They’re usually cheaper than their brand counterparts, but a new study has warned that generic phone chargers can cause serious injuries.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have highlighted several cases in which generic chargers have caused severe burns, and even electrocuted some users.
Dr Carissa Bunke, who led the study, said: “Generic phone chargers can cause burns or electrocutions.
“Teens and adolescents are particularly at risk of injury due to their frequent mobile device use.
“They should be advised to not sleep with their phones or mobile devices charging in bed and avoid leaving the charger plugged in when it is not connected to a phone.”
The study cited one case involving a 19-year-old woman, who was injured when the end of her charger touched her necklace, transmitting electric current and leaving her with second degree burns.
In another case, a patient was thrown from his bed by an electric current from his generic charger.
Dr Bunke added: "Even with a low-voltage device, if the current is high, then the electric shock can be severe.”
The study comes shortly after research by Electrical Safety First, which also found issues with generic chargers.
The researchers tested 400 generic iPhone chargers for electric shock safety risks. Worryingly, 22 samples were immediately damaged during the testing process, while 99% failed.
Based on the findings, the researchers are urging people to use brand chargers where possible, and to ensure the charger isn’t plugged in when it’s not connected to a phone.
