers catching on fire or exploding involve generic, low-cost, counterfeit phone chargers. These chargers can pose a safety risk because manufacturers often use low-quality materials to make them.
Cheap chargers endanger customers by:
- Overheating due to poorly insulated wires
- Short circuiting due to faulty wiring and connections
- Delivering the wrong voltage
Plugging in a generic charger with defective components could catch fire, inflict burns and damage property. In addition to having an unusable charger, the user may end up with a broken phone and need extensive medical treatment.
Who is liable for injuries from generic products?
Companies that released defective chargers in the past recalled those products and refunded customers. That may not be the case for cheaper accessories because their manufacturers can be more challenging to hold liable. They could be located outside the country where different laws apply.
If customers want to pursue legal action, it may be possible to sue the retailer who sold them the defective product. However, this can be challenging to accomplish without the help of a lawyer. To build a strong case, customers must prove that the defective product is solely responsible for their physical injuries or financial losses and that they used it as intended.
Cheap chargers may seem like a good idea initially, but their potential safety risks exceed any savings. By making decisions based on quality and safety, consumers may better avoid preventable injuries.