In a previous blog (http://cli.gs/jeG64u) we stated the importance of using only OEM chargers due to the potential damage that could be done to your cell phone when using low quality, aftermarket ones. The biggest issue with these non OEM products is that they generally do not have the correct overload circuit protection or provide the correct charging output. This ultimately leads to damage to the charger and, in many cases, the cell phone. While we did not address the issue with respect to car chargers, the same rule applies – ONLY use OEM chargers.
The reason for re-hashing the topic is due, in part, to the number of cell phones we are seeing as of late that exhibit catastrophic failure after use of these chargers and based, as well, on a story told to me by a service tech at a local automotive repair shop who indicated that low quality, cheap chargers could seemingly also lead to major vehicle damage!
A client came in to the shop with a new, late model Cadillac that was continuously blowing the fuse for the 12 volt power source (cigarette lighter). Unable to isolate any electrical problem after extensive testing (the same result reached by the dealership) the tech continued troubleshooting by trying to indentify when the fuse would blow. He finally figured out that the failure occurred every time the vehicle owner used his car charger or the charger for his GPS device.
Both chargers were aftermarket (bought at a mega discount store and branded with the store’s logo). Within a short period of use, the fuse would blow. A quick test using an OEM charger confirmed that the vehicle’s electrical system worked as intended. There was no failure. The aftermarket chargers were not rated correctly for the devices they were intended to charge. As a result, the devices continued to attempt to draw current from the chargers ultimately exceeding the safety circuit in the vehicle. Fortunately, the Cadillac’s safety protection worked as designed. Had the electrical circuit within the vehicle failed, these aftermarket chargers might have caused significant damage to the electrical system.
As an added note, these particular chargers had their own internal fuses. These were designed to trip BEFORE the vehicle’s own safety protection did. They did not, highlighting a major safety concern.
If you need to replace or purchase a charger for your cell phone, make sure it is OEM.
Tags: aftermarket, cell phone repair
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