25% face risk while charging electronic devices in Finland

A quarter of people in Finland have experienced different risks and dangers when charging batteries of electronic devices at home, according to a survey commissioned by OP Financial Group.

The survey showed that more than a third of young adults have a high-risk or dangerous experience with charging battery-operated electronics, said OP in a press release on Thursday.

Overheating is the most common risk, often leading to a more dangerous situation.

“Young adults in particular encounter high-risk situations, as up to 27% of respondents under 35 have experienced overheating,” said Markus Uimonen, Director, Property and General Liability Claims at Pohjola Insurance.

The risks related to charging battery-operated electronics are on the rise, as households have more and more devices that require charging.

Devices with large li-ion batteries that are charged at home also create significant risks. These include electric scooters, hoverboards and electric bikes.

“The batteries in electric modes of transport are among the largest that are conventionally charged in a household. Just like other battery-operated devices, you should monitor them when charging and choose an open space that does not contain flammable materials,” Uimonen said.

It is rare but very dangerous for batteries to catch fire. It is hard to extinguish a burning battery at home even in the early stages of the fire, as batteries burn explosively, spreading bursts of fire to their surroundings.

“You might not be able to extinguish a burning battery with a fire blanket that usually smothers fire. The best way to extinguish a burning battery is to submerge it in water, which is a rather risky method and nearly impossible in some situations,” Uimonen added.

According to Uimonen, the best defence against battery-related fire is prevention.

People should only use chargers that have been type-certified within the EU. The charger should also be undamaged, as a broken charging cable may cause an electric shock or short circuit the device.

“If the device usually heats up significantly or gives off a strong smell when it charges, you should stop using it immediately and take it for maintenance. You should never use an expanded battery in any circumstances, as it may explode,” Uimonen said.

Age affects how we charge our devices, and what kind of risks we encounter when charging. Of respondents under 35, 65% have never experienced any danger. For those at least 50 years of age, the equivalent number is 84.5%.

“This significant difference is partly explained by the fact that nearly half of those over 50 stay close to the device when charging it. Under a third of respondents under 50 stay close by when charging their devices.”

Those aged 25–34 are the most active in charging their devices at night, as one in three of them charge battery-operated electronics at night.

“If you charge a device at night, you must ensure that it is safe. For example, do not charge a phone in bed. When charging at night, take care that the device is not surrounded by anything flammable and that it is on a non-combustible surface,” Uimonen added.

The safest and best way to charge batteries is to follow the manual, to use only compatible devices and to act with common sense.

The survey revealed that people who leave their home while charging most often encounter risks. They should check in on the charging device from time to time, and only charge devices in a room that has people present.

“You should never leave the apartment when charging battery-operated electronics. You should unplug the charger from the wall immediately after the device has finished charging, and always when leaving home. Never continuously charge a battery-operated device,” said Uimonen.

The survey conducted in October 2022 was answered by a nationally representative online panel of 15–79 year-old Finns (n=2369).

The survey was conducted for OP Financial Group by Taloustutkimus. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.0 percentage points.