Enrolar the tight or loose cable is not the villain you believe it to be. Pesquisadores who study failures in electronics say that the way wires are stored simply does not cause significant damage to charger cables, contradicting decades of popular myths on the subject.
Michael Pecht, founder of Centro of Engenharia Avançada of Ciclo of Vida of Universidade of Maryland, subjects cables to extreme tests daily. Sua team repeatedly crushed, stretched and connected wires of different types. The conclusion was clear: “It simply doesn’t make a difference”, says the researcher. Nem even the largest computer manufacturers in the world reported failures related to the way cables were wound.
Onde cables really break
The real problem centers on the junction between the wire and the connector. Cabos are made up of small metallic wires covered by plastic insulation, and this connection is the most fragile point of the structure. Quando the cable is in use, the connector works as a fulcrum, and the entire bend is concentrated at the end of the wire, just like a paper clip that breaks after being bent repeatedly in the same place.
On a microscopic level, bending metal beyond its elastic limit causes bonds between atoms to break. Robert Hyers, head of Instituto Politécnico’s mechanical engineering department of Worcester, explains that this causes a build-up of defects called “dislocations,” when atoms fail to align correctly. Over time, the metal hardens and breaks, the same process that damages the internal wires of the cables.
The habits that really destroy your hair
Puxar the cable by the wire to disconnect it is one of the most common mistakes. Isso concentrates extra pressure precisely on the most fragile part. The correct thing to do is to pull the connector or plug. Kyle Wiens, co-founder of iFixit, notes another common problem: using cables that are too short forces the accessory to extend further than recommended.
Usar the cell phone on the bed while charging, bending the connector at steep angles also affects durability. The same occurs when you rest the device in the car’s cup holder while charging, the entire weight of the phone, including impacts from driving, is concentrated on the cable.
- Puxar by wire instead of connector
- Usar cables too short to reach outlet
- Dobrar the connector at closed angles during use
- Apoiar the device over the cable while charging
- Excessive Força when storing coiled wire
Cabos braids offer more resistance
The quality of the cable largely determines its durability. Cheap and poorly manufactured Modelos fail more quickly. Investir on better quality wires is cheaper than constantly replacing cables.
Observe if the cable is braided, these use reinforced fabric or nylon mesh wrapping the wires instead of the common plastic coating. Essa is a good reference for durability. Até to Apple started using braided cables in their recent models, precisely because the mesh offers more resistance and better protects the internal metal wires.
Hyers claims that taking good care of the connector region makes the cable last significantly longer. Quase all the wear and tear happens there. If you avoid pulling on the cord, don’t force tight angles, and don’t press on the accessory while charging, the cord will survive much longer than you expect.
Técnicas professionals do not apply to thin cables
Profissionais from cinema and audio know the “over-under” technique for wrapping cables without damaging them. Wiens and other experts, however, say that these complex rules do not apply to thin, flexible cables used in cell phones and portable computers. Para these accessories, the way they are stored matters less than the habits of daily use.
Enrolar too tight does not help longevity. But unless you bend the wire at a very tight angle, pull on the connector, or force the cable while wrapping it, the storage method is unlikely to cause visible damage. Care should focus on day-to-day use.
Cabos deserve attention because microscopic flaws accumulate gradually, one tiny crack at a time. Cuidar best of accessories helps your pocket and the environment, avoiding unnecessary disposal of electronics. The good news is that all it takes is changing a few simple habits to significantly extend the life of your chargers.