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Charge battery-powered devices safely at home
Charging battery-powered devices involves risks that people do not always notice. A wrong charger, a damaged battery or an unsafe charging place can cause a serious fire.
For example, a phone may be charging on a bed, a robot vacuum cleaner under a sofa, or an electric scooter may be blocking the front door. These situations may seem ordinary, but they can be dangerous. According to Tukes, batteries and chargers caused 103 electrical fires in Finland in 2025.
Prevent danger with safe habits
Small everyday actions can help prevent fires.
- Read and follow the instructions. Use only chargers or cables that are meant for the battery or device.
- Charge devices only when you are nearby and awake. Do not leave a battery-powered device charging overnight or when you are not at home.
- Choose a safe place to charge devices. Charge devices on a hard surface that does not burn easily. Do not charge them on a bed, sofa or other soft surface.
- Do not use a damaged device or battery. If the battery is damaged, swollen, unusually hot or does not work normally, do not charge it or use it. Use it only after it has been checked and found safe.
Take care of basic fire safety at home:
- Test smoke alarms once a month. Also test them when you return home after being away for a longer time. Contact the maintenance company immediately if a smoke alarm does not work.
- Keep escape routes clear. This also includes the balcony. Never go into a smoky stairwell.
- Keep fire extinguishing equipment in a place where you can reach it easily. Learn how to use it.
Charging the battery of an electric bike or electric scooter in shared areas of the building, such as the bicycle storage room, is not allowed because it is a fire safety risk. The safest way is to remove the battery and charge it in your own home while you are there and awake.