Fake mobile chargers can be deadly, here’s how to identify them

While brands like Samsung provide their proprietary chargers, there are several manufacturers who sell fake ones which are build for cheap.

 Reports have been emerging about smartphones getting blasted during charging, killing their owners. 

How do you know that the original-like charger of your smartphone is not fake? And, it’s not making any harm to your smartphone?Fake mobile chargers can be deadly, here’s how to identify themFake mobile chargers can be deadly, here’s how to identify them

While brands like Samsung, Apple and OnePlus provide their proprietary chargers, there are several manufacturers who sell fake ones which are build for cheap.

Not only these phony units infuse problems in your smartphones such as low performance, slow charging and reduced device life, they may also conclude being fatal for you. Reports have been emerging about smartphones getting blasted during charging, killing their owners. For instance, an old man and daughter were recently killed due to their continuously charging smartphone getting exploded.

None of us want such incidents to happen and in order avoid any mishap due to a fake charger, here are the ways to check if yours is original from brands such as Samsung, Apple, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei and Google.  

Apple:

In order to check if your Apple charger is original, there are two things which differentiate them — the ‘Designed by Apple in California’ lettering and the dark Apple logo. On fake chargers, the logo colour may be faint or the aforementioned lettering may be absent.

Samsung:

Similar to Apple, even the original Samsung chargers might be tough to identify. However, if your charger is counterfeit, the adapter will bear the words ‘A+’ and ‘Made in China’ on it.

OnePlus:

OnePlus is known to offer one of the fastest charging technologies with its Dash Charger. However, you could be fooled with a similar-looking fake one from the retailers. Always remember, after connecting to the original OnePlus adapter, your phone battery symbol will be accompanied by a flash symbol rather than a standard charging icon.

Xiaomi Mi:

Xiaomi’s Mi devices are excessively popular but there are several fake Mi chargers available out there. In this case, the length of the cable acts as the identifier since the original cable measures more than 120cms along with a not-too-large adapter module.

Huawei:

In order to identify the fake Huawei charger, scan the barcode information on the charger and check if it matches with the details printed on the adapter. Both the information will be similar for an original charger.

Google Pixel:

The only way to check the originality of a Pixel smartphone charger is by the charging speed. Google provides fast chargers with its smartphones and the charging speed is slow only if the charger unit is fake.

which light bulb is the best ?

Gone are the days of having just one type of light bulb to choose from when installing a light fixture. You’d be able to walk into the hardware store, grab one without looking and walk out without a second thought. That’s not the case anymore. Now, there are more choices than you probably know what to do with.

So when you walk into that same store and are confronted with a wall of different types of light bulbs, it helps to know which one would be best for what you need. Luckily, electrical services fl  has the lowdown on the different types you’d be choosing from. Let us break them down so you’ll know exactly which one is best for your specific situation!

Incandescent Bulbs

These are the most common types of light bulbs out there, and they’re probably the ones you instinctively think of when you imagine a light bulb. They operate by heating a filament inside the bulb until it emits light, and they’re good for most situations.

Incandescent bulbs are the cheapest of the bunch, but they burn out the quickest by far, and they use the most energy. So, if you’re looking for an easy, tried-and-true light bulb, this one’s for you.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen light bulbs are a very close relative of incandescent bulbs. They use a filament as well, but they offer a few advantages. Since these bulbs use the halogen cycle – hence the name – they are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs.

They also last longer than traditional bulbs, but you’ll pay a bit more on the front end for those benefits.

CFL (Compact Fluorescent) Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are the first one in this group to not operate using a filament. As a result, they don’t burn out nearly as quickly as incandescent or halogen bulbs do – in fact, they can last 10 times as long as those bulbs, and they’re energy efficient to boot.

However, there are a few negatives. CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury in the bulb itself, which is what it uses to create light in the first place. If a CFL bulb breaks, that mercury can get out if it isn’t a plastic-coated bulb, meaning it’s potentially dangerous. They also take a while to warm up due to the nature of their lighting process – it might take 30 seconds before it has illuminated completely.

LED Bulbs

The last major type of light bulb is also the one that packs the most punch. LEDs operate strictly with electronics, so there’s no risk of early burnout or any chance of a hazardous chemical or gas leaking into your home. They are also ridiculously energy-efficient and last extremely long – you might not ever have to change an LED bulb out because they last so long!

LEDs do, however, come with a heftier price tag than the other bulbs, so that’s something to keep in mind. They’re also limited in how they direct light, given that they’re not omnidirectional – an LED points one way, and that’s all.

Not Sure? Give Us a Call!

Picking the right light bulb is a harder choice than you might have expected, and depending on what you need illuminated you could have a difficult decision on your hands. Instead of fretting over it, just let Electrical Services fl help you choose! Our experts know lighting inside and out, and our team would be glad to make your decision a bit easier.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HURRICANE SEASON IN FLORIDA

Electrical Safety Tips for Hurricane Season in Florida

It’s almost that time of the year again: hurricane season! And although many Floridians worry most about losing their beloved sunshine during dark thunderstorms or flooding waters creeping up to their doorsteps, there are a few key things homeowners should remember this time of year.

One of the most important factors South Florida residents should keep in mind is the modern-day technology linking everything together: electricitywww.electricalservicesfl.com. While some disadvantages of hurricane season are not controllable, others like managing electrical equipment are in our hands. To keep your family safe (and to prevent complete loss of your favorite technologies) here are a few electrical tips and tricks you should utilize over the next few months.

1. Power Outage? Start Unplugging

If you lose power, chances are, you’re not the only one. Whether it’s just your neighborhood or the whole town, the risk of a power surge is much greater when the electricity comes back on. This can lead to damaged electronics and a bigger potential for fire hazards. The best practice? Unplug your large appliances and major electronics once the electricity goes out to help prevent power surges from happening in the first place. A whole-house power surge protector can also protect your home and valuables from power surges.

For more information, check out our blog: Why You Need a Whole-House Power Surge Protector

2. Take Extra Precautionary Measures Around Water

As we all know, water and electricity just don’t mix. If water levels are rising high enough to reach electricity panels, wires or any major appliance, be sure to turn them off or unplug them if possible. However, do not attempt to plug in or use any appliances while standing in water, as this could be very dangerous.

3. Have a Backup Generator

Backup generators are a great option to keep a limited number of electronics running during a severe storm. This can help you stay up to date on the news and progress of the storm through your TV or radio. Just be sure to keep the generator in an open area, and not inside your home or garage where carbon monoxide emissions could become trapped and hazardous for your family to breathe. It’s also best to place the generator away from windows and doors as well so that it doesn’t sneak indoors either.

4. Make an Emergency Kit

Although a first aid kit is helpful during severe thunderstorms, it is not sufficient enough to ensure the safety of your family. Stock up on batteries, flashlights, packaged and canned food, a non-electric can opener, water, battery powered radio, and local maps. Should you have to evacuate in an emergency, you’ll want to make sure you have these all on-hand and ready to go.

Call electrical services FL for Electrical Repairs Before Storms Arrive

As the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The best rule of thumb for surviving any natural disaster is preparation. If you have electrical issues you’ve been putting off until another day, call electrical services fl  to fix them today.

Our professional electricians combined with high-quality products and services will ensure your home is safe and prepared to withstand the coming wet season here in South Florida .