The daily use of smartphones hides dangers for users’ safety and pockets, often linked to negligence with charging and data cables. The integrity of these accessories, essential in digital routine, directly impacts the longevity of devices, people’s physical safety and the growing problem of electronic waste. Discarding damaged cables on a recurring basis aggravates environmental issues, due to components that are difficult to decompose.
Inadequate handling of threads and the choice of products without proper certification expose individuals to serious risks. To elucidate the reasons behind wear and tear and the associated dangers, CNN Brasil consulted electrical engineer Bruno Augusto, who details the biggest challenges in maintaining these items.
Common habits that shorten the life of cables
The internal composition of the cables, made up of thin metallic wires, makes them susceptible to damage from bending and pulling. A recurring mistake involves winding the wire in an excessively tight or irregular manner, generating sudden bends that, over time, lead to internal cracks and ruptures, as explained by the engineer.
The expert suggests wrapping the cables in wide turns, preferably in the shape of an “8”, and fixing them with organizers without applying excessive pressure. This simple care can significantly extend the durability of the accessory.
Threat of misuse when disconnecting the device
Inadequate traction, when unplugging the device from the socket, is among the main causes of accidents. Pulling the cell phone directly by the wire forces the parts together, causing the solder to break. If a loose wire comes into contact with another, the risk of a short circuit, fire or explosion is real.
For a safe disconnection, it is essential to hold the rigid base of the connector, applying a smooth and straight movement. Keeping the equipment constantly stretched also deteriorates the external protection and internal wiring, reducing the energy support capacity and potentially causing the material to melt.
Most vulnerable regions and forms of protection
The ends of the cables are the areas most prone to structural damage, as they concentrate the greatest mechanical stress. Electrical engineer Bruno Augusto points out the contrast between the rigidity of the connector and the flexibility of the wire as the critical point, where repetitive movements generate cracks that culminate in the solder breaking.
To mitigate this issue, users should avoid flexing the cable near the terminals. The application of silicone protectors or spring-shaped reinforcements can create an effective physical barrier, preventing movement from directly damaging the connectors and preserving the internal structure of the accessory.
Dangers of simultaneous charging and use
Using your smartphone while it is plugged in not only compromises the integrity of the cable, but also exposes the user to serious security risks. Continuous movement of the device puts stress on the structure, reducing the useful life of the equipment and, in extreme cases, permanently damaging the cell phone’s power terminal.
Electrical safety is the biggest concern in this practice. Modern chargers, known as “turbo” chargers, operate with a considerable electrical load. According to Bruno Augusto, using your cell phone while charging means being in direct proximity to this energy. If the charger fails, the electrical discharge could reach the user, posing a serious risk of shock or other accidents.
Environmental impact and the pitfall of parallel cables
External factors such as heat, humidity and direct sunlight accelerate the degradation of cable components. Heat dries out the material, humidity causes corrosion in the contacts and exposure to direct sunlight damages the external coating, making the cable brittle. These effects are even more severe in generic equipment.
Parallel cables, often manufactured with inferior materials and without undergoing rigorous inspections to reduce costs, represent a false economy. While an original cable may have a durability equivalent to that of the device, a generic item may fail within a few months. The recurring cost of replacing low-quality cables exceeds the initial investment in an original accessory, in addition to worsening the problem of electronic waste.
Warning signs for immediate cable replacement
Replacing a cable is crucial at the first sign of physical wear and tear to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the device. The engineer lists the main signs that point to an imminent failure:
- Exposed internal wires or cracked external cover;
- Unstable charging or poor contact;
- Excessive heating of the cable or connector;
- Frequent interruptions in the charging process;
- Emission of burning odor.
