Fire safety experts are urging households to avoid charging mobile phones on beds or under pillows, especially during the ongoing heatwave across the UK. According to Electrical Safety First, placing a phone on soft furnishings while charging can trap heat, creating a serious fire hazard.
Why Charging on Beds Is Dangerous
Modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries, which generate heat during charging. When a phone is placed on a bed, sofa, or under a pillow, the heat cannot dissipate properly. This risk increases when bedroom temperatures remain above 25°C, as the battery has less opportunity to cool down naturally.
Electrical Safety First advises that phones, tablets, and laptops should always be charged on a hard, flat surface where heat can disperse freely. The charity warns against charging devices on beds, sofas, or other soft furnishings, as these restrict airflow and are highly combustible.
Official Warnings from Fire Services
The London Fire Brigade has repeatedly cautioned against charging phones under pillows or duvets. Bedding can trap heat around lithium-ion batteries and chargers, significantly raising the risk of overheating should a battery or charging cable develop a fault.
While battery fires are still relatively rare, experts say that avoiding seemingly harmless habits can drastically cut the risk, particularly during prolonged hot weather.
Safe Charging Practices
Experts recommend the following steps to reduce fire risk:
- Charge devices on a bedside cabinet, desk, or other firm, non-flammable surface that allows adequate airflow.
- Use the manufacturer's original charger whenever possible.
- Unplug devices once fully charged rather than leaving them connected overnight.
If a phone becomes unusually hot, begins to swell, or emits a strange odor while charging, it should be carefully disconnected and not used again until it has been checked.
