Akangchila Longchar
Dimapur | February 21
From New Market to Hazi Park and in the main streets of Dimapur town, recently there has been a surge in the sale of counterfeit cell phone chargers. One can purchase these chargers of almost all existing brands of cell phones for a mere 80 rupees, more or less, depending on your bargaining skills. The sellers of these counterfeit cell phone accessories blatantly sell items like chargers, earphones, and mobile pouches with fake brands inscribed on them. The prices are cheap as compared to buying from a showroom or a genuine retailer but what the layman does not realize is that these counterfeit electronic products are not safe and runs a high potential that can cause even a life.
Cases of ‘exploding phones’ because of using counterfeit chargers and faulty batteries is not uncommon. People using faulty batteries and counterfeit chargers face a high risk of serious injuries. It is also believed that overcharging the phones is another big risk. It has been reported that the warning highly exaggerates the risk under normal circumstances but one cannot also ignore the countless instances and numerous reports of battery explosions, and even incidents of electrocution. It was only last year that Global brand Nokia recalled 14 million faulty mobile chargers which reportedly ran the risk of ‘shocking users.’
The company during a routine quality control process found out that the plastic covers of the defective chargers could come loose and expose the charger’s internal components which would pose an electrical shock hazard when plugged into a live socket. However the company claimed that ‘so far it is not aware of any incidents or injuries related because of these chargers.’
“There are sms’s circulating that advises people not to speak on the cell phone while it is still charging or when the battery bar is at the last etc. but I haven’t seen any of my friends paying any heed to it” said a cell phone user of Dimapur. Another user also shared that her friend had recently purchased a duplicate phone charger from a shop after losing the original one. She also said “Though we know that these duplicate chargers are not long-lasting and that using it is a bit risky, but it is cheap and we cannot resist.”
It is advisable not to use incompatible or unauthorized cell phone chargers. People should realise the adverse effects and not prefer using duplicate electronic accessories and products just because it is cheap.
