Millions of Britons make this mistake every night, and it may turn your house into a fire. One of the largest fire hazards in UK homes is charging your iPhone under your pillow, according to firefighters, endangering thousands of people while they sleep.
The combination of flammable bedding, inadequate ventilation, and overheating lithium-ion batteries poses a significant risk of electrical fires, according to Clean Air UK, a preeminent authority on fire prevention.
“We are seeing more and more house fires caused by phones overheating under bedding,” says firefighter Mark Sutherland. “People assume their devices are safe, but trapping heat under a pillow can cause the battery to explode. By the time you realise what’s happening, the fire has already spread.”
Laptops, tablets, and iPhones all use lithium-ion batteries, which have a large energy storage capacity in a small package. A pillow or blanket traps heat, which leads to the battery overheating, expanding, and igniting.
Firefighters warn that a phone fire can reach temperatures of over 600°C and start in just a few minutes. Flames can spread quickly before you even wake up if this occus while you’re asleep.
This is happening, not merely a warning. A phone charger left on a bed in November 2022 ignited a fire in a Buckinghamshire family’s bedroom. The overheated charger ignited the bedding, and the rapidly spreading flames caused significant damage.
Over 50% of unintentional home fires are now electrical fires, with overnight charging being one of the main causes, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Other Charging Mistakes That Could Set Your Home on Fire
Although charging under a pillow is one of the riskiest practices, Clean Air UK and firemen caution about other common charging errors that could cause catastrophe:
Using inexpensive, generic chargers 98% of phony Apple chargers failed basic safety testing, according to a report by Electrical Safety First. Due to the absence of crucial safety measures, these fake chargers are more prone to overheat, short circuit, and start fires.
Plug socket overloading: Placing too many devices in one socket causes the wiring to overheat and raises the risk of a fire. Firefighters advise adhering to the “one plug per socket” guideline and using extension leads with surge protection.
Leaving gadgets plugged in all night: If an older charger is left plugged in for an extended period of time without smart charging capabilities, it may overheat. To lower risk, fire experts advise unplugging once fully charged.
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Charge on soft surfaces: Carpets, couches, and beds trap heat, which can lead to ignition and battery failure. Charge on a level, rigid surface at all times.
Using frayed or damaged cables: Wires that are left exposed raise the possibility of electrical shorts and sparks, which can set carpets, furniture, or drapes on fire.
How to Charge Devices Safely
Experts from Clean Air UK recommend the following critical actions to reduce the risk of electrical fires:
Always charge devices on a firm, non-flammable surface, like a nightstand, and never under pillows or bedding.
Use only authorized or approved chargers. Purchase from reliable merchants and look for CE or UKCA certification.
When devices are fully charged, unplug them. Avoid charging them overnight if at all possible.
Check for heat or damage: Stop using your charger right once if it feels hot, buzzes, or smells like it’s burning.
Installing smoke alarms in charging stations and beds can help reduce fatalities from nocturnal fires by detecting them early.
The Bottom Line: Think Before You Plug In
Although they are entirely preventable, electrical fires in UK homes are on the rise. Simple changes in charging practices, such as using a safe charger and keeping your phone off the bed, could make the difference between a restful night’s sleep and a potentially fatal fire.
A spokesperson from Clean Air UK emphasises:
“Too many people ignore the risks of improper charging. Something as simple as using the wrong charger or placing a phone on a soft surface can be life-threatening. Fire prevention starts with small but vital safety habits.”
