Charger: More than an Accessory

From the moment we wake up until we go to sleep, chargers keep us connected.

Whether it’s smartphones, tablets, laptops, or headphones, they all require one thing: energy.

Thus, the charger has evolved from a secondary item to an indispensable part of our routine. Nevertheless, few people take the time to reflect on it.

After all, everyone has experienced the situation of forgetting a charger at home and feeling as if they’ve lost something vital.

Without it, devices become inert objects, devoid of function.

Therefore, it’s worth understanding more about how this accessory works, the types available, the risks involved in choosing the wrong models, and the care that prolongs its lifespan.

From accessory to digital survival item

In the past, the charger was merely an extra in the packaging of a cellphone.

It was simple, almost invisible.

However, with the evolution of devices, the charger has taken center stage.

Now, choosing a good charger means ensuring performance, safety, and practicality.

Additionally, today’s devices require more energy.

Many come with heavy functions such as real-time gaming, high-definition recording, and constant connections.

As a result, batteries drain faster.

Thus, charging phones has become a frequent necessity, sometimes more than once a day.

Hence, the charger has transformed into more than just a cable and a power source.

It represents the bridge between energy and the constant operation of our devices.

Not all chargers are the same

Even though they may look similar at first glance, there is a wide variety of chargers on the market.

Choosing the wrong one can damage the device, decrease battery life, or even cause accidents.

Firstly, there are conventional chargers.

These are the most common and work well for those who are not in a hurry.

However, over time, a need emerged: faster charging.

Thus, turbo chargers, also known as “fast chargers,” appeared.

They can deliver a greater amount of energy in less time, provided the device is compatible.

In addition to these, there are wireless chargers that operate via induction.

Although they seem more modern, they still offer slower speeds compared to wired models.

However, they are practical and help avoid wear on the device’s charging port.

Finally, there are also portable chargers, or power banks.

These are perfect for those who spend a lot of time away from home.

Even far from an outlet, it is possible to keep the phone running.

The danger of generic chargers

Many people, when losing their original charger, rush to any store and buy the first cheap model they find.

However, this habit can have serious consequences. Not all chargers follow safety standards.

Some lack protection against overcharging, overheating, or short circuits.

Additionally, generic chargers may provide irregular voltage.

This not only reduces charging efficiency but can also damage the device’s internal components.

In extreme cases, there have been reports of smartphones catching fire during charging.

Therefore, even if it seems tempting to save, it’s worth investing in a reliable product.

Whether it’s an original model or one certified by recognized brands, the most important thing is to ensure safety.

How to choose the right charger

Choosing the ideal charger requires attention to a few details.

First, it is essential to check the power of the source.

This information, usually expressed in watts (W), should align with the device’s capacity.

For example, using a 5W charger on a phone that supports 25W will result in much slower charging.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of cable.

Low-quality cables lose efficiency, heat up more, and wear out easily.

Thus, opting for reinforced cables with good electrical conductivity makes all the difference.

Another relevant point involves compatibility.

Not every phone supports turbo charging, for example.

So, before investing in a more powerful charger, it’s necessary to verify whether the device can actually handle this type of charging.

Practical tips to extend your charger’s lifespan

In addition to making good choices, proper care is essential.

One of the most common mistakes is pulling the cable by the tip when disconnecting it.

This action weakens the internal connection, causing failures and, over time, rendering the accessory useless.

The ideal approach is to hold the base firmly and pull gently.

Another essential care relates to temperature.

Leaving the charger exposed to sunlight or using it in very hot environments accelerates material wear.

Similarly, wrapping the cable tightly contributes to internal breaks and loss of efficiency.

Furthermore, avoiding using the phone while it is charging is advisable.

This is because demanding too much from the processor during charging causes the device to heat up more.

This excessive heat not only harms the battery but also the charger.

Car charger: practical, but requires attention

Many people take advantage of traffic time to charge their devices.

Certainly, this practice offers convenience.

However, not all car chargers have adequate quality.

It is necessary to check the amperage and protection against power surges.

Moreover, some vehicles keep the USB port powered even when the car is turned off.

Thus, if the charger remains connected for too long, it can drain the car’s battery or even cause faults in the electrical system.

Therefore, even in the car, choosing the right charger and removing it when not in use are important actions.

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Source of information: brasil.mongabay.com.

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