So, imagine this: You’re just about to leave your house, and suddenly, something smells like it’s burning. This is the terrifying moment that Jules, a TikTok user known as @homesteadingmommasaga, experienced when a USB-C charging cable almost caused a house fire. Yes, a simple charging cable for electronics – something we all have lying around – nearly became the reason her home could’ve gone up in flames.
Jules shared her experience in a now-viral TikTok video, warning her followers about how dangerous these seemingly harmless cords can be. In the video, she recounts how she began smelling something strange while preparing to leave her house.
Panic set in as she searched for the source of the burning smell. After a frantic search, she realized it was a USB-C charging cable that had been left on a blanket, and the results were almost catastrophic.
The cord, which Jules described as “fairly new” and “hardly used,” had been left on top of a blanket for about four hours. Her son had used it to charge his tablet but unplugged it and left it sitting on the soft surface. By the time Jules discovered it, the cord had already caused noticeable damage, burning a hole in the blanket.
To make matters worse, the blanket was a sentimental gift, which deeply upset her son when he saw the damage. But beyond the personal loss, this incident serves as a stark reminder that even newer charging cables can pose serious risks, especially when left unattended on soft materials like blankets that can trap heat.
Jules took to the comments section to share more details, noting that this was the first time she had ever experienced anything like this. Shockingly, other TikTok users chimed in, sharing similar stories of chargers overheating and even causing fires. Some claimed their homes had burned down from similar situations, with commenters expressing gratitude for the wake-up call.
To prevent future mishaps, Jules urged viewers to unplug any unnecessary cords and not to leave them on surfaces like beds or couches. It’s not just about the cord itself but where and how it’s used. Soft materials can trap heat, causing the charger to overheat and become a fire hazard.
The TikTok community also jumped in with tips on how to avoid similar situations. One commenter shared their habit of always unplugging electronics before leaving home, while another expressed their fear of charging devices in the bedroom overnight, likening it to the danger of smoking in bed.
Many admitted they had the same experience, with overheating chargers burning carpets, and several swore their cords were “brand new” when they overheated.
The incident sheds light on the potential risks of everyday electronics that many of us might not think twice about. USB-C cables are everywhere, but clearly, they’re not without their hazards. So, the next time you leave a charger plugged in and walk away, take a second look. It might just save you from a much bigger disaster.