Should You Unplug Chargers When Not in Use?
Here's What an Electrician Says
Yes. Leading electricians and safety experts recommend unplugging chargers when not in use to save energy, reduce fire risk from overheating, and prolong the charger's life.
Leaving them plugged in has no benefits and presents several small risks that can add up over time. Even if they're not actively charging a device, consumes "phantom load" or "vampire energy" which adds up over time and can be a safety hazard, especially with damaged or old chargers.
Leaving them plugged in has no benefits and presents several small risks that can add up over time. Even if they're not actively charging a device, consumes "phantom load" or "vampire energy" which adds up over time and can be a safety hazard, especially with damaged or old chargers.
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Reasons to unplug chargers
Energy savings: Chargers use a small amount of electricity even when not in use, a phenomenon called "vampire energy" or "phantom load". Unplugging them can lead to savings on your electricity bill.
Saving energy and money. Idle chargers still draw a small amount of electricity, a phenomenon known as "vampire power" or "phantom load". While a single charger's power draw is negligible (about 0.1 to 0.5 watts), the effect is cumulative across all devices in a household. This can account for 5% to 10% of a home's energy use and add up to $100 or more to an annual electricity bill.
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Fire safety: Chargers can overheat, especially if they are old, damaged, or cheap. Leaving them plugged in can create a fire risk, and they can also be damaged by power surges.
Preventing fire hazards. A constantly connected charger's internal components wear down from heat and constant exposure to power. This risk is elevated with older, damaged, or uncertified third-party chargers. Overheating can lead to short circuits and, in rare but documented cases, electrical fires.
Saving energy and money. Idle chargers still draw a small amount of electricity, a phenomenon known as "vampire power" or "phantom load". While a single charger's power draw is negligible (about 0.1 to 0.5 watts), the effect is cumulative across all devices in a household. This can account for 5% to 10% of a home's energy use and add up to $100 or more to an annual electricity bill.
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Fire safety: Chargers can overheat, especially if they are old, damaged, or cheap. Leaving them plugged in can create a fire risk, and they can also be damaged by power surges.
Preventing fire hazards. A constantly connected charger's internal components wear down from heat and constant exposure to power. This risk is elevated with older, damaged, or uncertified third-party chargers. Overheating can lead to short circuits and, in rare but documented cases, electrical fires.
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The Fire Hazard Factor
While the most obvious concern for leaving chargers plugged in is energy waste, safety experts warn that fire risk is a far greater threat. Chargers contain internal circuitry that, when exposed to constant voltage, can degrade over time. The result? Overheating, short circuits, or even electrical fires.
This is not a theoretical risk - it is a documented hazard. According to consumer safety data, overheated chargers and adapters have been linked to numerous home fires each year. Simple preventive action—like unplugging - can eliminate this unnecessary danger.
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Charger lifespan: Constant exposure to power can cause internal components to degrade over time, shortening the life of the charger.
Prolonging charger life. Continuous exposure to voltage can degrade a charger's internal components and shorten its lifespan. Unplugging it when not in use reduces this stress, allowing the charger to last longer.
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Safety for children and pets: Dangling cords can be a tripping hazard or an invitation for a curious child or pet to chew on them, potentially causing injury or damage.
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Reduced risk of electrical damage: Unplugging a charger protects it from power surges that could otherwise damage the charger or a connected device.
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Mitigating risks from power surges. In the event of a voltage spike, such as a lightning strike, a plugged-in charger can be damaged or destroyed. Most consumer chargers do not have built-in surge protection.
While the most obvious concern for leaving chargers plugged in is energy waste, safety experts warn that fire risk is a far greater threat. Chargers contain internal circuitry that, when exposed to constant voltage, can degrade over time. The result? Overheating, short circuits, or even electrical fires.
This is not a theoretical risk - it is a documented hazard. According to consumer safety data, overheated chargers and adapters have been linked to numerous home fires each year. Simple preventive action—like unplugging - can eliminate this unnecessary danger.
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Charger lifespan: Constant exposure to power can cause internal components to degrade over time, shortening the life of the charger.
Prolonging charger life. Continuous exposure to voltage can degrade a charger's internal components and shorten its lifespan. Unplugging it when not in use reduces this stress, allowing the charger to last longer.
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Safety for children and pets: Dangling cords can be a tripping hazard or an invitation for a curious child or pet to chew on them, potentially causing injury or damage.
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Reduced risk of electrical damage: Unplugging a charger protects it from power surges that could otherwise damage the charger or a connected device.
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Mitigating risks from power surges. In the event of a voltage spike, such as a lightning strike, a plugged-in charger can be damaged or destroyed. Most consumer chargers do not have built-in surge protection.
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When it's particularly important to unplug
✅When going on vacation or leaving the house for an extended period.
✅When you have damaged or old chargers that may be faulty.
✅When children or pets are present and might interact with the cords
✅When you have damaged or old chargers that may be faulty.
✅When children or pets are present and might interact with the cords
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Simple steps to build the habit
To make unplugging chargers easier, electricians and energy experts offer several tips: Use a power strip.
Connect multiple chargers to a single power strip, so you can cut the power to all of them with a single switch.
Create a charging station.
Create a charging station.
Designate one accessible spot for charging devices to make unplugging a single, centralized action.
Incorporate it into your routine.
Incorporate it into your routine.
Pair the action with another daily habit, like leaving for work or going to bed, so it becomes second nature.
Install smart plugs.
Install smart plugs.
For a high-tech solution, use smart plugs or power strips that can be scheduled to automatically shut off at specific times.
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Should You Unplug Chargers When They're Not In Use?
Sep
12, 2025
In This Article
Should You Unplug Chargers When They're Not In Use?
Other Safety Concerns For Leaving Chargers Plugged In
Tips To Remember To Unplug Your Appliances & Electronics.
Should You Unplug Chargers When They're Not In Use?
Other Safety Concerns For Leaving Chargers Plugged In
Tips To Remember To Unplug Your Appliances & Electronics.
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Energy Experts Reveal Why You Should Unplug Chargers
Aug
13, 2025
Energy Experts Reveal Why You Should Unplug Chargers Every
Day * Understanding the True Cost of Idle Chargers. Charger.
In a world increasingly defined by technology, the average home has
become a hub of constant charging—smartphones, laptops, tablets,
headphones, speakers, and countless other devices compete for
electricity every day. But while these devices are essential for modern
living, one often-overlooked habit is silently driving up energy costs, increasing fire hazards, and shortening the lifespan of your electronics: leaving chargers plugged in when not in use.
San Diego Weekly . https://sdweekly.com/energy-experts-reveal-why-you-should-unplug-chargers-every-day/
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Mapping Vampire Energy - Oct 24, 2024
What does vampire energy mean? Vampire energy is power wasted by electronics or appliances plugged in but not in use. ...
SaveOnEnergy.com https://www.saveonenergy.com/resources/mapping-vampire-energy/
SaveOnEnergy.com https://www.saveonenergy.com/resources/mapping-vampire-energy/
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8 Things To Always Unplug When You Go On Vacation
8 Things To Always Unplug When You Go On Vacation
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12 Things You Should Never Plug Into A Power Strip
12 Things You Should Never Plug Into A Power Strip
About Southern Living
Who We Are
Who We Are
At Southern Living, we celebrate the food, homes, and places that define our region. We seek out the best of the South in everything we do, and we find endless inspiration in Southern culture and traditions. We're serious about our recipes, our hospitality, and making our homes as beautiful and welcoming as possible. We are a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a champion of Southern creativity.
Because fire safety isn’t about luck — it’s about CHOICES YOU MAKE EVERY DAY.
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🔌 “Nothing happened before… but what if it does today?”
Many people say, “I’ve been leaving my charger plugged in for 20 years — nothing happened.”
But fire doesn’t care about habit — it only needs one failure, one spark, one chance.
Here’s the truth:
Electrical fires don’t happen because something always goes wrong.
They happen because people think nothing ever will.
✅ Over time, chargers and outlets wear out. Dust, heat, and loose connections can cause short circuits or overheating — especially with cheap or fake adapters.
✅ Continuous plugging exposes cords to heat cycles that weaken insulation.
✅ Modern chargers draw standby power even when not charging — adding unnecessary stress to your wiring and risking overheat.
A single incident is all it takes to destroy everything you’ve built.
So why wait for a fire when you can prevent it?
🧯 Unplug chargers when not in use.
🧯 Replace frayed or hot plugs immediately.
🧯 Use original chargers and avoid overloading outlets.
🧯 Check sockets regularly — if they’re warm, there’s a problem.
Many people say, “I’ve been leaving my charger plugged in for 20 years — nothing happened.”
But fire doesn’t care about habit — it only needs one failure, one spark, one chance.
Here’s the truth:
Electrical fires don’t happen because something always goes wrong.
They happen because people think nothing ever will.
✅ Over time, chargers and outlets wear out. Dust, heat, and loose connections can cause short circuits or overheating — especially with cheap or fake adapters.
✅ Continuous plugging exposes cords to heat cycles that weaken insulation.
✅ Modern chargers draw standby power even when not charging — adding unnecessary stress to your wiring and risking overheat.
A single incident is all it takes to destroy everything you’ve built.
So why wait for a fire when you can prevent it?
🧯 Unplug chargers when not in use.
🧯 Replace frayed or hot plugs immediately.
🧯 Use original chargers and avoid overloading outlets.
🧯 Check sockets regularly — if they’re warm, there’s a problem.
Because fire safety isn’t about luck — it’s about CHOICES YOU MAKE EVERY DAY.
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