Is The Charger Soaked In Water? First Aid Trilogy, Teach You How To Save The Device!

What should you do if your mobile phone charger accidentally falls into water or gets wet by rain? Many people's first reaction is to blow it with a hair dryer, or plug it in directly to see if it can still be used - but these practices may completely destroy your charger or even cause a short circuit!

Just like a person needs correct first aid measures after drowning, a charger soaked in water also needs scientific treatment. Today we will teach you the correct three steps of first aid after a charger is soaked in water, and expose those operations that seem useful but are actually dangerous.

1. How dangerous is it if water gets into the charger?

The charger is made up of precision circuits. Once water gets into the charger, the following problems may occur:

• Short circuit risk: Water is a conductor and may cause a short circuit in the circuit board, which may burn the charger or damage the phone or even cause a fire.
• Metal corrosion: Water will oxidize the metal contacts inside the charger. Long-term moisture will cause the charging speed to slow down or poor contact.
• Insulation failure: Water may damage the internal insulation layer, causing leakage, and may cause electric shock when plugged in.

Common water ingress scenarios:

• The charger falls into the sink or toilet
• It is placed by the window on a rainy day and gets wet
• It is placed in a humid environment (such as a bathroom) and is exposed to moisture for a long time

2. Three steps of first aid for water in the charger

1. Cut off the power immediately to avoid "secondary injury"

• If it is still plugged in: unplug the power first, do not touch it directly with your hands to avoid electric shock.

• If it is connected to a mobile phone: disconnect it immediately to prevent the reverse current from damaging the mobile phone.

Absolutely prohibited:

• Plug in to test whether it can still be used (it may short-circuit instantly).
• Operate with wet hands (increase the risk of electric shock).

2. Disassemble and initially remove water

• Disassembleable chargers (such as USB charging heads): Use a screwdriver to carefully open the shell and use a paper towel to absorb the surface moisture.
• Non-disassembled chargers: Gently shake to let most of the water flow out, and then wipe the interface with a dry cloth.

Correct operation:

• Use anhydrous alcohol (concentration above 90%) to wipe the circuit board to help evaporate the water.
• Use a cotton swab to clean the water stains in the charging interface.

Absolutely prohibited:

• Forcibly prying open with sharp tools (may damage internal components).
• Directly rinse with water (will only make the situation worse).

3. Dry thoroughly to avoid residual moisture

• Natural drying method: Place it in a ventilated place for at least 48 hours to ensure that the inside is completely dry.
• Silica gel desiccant method: Put the charger in a sealed bag and add a desiccant (such as the moisture-proof bag in the food packaging) to accelerate moisture absorption.

Standards for drying completion:

• No dripping sound when shaking.
• The charging port and shell are completely dry and moisture-free.

3. Absolute taboo list: These operations will make the charger "helpless"

Many people will use some "homemade methods" to deal with water-logged chargers, but the following operations are not only ineffective, but may also make the situation worse:

Blowing with hot air from a hair dryer

• High temperature will melt the internal glue and even cause the circuit board to deform.
• Hot air may force moisture into deeper gaps, making it more difficult to dry.

Drying in a microwave or oven

• Microwave heating will cause arcing of metal parts inside the charger, posing a risk of explosion.
• High temperature in the oven will directly burn plastic and electronic components.

Soaking and disinfecting with alcohol

• Although high concentrations of alcohol can evaporate, soaking may cause some components to dissolve or corrode.

Direct exposure to the sun to accelerate drying

• Sunlight exposure can cause the shell to deform, and high temperature may also damage the circuit.

4. How to test whether the charger is safe after drying?

Even if it looks dry, you can't plug it in directly! Follow the steps below to test:

1. Plug in the charger first, without connecting the phone: observe whether there is any abnormal sound, smoke or abnormal heating.

2. Connect old/spare devices for testing: Avoid plugging directly into the main mobile phone to prevent unstable voltage from damaging the battery.

3. Monitor charging efficiency: If the charging speed is significantly slower or the heat is severe, it is recommended to replace the charger with a new one.

If the test is normal, you can continue to use it, but it is recommended to pay attention to whether there is abnormal heating or poor contact in the future.

5. How to prevent the charger from getting wet?

1. Avoid using it in a humid environment: Try not to use the charger near the bathroom or kitchen sink.
2. Choose a waterproof charger: Some outdoor chargers support IPX4 waterproof (splashproof).
3. Use a charger protective case: A silicone protective case can reduce the probability of water ingress.
4. Note on storage in rainy days: If the charger is wet by rain, follow the first aid steps as soon as possible.

Related questions expansion

Q1. How long does it take for the charger to be used after it has been soaked in water?
It is recommended to dry it for at least 48 hours, and longer in a humid environment.

Q2. What should I do if the charger smokes when plugged in after it has been soaked in water?
Cut off the power immediately, stay away from flammable materials, and use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire if necessary.

Q3. How to deal with water in the wireless charging pad?
It also needs to be turned off and dried, but because the structure is more closed, it is recommended to send it for repair or replacement.

When the charger is soaked in water, it is more important to stay calm than to act blindly! If you follow the correct first aid steps, your charger still has a chance of "survival", but incorrect operation may make it completely scrapped. Safety first, don't let a moment of anxiety lead to a disaster!