Now and then customers tell us that the plug of their portable charger has overheated or even burnt. That is annoying, of course. But what actually causes it? We explain it here.
Cause
If you charge at 16A with a portable charger, the plug can overheat or even burn. It happens at the weakest point of the connection: where the current passes from the socket into the plug. The cause is heat transfer. It occurs when the contacts in the socket no longer grip the plug's pins firmly, for example because of metal fatigue and wear.
If the contacts don't touch properly, the contact surface is too small for the high current (16A or 3.7 kW). This is not limited to portable chargers; it applies to any high-power appliance. If the socket is no longer in good condition, there is too much resistance. That resistance turns into heat, which can make the plug burn.
Preventing overheating and burning
Make sure the connections are good and have electrical work done by a qualified electrician. Feel the plug now and then while charging. If it feels hot after a few minutes, heat transfer is probably the cause. Have the socket replaced with a new one, so the contacts grip the pins firmly again.
Charging at a lower current greatly reduces the risk of overheating. That is why we recommend charging at 10A or 13A instead of 16A.
Has your plug burnt anyway?
Don't panic: you can replace the plug yourself, and your portable charger works like new again. This video shows you how:
Also have the socket replaced by a qualified electrician, so it doesn't happen again.
Warranty
If your portable charger has a defect, it is simply covered by the warranty. In that case, contact our customer service. Our products are officially tested and meet the European CE standards. Damage caused by an old socket with metal fatigue is unfortunately not covered by the warranty. If you have replaced the plug, your portable charger is still covered by the 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.
Questions?
Do you have questions or need help? Contact our customer service: call +31 85 000 41 08 or email [email protected].