Shorting the Ends of a Mobile Phone Charger

  • Thread starter Thread starter QwertyXP
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Charger Mobile
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of shorting the ends of a mobile phone charger, considering both 110V and 220V inputs. Participants explore the potential risks and safety concerns associated with using chargers as a DC power source for experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the consequences of shorting a mobile phone charger and considers its use as a DC source for experiments.
  • Another participant suggests that shorting chargers may lead to varying outcomes, including potential failure or burnout, but also mentions that they have not experienced violent failures when using chargers within their limits.
  • Some participants propose that chargers with safety ratings may handle momentary shorts without catastrophic failure, though they acknowledge that failure is still a possibility.
  • There is a suggestion to research the specifications and safety features of specific charger models, indicating variability among different chargers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and reliability of shorting mobile phone chargers, with no consensus on the overall safety of using them as experimental power sources.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the outcomes may depend on the specific model of the charger and its safety features, as well as the conditions under which it is used.

QwertyXP
Messages
66
Reaction score
0
What would happen if I shorted the ends of a mobile phone charger (in both the cases when input is 110V or 220V)?

I was considering using the terminals of a charger as a dc source for any experiment I might want to do at home (batteries would be too expensive), and wondered whether it was a good idea.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
It's not good to short them. Some might deal with it fine, some may burn out, some may burn up. Personally I think using them for experimental power sources is fine, but keep within the limits on the case. I've never had one fail "violently", but I generally use them on reference design and evaluation test boards. I expect they will handle a momentary short without burning up if they have a UL or other safety rating, but they may fail. Others here may disagree about their safety.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Perhaps Google the specs and safety features of whatever model you are planning to use. Everyone is different.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K