Is Your Home Charging Safely? How to Prevent Electrical and Battery Fires

Think about how many rechargeable devices are currently inside your home.

Phones. Tablets. Laptops. Power tools. Toys. Wireless headphones. Yard equipment. Electric bikes and scooters. Even household items like vacuums, cameras, and toothbrushes may contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

These batteries make everyday life more convenient, but they also store a significant amount of energy in a very small space. When a battery is damaged, improperly charged, overheated, or paired with the wrong equipment, it can become a serious fire hazard.

That is why the National Fire Protection Association has made safe charging the focus of Fire Prevention Week 2026. This year’s message, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” encourages families to take a closer look at how battery-powered products are purchased, charged, used, and stored. (nfpa.org⁠)

The good news is that a few simple habits can make charging these devices much safer.

Use the Correct Charger

A charger that fits your device is not necessarily the correct charger for your device.

Different batteries have different charging requirements. Using an incompatible, inexpensive, or so-called “universal” charger may cause a battery to overheat or become damaged.

Whenever possible, use the charger that came with the product or one specifically recommended by its manufacturer. This is especially important for larger battery-powered products such as electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, power tools, and lawn equipment.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned consumers against using universal chargers with micromobility products because an incompatible charger can create a fire hazard. (cpsc.gov⁠⁠)

Charge Devices on a Hard, Open Surface

It may be convenient to charge a phone on the bed or leave a laptop running on the couch, but soft surfaces can trap heat and restrict airflow.

Rechargeable devices should be placed on a hard, stable surface while charging. Keep them away from pillows, blankets, upholstered furniture, paper, clothing, and other materials that could easily catch fire.

Larger items should be charged in a dry, well-ventilated location that does not block a doorway or your family’s path out of the home. Never leave an electric bike, scooter, or similar device charging in front of an exit.

Avoid Charging While You Sleep

Many people plug in their devices before going to bed and leave them charging throughout the night. That means a battery problem could begin while everyone in the home is asleep.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends being present while charging electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, and similar products and never charging them while sleeping. (cpsc.gov⁠)

When a device reaches a full charge, unplug it or remove the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid leaving rechargeable products connected longer than necessary.

Learn the Warning Signs of a Failing Battery

A damaged lithium-ion battery will often give you signs that something is wrong.

Stop using or charging a battery-powered product if you notice:

• Unusual or excessive heat
• Swelling or a change in shape
• Leaking
• A strange odor
• Discoloration
• Popping, hissing, or other unusual sounds
• Smoke

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends immediately discontinuing use when a battery displays these warning signs. (usfa.fema.gov⁠)

If a battery begins smoking or catches fire, leave the area, call 911, and allow trained firefighters to handle the emergency. Do not pick up or attempt to move a battery that is overheating, smoking, or burning.

Damaged lithium-ion batteries also should not be placed in household trash or ordinary recycling bins. Contact your local recycling center or household hazardous-waste program for proper disposal instructions.

Pay Attention to the Outlet, Too

Sometimes the problem is not the battery or charger. It is the electrical system supplying the power.

Stop using an outlet and have it professionally inspected if you notice:

• A plug that feels loose or falls out easily
• Discoloration around the outlet
• Crackling, buzzing, or popping sounds
• Sparks when connecting a device
• A burning smell
• An outlet or wall plate that feels unusually warm
• A breaker that frequently trips while devices are charging

These signs may indicate a worn receptacle, loose electrical connection, overloaded circuit, or another condition that should not be ignored.

Power strips and extension cords should never be treated as permanent substitutes for properly installed outlets. If your family is constantly searching for somewhere to plug in another device, your home may need additional receptacles or dedicated circuits.

Purchase Products With Recognized Safety Certification

Before buying a rechargeable product, battery, or charger, look for certification from a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Common marks include UL, ETL, and CSA.

A certification mark indicates that the product has been evaluated against established safety standards. The NFPA specifically recommends purchasing lithium-ion battery products that are listed by a recognized testing laboratory. (nfpa.org⁠)

Be particularly cautious when shopping online. An extremely low price on a replacement battery or charger may not be worth the risk if the product lacks proper testing, labeling, or manufacturer support.

Make Safe Charging a Household Habit

Most homes were built before families owned dozens of rechargeable devices. Today, our electrical systems are being asked to power more phones, computers, appliances, tools, entertainment systems, and battery chargers than ever before.

Safe charging begins with using the right equipment and paying attention to how your devices behave. It also means making sure your home has safe, reliable outlets and enough electrical capacity for the way your family lives today.

If you have warm or discolored outlets, loose plugs, frequently tripped breakers, or concerns about your home’s electrical system, do not wait for a small warning sign to become a larger problem.

Contact Allstar Electric to schedule a residential electrical inspection or repair. We will help you identify potential hazards, recommend the right solution, and make sure your home is ready to power your family safely.