Damaged Laptop Chargers: Fire and Safety Risks for Homes and Schools

In our tech-driven world, it’s easy to take everyday items like laptop chargers for granted. We plug them in, expect them to work, and rarely give them a second thought—until something goes wrong.

But a damaged AC adapter (also called a power supply or charger) is more than just a nuisance—it can pose a serious risk of fire, electric shock, or equipment failure.

Laptop chargers convert high-voltage mains power (220-240V) into the lower voltage your device needs. When these chargers are damaged, particularly the high-voltage input side, they can become dangerously unsafe.

Common charger risks include:

• Exposed wires or broken insulation near the plug or brick
• Frayed or bent cords due to regular use or storage
• Overheating caused by poor contact or internal shorting
• Liquid exposure that corrodes internal components
• Generic or low-quality replacements that lack safety certifications

Even if the charger seems to work, using a damaged one can lead to:

• Fire risk (especially near flammable items like carpet, bedding, or paper)
• Electrocution (particularly from exposed wires)
• Damage to your laptop or battery
• Warranty issues from using non-genuine accessories

We recommend performing a quick visual inspection of your charger every few weeks:

• Is the cable cracked or frayed?
• Is the plug or adapter loose, warped, or discoloured?
• Does the power brick feel excessively hot?
• Is the charger showing any signs of physical damage?

If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s time to stop using it immediately and replace it with a genuine, safety-certified charger.

Damaged chargers can also lead to battery issues—such as overcharging or heat damage, which in turn may cause batteries to swell or become dangerous.

We covered this in detail in our blog post about swollen laptop batteries and fire risks — it’s worth a read if you haven’t seen it already.

Laptops and chargers in schools and student environments face a much tougher life than those in most homes or offices.

Think about it:

• Chargers stuffed into crowded backpacks
• Devices dropped or thrown around between classes
• Wet drink bottles leaking near electronics
• Students unaware of the risks of using damaged or frayed cords

We’ve seen countless cases where a charger cable was bent repeatedly until wires were exposed, or where plugs were forced into sockets after being damaged in a bag. In some situations, sparks, overheating, or even electric shocks have occurred.

It’s not just about the device — it’s about safety.

• Regularly check students’ chargers, especially before a new term.
• Educate kids on how to look after their charger — don’t yank cords, avoid sharp bends, and keep it dry.
• Replace worn or frayed chargers with genuine replacements designed for their device.
• Consider having spares on hand at school to avoid unsafe workarounds.

At EMPR, we stock a wide range of genuine laptop chargers for all major brands — HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and more.

Whether you're replacing a damaged charger or looking for a safe spare for school, we’re here to help.

If you’re unsure which charger is right, reach out to our team or use our online charger finder tool or EMPR RAPID AI.