Leaving your phone charger plugged into the socket without a device attached to it poses several risks that many may overlook. An electrical expert highlighted these dangers, emphasizing the importance of unplugging chargers when not in use.Firstly, chargers can become fire hazards. Even when idle, they draw a small amount of current, which can lead to overheating, especially if the charger is faulty or of poor quality. This heat buildup can spark fires, particularly in poorly ventilated areas of homes and offices. Imagine the financial and productivity losses that can be incurred when the office is set alight due to one or many office users who leave their chargers plugged to sockets overnight and worse over weekends or when they go on long holidays. Secondly, there is the issue of energy waste. Chargers contribute to “phantom load,” which can account for 5% to 10% of household or business office space electricity consumption. This silent energy drain, like a leaking water tap can increase electricity bills and has a significant environmental impact when multiplied across many households, government offices and businesses. Moreover, leaving chargers plugged-in shortens their lifespan. Continuous exposure to electricity can wear out internal components, leading to malfunctioning chargers and potential hazards like frayed cables.Additionally, power surges can damage chargers left plugged-in and this risks damages to connected devices when they are eventually used.To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to develop new habits of consistently unplugging chargers when not in use. I know it is not easy but let us try. This simple habit can prevent fires, save energy, and extend the lifespan of chargers. Setting reminders, developing posters and constantly sending warning messages can help to get us to develop new habits of switching off. Our built environments also need to adapt to new ways such as using power strips with individual switches to help develop this habit. Ultimately, unplugging chargers is a small effort that can lead to significant safety and financial benefits.We need to renew ourselves and develop values of personal accountability even in spaces where no one can see our non-compliance. At our homes, the losses can be direct and this should immediately lead to behaviour change. It may be hard at government offices and businesses as these are big public spaces which individuals tend to treat with neglect and indifference. Let us nevertheless appeal to our inner persons and treat these spaces as our own and carry the responsibility to preserve them by simply unplugging. – Mondli Mvambi, Spokesperson: Free State Department of Health
