Warning issued to anyone who leaves their phone plugged in overnight

Thousands, if not millions, of people charge their phones overnight without thinking twice, but fire safety experts have warned that doing so could be a fire hazard.

According to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service, leaving a phone plugged in overnight can “cause the charger to overheat, potentially leading to a fire”.

The risk increases when phones are left on soft furnishings, such as a bed or sofa, or when the charging device is covered.

What's more, around 1.8 million unofficial chargers are bought online in the UK each year by people looking for cheaper alternatives and many of them fail to meet UK safety regulations and could pose a serious risk.

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service website reads: “Although it can be cheaper to buy imported, unofficial chargers, fake mobile phone chargers are often made with poor quality components.

“This means they can cause injury, electric shocks, and even fires. When left plugged in overnight, phone chargers could overheat and cause fires.”

The London Fire Brigade has also issued a warning about counterfeit chargers, saying that many do not meet safety standards and could be deadly.

Their website says: “What may seem like a bargain at the market isn’t worth the risk when you consider that it could cost a family member’s life.”

The London Fire Brigade and other fire safety experts have issued guidance on how to charge devices safely:

In some cases, faulty or damaged batteries can swell and become dangerous. Experts advise taking immediate action if you notice any changes in the shape of your battery.

If your phone battery starts expanding:

While the risk of a phone charger causing a fire is low, safety experts advise against leaving devices plugged in for extended periods.

Overcharging can shorten the lifespan of a battery and increase the risk of overheating.

The Electrical Safety First website says: “It can be safer to use the charger provided by your phone's manufacturer. Ideally, try to avoid charging your phone overnight.

“This way you can unplug your phone when it’s between 80-100% charged, which helps to avoid overcharging.”