Since
the New Year, we have been particularly busy here at Fulcher Edwards
with call outs relating to charging problems with e-cigarettes. We
have been repairing some alarming electrical damage caused by
e-cigarette chargers – not to mention the frustration caused to our
poor customers who have unwittingly purchased an incompatible charger
for their e-cigarettes.
Read
this if you use e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes are amongst the most popular option when quitting
smoking. In recent years, the number of people using them has risen
dramatically. However amongst the popularity, there has been an
increase in the number of chargers available on the market that can
cause significant damage if they're not compatible with your type of
e-cigarette.
To date, there has been over 100 house fires alone caused by
e-cigarettes across the UK. Using a charger that is not designed to
use with your e-cigarettes can cause it to explode – quite
literally. We don't need to tell you what the outcome of that can
be, however it seems like people are buying spare chargers which are
not designed for use with their particular e-cigarette.
What
kind of electrical damage e-cigarette chargers can cause
As electricians in South London, we have seen first hand the
extensive damage caused by e-cigarettes in 2015 alone. Many
e-cigarette users will leave them charging unattended whilst they
sleep or go to work. However, incorrect chargers can quickly
overheat causing fire not only to the e-cigarette but also to the
wiring within the socket. This can quickly spread to the wiring
inside your walls and in severe cases can cause a serious fire.
If the problem is not discovered, it can lead to the explosion of the
e-cigarette which could cause serious injury and damage.
Unfortunately the cost to replace wiring and sockets damaged by the
charger can be quite costly and will far exceed the cost of a genuine
charger!
Make
sure you know what charger you should be using
Here at Fulcher Edwards, we recommend that you purchase only genuine
chargers and accessories for your e-cigarette. Although retailers of
'universal' chargers will tell you it will work, we recommend that
you do not use the safer option as there is no guarantee that it will
work. We know how handy it can be having an additional chargers,
however only purchase genuine chargers that are designed for use with
your e-cigarette.
Meet
Clueless Colin!
The problem with e-cigarette chargers is a growing problem and as
such, the electrical safety charity Electrical Safety First have
compiled a video demonstrating the danger of e-cigarette chargers.
If he resembles you (and we're definitely not suggesting you are
actually clueless ;)) then you may need to think twice about your
charging habits!
Have
you used the wrong charger and concerned about your home electrics?
It is better safe than sorry as electrical fires can start unnoticed
inside walls. If you have been a user of a universal charger, then
it would be a good idea to call a qualified and registered
electrician to check if any damage has been caused. They're likely
to suggest an EICR which will involve inspecting the wiring in your
home to see if any damage has occurred.
When it comes to dodgy e-cigarette chargers, it is better to be safe
than sorry!
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