Imagine you have a paper clip. If you keep bending it at the same spot, it eventually breaks. Robert Hyers, a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, explains that bending a material too much makes the tiny bonds between its atoms break and change shape. This creates defects that can weaken the metal, leading to a snap. The same principle applies to the metal wires inside your charging cables.
Treat your cables with care. One common mistake is pulling on the long part to unplug it. “I do it sometimes, too, when I’m feeling lazy,” says electrical engineer Pecht. Instead, always pull on the connector to reduce stress.
Another issue is using cables that are too short. When you stretch a cable, you risk damaging it. If you’re lying in bed and using your phone while it’s plugged in, awkward angles can cause further harm.
Weins, a tech expert, points out another mistake: putting your phone in the cup holder while it’s charging. The pressure from the phone’s weight can put unnecessary strain on the cable connection, especially when you hit bumps while driving.
A recent survey from the Consumer Technology Association found that 64% of Americans have experienced problems with charging cables. Many reported broken connectors as the leading issue. Taking a bit more care can help extend the life of your cables.
By treating your devices and cables with respect, you can save money and avoid frequent replacements. There’s no need to add stress to something that already carries so much of it!
For more details on extending the life of your charging cables, check out this Consumer Reports article.
