Certainly! Here’s a clear, informative, and engaging article for the topic:
“Why You Shouldn’t Leave a Charger in an Outlet When Not in Use”

🔌 Why You Shouldn’t Leave a Charger in an Outlet When Not in Use

It’s something nearly all of us do without thinking: unplug the phone, leave the charger in the outlet, and walk away. Seems harmless, right? But in reality, leaving chargers plugged in when not in use can lead to energy waste, increased fire risk, and even damage to your devices.

Here’s why this tiny habit could have bigger consequences than you realize — and why it’s worth rethinking.

⚠️ 1. It Still Uses Power (Yes, Even When Idle)

Even when your phone or device isn’t connected, a plugged-in charger continues to draw a small amount of electricity. This is called “vampire energy” or “phantom load.”

🔍 What does that mean?

• A single charger may only draw 0.1 to 0.5 watts when idle.
• But multiply that by multiple chargers and devices around your home, and you could be wasting energy 24/7 — which adds up over time.
• It’s estimated that phantom energy use accounts for 5–10% of residential electricity use in some households.

🔥 2. It Can Be a Fire Hazard

Over time, even the best chargers can wear down, especially if they’re cheap, generic, or constantly left plugged in. This can cause them to overheat, spark, or even catch fire — particularly if:

• The charger is old or damaged
• It’s plugged into a faulty outlet
• It’s in contact with flammable materials (like bedding or curtains)

While rare, charger-related fires do happen, and most are caused by unattended or poorly made charging devices.

🧠 3. It Shortens Charger Lifespan

Leaving your charger plugged in all the time can cause it to degrade faster. Components inside the charger continue to run even when not actively charging, which causes wear and tear over time.

Why replace your charger every year when a simple habit change could extend its life?