Technology
Equipment

The Number One Way to Ruin Expensive Devices

Phones charge faster and better using the charger that came with it. Each device has its own power requirements and unique relationship with the charger to ensure a safe and proper charge. Using the right charger provides a faster charge.
February 17, 2017
Topics
Technology
Equipment

Phones charge faster and better using the charger that it came with the packaging. Each device has its own power requirements and unique relationship with the charger to ensure a safe and proper charge.

Android phones are different from iPhones and so the charger that comes with an iPhone will not work on an Android phone.

Different devices have different charging circuitry and require a specific power ‘handshake’ between charger and device to charge safely and optimally. Most iPads require 2.4 amps, the Galaxy Note series requires 2 amps, iPhones 1 amp, etc. All of these devices have a different power profile when it comes to charging. Generic chargers may work with any device, but they aren’t optimized to provide the most efficient or safe charge for every device. Newer technologies like Qualcomm’s QC/2 and QC/3 and Type C PC (power delivery) further complicate the picture as these can require a certain chipset be installed on both the device and in the charger to gain optimal fast charging performance or even an all new cable and protocol altogether.

Phones today are some of the most sophisticated electronic devices ever made and we rely on them to store valuable data and memories. Yet chargers, on the other hand, are becoming cheaper, without offering any over-current and over-voltage protection, or even the proper power specification to make sure those expensive electronic investments are protected.

Using the established voltage not only provides a faster charge, but some technologies recognize the voltage required and safely power a device to the manufacturer’s exact specification, just like that charger that came with the device. Most modern phones come with only a wall charger, so when charging on-the-go in the car, don’t use a generic charger. Some aren’t labeled with the correct amperage rating, further placing the device at risk. Using improper chargers for an electronic device can result in overheating, shortening of battery life and battery damage, or a complete shutdown of the device itself. Devices and chargers are not created equal.

Excessive or low voltage can cause the following:

  • low voltage to the equipment being powered, causing improper, erratic or no operation and damage to the device and/or battery;
  • voltage that is above the narrow voltage tolerance range for the device, causing excessive heating and damage; and
  • poor charging efficiency and wasted energy.

If the charger has no short circuit (SC) or over voltage (OV) protection, the charger may overheat or burn, which may damage the device.

Tips for purchasing proper chargers:

  1. check to ensure the device is optimized for different types of charges (i.e. tablets, iPhones, Android, etc.);
  2. use the original charger that came with the phone or device;
  3. use voltage/surge protectors when charging devices, especially when in doubt of the quality of the charger;
  4. if the original charger is not available, look for products that have the technology to match the manufacturer’s intended power and specifications.

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