Wall charger exploded (again!)

ajrandalls · ‎28-09-2025

I've just had the second of two samsung chargers explode while plugged in at the wall. Both came with Samsung phones new and both have exploded within 4 months of each other. Is there anywhere to report this? Both times it was a very loud bang, a flash of light, and then a burning smell although there was no fire. I'd seen previous posts where Samsung had claimed this was a rare event so I wrote the first time off as a one off event but it has happened again with a seperate charger. Both chargers are pictured.

smiley · ‎28-09-2025

Now this charger is rated to only 15W maximum. It can vary its voltage from 5v to 9v and to give a wattage of P = I x V which calculates as 10W (at 5V) to 15W (at 9V).

The S22 ultra charging is capable of 45 watt charging which is a lot more than the charger can offer.

I am not saying these are incompatible, because they should be expected to be able to work together. HOWEVER if this low spec charger is constantly used on such a device that can draw a lot more power than the charger can provide, then it is likely it is running on maximum ALL the time.

I believe these older samsung chargers were original shipped with older phones such as s8, s10 and earlier generation phones that used to charge slower. In those days the phones speed of charging was 15W or less.

I guess my point is to say that 'NOT ALL CHARGERS ARE EQUAL'. These days chargers support generally at least 45W or maybe more.

It is better to use a charger that is capable of supplying 100W and use on a phone that needs 45W... than to do what you report and which is to use a very old spec charger capable of only 15W, to charger a device that needs a lot more.

I hope this makes some sense to you. Of course see what the private messages with SAM UK result, but this is my own engineering response on what you report.

There are some very good GAAN type chargers these days that can be bought from Amazon. These are very suitable for higher current draws over long periods.

Smiley

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AndrewL · ‎28-09-2025

@ajrandalls: I'm very sorry to hear that you have experienced this issue. If you are based in the UK or Ireland then please send a private message to Sam_UK by following the steps in the link below, and we can get this escalated for you.

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/samsung-lounge/how-to-send-a-private-message-on-the-samsung-comm...

Tourbillon De La Vie · ‎28-09-2025

What phones and bought from where/who

"Whoever wants to be always right needs to change opinion often."

ajrandalls · ‎28-09-2025

One was an S22 (the other was an S21 I belive but an ex's phone so I don't recal exaclty), both were purchased from EE in the UK.

ajrandalls · ‎28-09-2025

Thank you, I have sent the private message now.

Joeeye · ‎28-09-2025

If 2 chargers exploded in the same socket within 4 months, my guess would be an issue with your homes power or the socket itself. It'd be wise to have that investigated.

ajrandalls · ‎28-09-2025

I've actually moved houses between these events, so I'd be stunned if the socket was to blame both times given the only thing in common was the charger

smiley · ‎28-09-2025

I am also saying you should get a safety check of your sockets at home, with some urgency. Just to also say that I have trained in Part P electrical installations and 17th edition electrics.

These things dont generally happen randomly. I could believe one charger being faulty perhaps... but two after one another from the same location could likely be more than a coincidence.

As a minimum i would turn off the ring circuit so it is not live, remove the socket plate and inspect the wiring in the back of the sockets for a good termination. However this is generally out of the DIY scope so it should be done by someone that has the relevant knowledge to do so.

Smiley

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User: Smiley

ENGINEER Noun: en-juh-neer.
1. Solving problems you didn't know you had, and in ways you can't understand.
See also Wizard, Magician
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smiley · ‎28-09-2025

Edit. I see you say in two different houses. So that is a strange series of events. What device are you charging with the charger block ? Assume the intended mobile phones ? I.e. you are trying to power a USB C laptop from a 15W charger or anything?

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User: Smiley

ENGINEER Noun: en-juh-neer.
1. Solving problems you didn't know you had, and in ways you can't understand.
See also Wizard, Magician
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ajrandalls · ‎28-09-2025

Hi, it happened in two different houses, both about 100 miles apart. As I've said above the only thing in common was the charger type. We did have an electrician out after the first who looked over everything and said the only thing to do was to reset the circuit breakers. We do have an electrician working on part of this house on an extension being done so I can ask him when he is next over.

Wall charger exploded (again!)

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