Why you must unplug chargers when not in use by Remmy Nweke - Telecoms Clinic @ITREALMS

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Unplugging chargers isn’t just about saving electricity—it’s about saving lives, property, and gadgets from fire and surges. Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS by Remmy Nweke urges safety over convenience: unplug chargers when not in use.

It often starts with something small, almost invisible. A charger left dangling in a socket, no phone attached, no one paying attention. For many households, this is an everyday scene. But in one unguarded moment, that same harmless-looking charger can become the spark that changes lives forever.

Imagine a family coming back to a living room filled with smoke because a forgotten charger overheated. Or the heartbreak of a student who lost years of study notes when his only laptop was destroyed in a fire traced back to a power surge through an idle charger. These are not just technical risks; they are deeply human stories of loss, fear, and regret.

When chargers are left plugged in, they continue to pull small amounts of electricity, a drain often dismissed as insignificant. Yet beyond the wasted naira on your electricity bill, the bigger cost comes when faulty wiring or substandard chargers ignite flames. 

In a country like Nigeria, where power supply is already unstable, the danger is multiplied. A sudden surge can fry devices in seconds, leaving families counting their losses.

Yes, it can be inconvenient to plug and unplug every time. We all know the temptation of leaving chargers in place so they are ready when needed. But the truth is, convenience should never come at the expense of safety. A few seconds of effort can prevent hours of anguish and damage that money cannot always repair.

Tayo, a young tech enthusiast in Lagos, once joked that unplugging chargers felt like a chore. That changed when a charger left in overnight melted his socket and nearly caught fire. 

“Since then,” he said, “I unplug as if my life depends on it, because it really does.” His story captures the essence of this caution: behind the statistics and warnings are real lives, real families, and real futures at stake.

At Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS, we believe technology is meant to enhance life, not endanger it. The practice of unplugging chargers when not in use is not just a technical tip, it is an act of care for your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. In the end, the choice is simple. A little inconvenience today can save a lifetime of regrets tomorrow.