Phones and laptops have become modern-day essentials. And because they are in constant use, keeping them topped up is important, or they’ll quickly run out of charge. Chargers keep our devices powered and add convenience to our lives, but they must be well-maintained to be durable. Here’s what you should do to extend the lifespan of your charger.
What Causes Chargers Not to Work?
- A faulty adapter, cable, or power outlet: Cuts and bends can cause damage to the cable, causing a charger to stop working. USB ports also become loose over time. Use a compatible power adapter, as an incompatible one might not work properly. Weak power sources can also cause charging issues.
- Short-circuiting: Water in the electrical wiring or pests chewing through wires can cause short-circuiting. A short circuit can be a safety hazard because it causes overheating. Use a compatible charger that meets safety standards. Also, inspect it often for any signs of wear and tear or damage.
- Ruined components: Moisture or water damage, exposure to extreme temperatures, and physical stress (like a bent or twisted cable) can make a charger malfunction. Avoid using your device as it charges to prolong the charger’s lifespan.
Is Charger Damage Preventable?
Yes, proper charger maintenance can prevent charger damage. Use the charger frequently to boost its performance. A regularly used charger works optimally. Also, stick to the charger’s capacity limit. Charging devices simultaneously can cause overheating and, eventually, damage. Unplug your wall charger when not in use to reduce the risk of any damage that may occur from overcharging or excessive heat exposure.
Proper Storage and Maintenance Practices for Chargers
- Avoid metals: Small metallic objects such as paper clips, coins, and keys can shorten a charger’s output and affect its efficiency. They may induce short circuits within the charger.
- Don’t use when wet: If you want to charge your devices safely, use a dry charger. If it’s wet, let it dry out under the sun or in a warm place for at least 12 hours. You can also place your charger in front of a fan in a dry area to dry the charging port.
- Steer clear of heat: Heat can damage chargers, so store yours in a cool and dry place away from heat sources, dust, and moisture. Avoid leaving it in places with high temperatures, such as cars parked under the sun.
Signs That Show It’s Time to Replace a Charger
Slow Charging
Often, the primary reason for a slow-charging device is a faulty or broken charging cable. But if the cable is in good condition, check the charger. You can confirm whether it’s working or not by using another adapter that works perfectly.
A Loose Connection
If a charger’s cable does not fit perfectly in the device’s port, continuous disconnection may occur. Twisting of the retractable hooks in the cable or frequent plugging and unplugging may be the cause. The solution is to replace the cable or get a new charger.
Physical Damage
Rips, bends, cuts, or general damage can cause a charger to malfunction. Bends prevent a charger from passing on electrical power, while exposed wires pose a risk of electrical shock. Inspect your charger thoroughly to see if there are evident signs of damage before using it.
The Best RAVPower Chargers for All Your Devices
65W GaN Tech Wall Charger: RP-PC133
GaN chargers are faster than their silicon counterparts and are ideal for power-hungry devices such as laptops and gaming consoles. And because GaN is a better conductor of electricity, it can withstand more power without overheating. This RAVPower GaN wall charger offers 65W Power Delivery and fully charges a MacBook Pro 15.4” in just 2 hours via a USB-C to USB-C cable.
The charger is smaller than other 60W chargers and has a USB-C and USB-A port. When two devices are connected, it intelligently distributes 65W of power between them. When a single device is connected to the USB-C output, it delivers up to 65W.
30W USB-C Wall Dual Port Charger: RP-PC132
This handy portable charger offers the best of both worlds. It’s got a good old-fashioned USB-A port and a USB-C PD port. The USB-C port powers devices fast and can charge the iPhone 11 Pro to 50% in just 30 minutes. The USB charger is small and lightweight and has foldable pins to prevent damage. Its USB-A and USB-C ports deliver 18W and 12W respectively, 30W in total. The wall charger has built-in safety features to protect devices from short-circuiting, over-voltage, and over-heating.
100W GaN II USB-C PD Series Wall Charger: RP-PC151
GaN2 chargers can operate at higher voltages and temperatures than GaN chargers and are suitable for high-power gadgets. This powerful 100W USB-C wall charger can fully charge a 16” MacBook Pro in 1.7hrs and the iPhone 12 pro to 50% in 25mins. But be sure to use the included USB-C to USB-C cable. The charger comes with 2 USB-C PD ports and intelligently distributes 100W of power to 2 devices simultaneously. It can charge power-hungry devices like the Nintendo Switch, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and USB-C laptops. GaN2 makes the charger small and maximizes charging efficiency.
65W GaN Tech USB-C 4-Port Desktop Charger: RP-PC136
A desktop charger is a must-have if you’ve got multiple devices. This RAVPower model has 4 ports and allows you to charge your phone, tablet, laptop, and another device simultaneously. The 65W charger can deliver 45W to your MacBook Air and 18W to your iPad Pro simultaneously.
When only a MacBook Pro 15.4” is connected to the USB-C port, it fully charges in 2 hours. When 4 devices are connected, the charger intelligently distributes 65W of power to support high-speed charging. GaN Tech makes the charging station both small and powerful.
Get the Right Charger and Practice Proper Maintenance
Nothing feels as good as having a charger that powers all your devices. You can carry it everywhere and keep your gadgets juiced up. But if you want your charger to last, take good care of it. Use the tips we’ve shared in this post to extend your charger’s lifespan.
Meta Description: Whether you own a wall charger or a desktop charger, it’s important to take good care of it to prolong its lifespan.