USB charger almost killed me, twice

I'll never forget the day my trusty USB charger tried to turn me into a human sparkler – not once, but twice! Honestly, it's truly a miracle I'm typing this with my life intact (and my eyebrows still relatively unscorched…lol).

When you look back on memories, you're supposed to feel this happy ting down within; unfortunately this memory of mine is one to be remembered with trembling. Thank goodness! Can't believe I'm still typing in one piece. Well, let me take you on a wild ride of electrifying stupidity, where my clumsiness meets a dash of bad luck and a taste of sour grapes.

But before my sour, little story, what is a USB-C charger, what makes it so special, and how on earth is it possible that a tiny piece of wire almost killed me not once but twice!?

What is a usb c charger?

Now, just imagine a world where you're no longer held hostage by the tyranny of the traditional USB connector. I mean, no more awkwardly trying to insert that pesky little stick into your phone, only to realize you've got it upside down (again!). It's So frustrating, isn't? Lost count how many times I've had to deal with that. That's why I'm still a big fan of qi2 wireless charger and magsafe wireless charger. In fact, I prefer magnetic power bank to traditional power banks with cords.

Okay let me slow things down a little bit: A USB-C is a new, modern type of charger that utilizes a USB Type-C connector. You know what's special? The connector is not only newer but reversible (meaning that you can choose to insert it either way).

One thing that I like so much about the USB-C connector is that it is designed to be more versatile than traditional USB connectors.

Does usb c charge faster?

With all sincerity I think we are in a world where our phones are like our lifelines, running out of juice can be a catastrophe. We've all been there – frantically searching for a charger, only to find ourselves stuck with a slow-as-molasses charging experience. But that is bygone now friends! USB-C is here to change the narrative.

My take? Yes, USB-C can charge faster, no doubt!

Although it took me a lot of time and several testing, I have found out that USB-C chargers can deliver faster charging speeds. This is because of their ability to support higher power delivery (PD) standards. Just think of it like a high-speed highway for your phone's battery – more lanes, more speed, more juice! So, if you're tired of slow charging, give USB-C a try – your phone (and your sanity) will thank you!

Issues with wired charging

Long before wireless charging came into existence, I've always seemed to have a problem with wired charging. Don't get it twisted tho…wired charging is amazing! In fact I can say it's more like that reliable old friend who would always show up for you. But sometimes, oh boy, wired charging can be a bit of a pain in the ass.

I've almost had to pull my hair out on several occasions because I was frustrated by issues with wired charging. From tangled cords to faulty connections (just to mention a few), I've had my taste—a fair share of wired charging issues.

I remember a time when I was already late for work because I kept a late night the previous weekend. I mean, who the hell goes to work late on a Monday morning for crying out loud? I was all in a rush; if I could, I would become flash! Unfortunately, this isn't Hollywood, neither am I DC comics character, Barry Allen.

At this point, I was lost in thought as well as frustrated because I was late, and my charging cord was all knotted up like a bad game of Twister. Oh my gosh, I hate twisters! I felt like the cord was actually playing a cruel joke on me, daring me to try and untangle it. Well, that's one hell of an experience and don't even get me started on the cord's favorite game of "hide-and-seek" – you know, where it mysteriously disappears without a trace leaving you to search the entire house only to find it in the mess of cables under your desk. OMG! Cords are so annoying. 

Without further ado, let me take you through my near death experience:

Near death — a tale in two parts (Burnt charger cable caused by working while charging)

It was a typical late-night work session, fueled by coffee and the glow of my laptop screen. My phone was dying…ughh…what do you expect? Of course I plugged it in quickly. Unfortunately, I didn't get to think twice about the charger cable that had seen better days. To make matters worse, I put my phone on my lap as it charged. As I typed away, I started to feel a strange warmth spreading from my lap to my fingers. At first, I thought it was just my laptop's way of telling me it needed a break (like a digital "I'm overheating, human!").

Alas, my charger cable had started to melt and I could perceive the smell wafting through the air. I was literally holding the smoking remains of my phone in my hand. It was like a mini volcanic eruption, with me as the unwitting volcanologist. It's an experience that I'll live to remember. 

But that wasn't my only ugly experience with cables.

Near death — the second part of the tale (Electric shock caused by aging charger cables)

You'd think I'd learned my lesson after that first close call, right?. But, I didn’t! This fateful day, I knew my cord was bad but I needed to charge badly. Couldn’t stop by to buy a new cord because I was pretty late for work. "What's the worst that could happen?" I said to myself as I decided to use the same charger (yes, I know, rookie mistake).  

I could have spoken to my boss, but I guess approaching him would be a problem because my excuses in the past week had exceeded normal. As a matter of fact that fateful day I was late to work (again!) and all I could think of was whether I'd go scot-free or face the panel.

As I tried to use the old charger, this time, the shock was stronger, and I swear I saw sparks flying everywhere. The aging charger cable had turned into a miniature taser, zapping me with an unpleasant jolt of electricity. So I jumped out of my chair, phone flying out of my hand, I guess I learned my lesson in a hard way.

USB safety and security FAQs

Are you having any questions/ issues with your USB? Below are some questions and possible answers that may be of help to you!

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