Let’s be honest—most of us can’t imagine life without our trusty mobile phones. They’re our alarm clocks, our cameras, our connection to family and friends, and, for many of us, our lifeline in emergencies. But did you know your phone-charging habits could be putting your home—and your life—at risk?
It might sound dramatic, but recent findings from one of Australia’s largest insurers, Allianz, have revealed a worrying trend: mobile phones are now behind an increasing number of house fires, and it’s all down to how we’re charging them.
The hidden dangers lurking in your chargers
Allianz’s latest claims data shows that lithium batteries—like the ones in your phone—are causing hundreds of fires across Australia each year. In fact, Allianz received a staggering $16.1 million in claims for incidents involving lithium battery devices in just the last year alone.
While most of us are aware of the risks associated with larger devices like e-bikes and power tools, many Australians don’t realise that their humble mobile phone can be just as dangerous if not handled properly.
Why are phones catching fire?
The culprit is the lithium-ion battery inside your device. According to Dr Matthew Priestley from UNSW’s School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, these batteries contain a highly volatile and flammable liquid electrolyte.
When exposed to heat, these batteries can enter a dangerous state called ‘thermal runaway’. This is a chain reaction where the battery gets hotter and hotter, eventually leading to fire or even explosion.
And here’s the kicker: once a lithium battery catches fire, it’s extremely difficult to put out.
The most common (and dangerous) charging mistakes Australians make
1. Charging on the bed or under the pillow: It’s comfy, but it’s also a recipe for disaster. Charging your phone on soft, flammable surfaces like beds, couches, or under doonas traps heat and can quickly lead to overheating.
2. Leaving phones plugged in overnight: We all want a full battery in the morning, but overcharging can stress the battery and increase the risk of fire. Modern phones are better at managing this, but it’s still safer to unplug once fully charged.
3. Using the wrong charger or cable: Swapping chargers between devices or using cheap, non-genuine cables can cause the battery to receive the wrong amount of power, increasing the risk of malfunction and fire.
4. Charging on the floor (especially near clothes): It’s easy to toss your phone on the floor to charge, but if clothes or other flammable items end up on top, you’re creating a fire hazard.
5. Charging in direct sunlight or near heaters: Extra heat from the sun or a heater can push your battery over the edge.
How big is the problem?
According to Allianz, lithium battery-powered garden tools and power tools are responsible for the most fires (38% of claims), followed by devices like flashlights (31%). But mobile phones aren’t far behind, making up 12% of lithium battery fire claims—more than e-bikes and e-scooters!
In NSW alone, lithium-ion battery fires are happening at a rate of one every four days. That’s a sobering statistic.
Our phones are essential, but they’re not worth risking your safety. A few simple precautions can keep you, your family, and your home safe from the hidden dangers of lithium battery fires.
Have you ever had a close call with a charging device? Do you have any tips for safe charging? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—let’s help keep our community safe and informed!
Also read: Charge smarter, not harder: Experts reveal the sweet spot for charging your phone
