Lithium batteries and charging at night
Is it safe to charge your phone overnight? Here's what you should know.
How lithium batteries charge
Phones and tablets use lithium-ion batteries with high energy density. Charging pushes energy into the cells, and the battery, charger and cable all warm up slightly in the process.
Problems arise when heat cannot escape, when components are damaged, or when the power supply is unstable.
What increases the risk at night
- Charging under pillows, duvets or on soft furniture that traps heat.
- Using damaged, uncertified or low-quality chargers and cables.
- Charging physically damaged or swollen batteries.
- Nobody awake to notice heat, smoke or a smell.
Lithium battery fire prevention starts with habits
Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface, use quality chargers and replace worn cables. A charging fire alarm like NightEye™ adds an early warning layer if something still goes wrong.
Sources
- [SOURCE NEEDED] Research on lithium-ion battery thermal runaway
- [SOURCE NEEDED] Fire service advice on charging at night