How to spot a fake phone charger
Most chargers that are circulating are counterfeit. These chargers have not been through the same strict quality control process as genuine cables from manufacturers such as Samsung, Apple and Sony. Each head whether it be a 8 Pin Lightning. Micro USB or USB-C must go through the correct manufacturing process in order for them to be safe. There have been plenty of incidents whereby these fake cables have been the leading cause of house hold fires, battery explosions and electric shocks. We will teach you on how to correctly identify the genuine cables from the fake counterfeits.
1. Markings and Text on the plug
Look at the plug to see if there any CE markings (certification mark) which is the European Law for product safety standards. Most counterfeits dont have the proper facilities to stamps such mark or the verified certification. Even when they have been marked CE they will look faded or wonky, but beware some are more sophisticated.
2. Plug pin finish
This is a more obvious sign of a fake plug. The placement of the 3 pin connectors can be slightly off or not fitting the plastic casing correctly. This is a sign of poor workmanship, leading to the cost of the plus to be so cheap. Genuine plugs will align correctly and fit the casing perfectly with no loose pins and a flush fit.
3. USB port
Usually the USB port on fake plugs are a big giveaway of authenticity and reliability. Most fake plugs have wonky or loose USB ports and the connection difficult.
4. Materials
Using cheaper materials to construct fake plugs and cables is the obvious reason for them to go bang. The cheap price you pay for them is due to a lack of high quality materials used. Components within the head of a cable are compromised to the bare minimum and soldering is missed, which allows for crossed wiring or overloaded circuit boards. Electrical currents will overload and without the right components built into the cable or plug there is an increased risk of fire, electrical shock or an overloaded phone battery.
5. Check the weight
This check is pretty straight forward, the weight of the plug or cable head is a big giveaway that you’re buying fake. With genuine cables or plugs they are much heavier as the correct component have been used whether its solid metal to thicker plastic it all adds to the weight.
6. Check your voltage
Use a voltage meter before you use your plug or cable, this will allow you to determine whether or not it can carry the correct voltage as advertised. Manufacturers of fakes will lie about the genuine voltage it can carry, this is not only very dangerous but also damages your phones battery and take alot longer to charge.
The 3-point recommended safety check
Ensure there is at least 9.5mm between the edge of the pins and the edge of the charger, you can easily do this by using a ballpoint pen which is 9.5mm. Once checked make sure it plugs in correctly and fits snug, any rattling can be a sign of internal damage and dispose of accordingly. Be aware of any overheating as this can lead to fires.
Ensure all plugs and cables display a valid CE mark that looks clear and bright. Be wary of forged CE markings, this is a common thing for fakes to have. Make sure the model number and batch number are present as this will tell you vaguely when it was made and the batch it was produced in.
Never use a fake plug or cable if you suspect this to be the case. Always buy for a reputable re-seller of branded electronics such a MobileFun. You will pay more for the right product, that could save your life.