How to tell if a charger or battery is broken?

Diagnosing a Broken Charger or Battery: A Simple Temperature Test

A dead phone, a laptop that won’t charge, or a power bank that’s stubbornly refusing to deliver juice can be frustrating. Often, the culprit is either a faulty charger or a failing battery. Fortunately, a quick and surprisingly effective diagnostic tool can often pinpoint the problem: a simple temperature check.

The principle is straightforward: a functioning charger and battery system should actively transfer power, leading to a warm charger. This warmth is a clear indication that electrical current is flowing and the components are working as intended. If the charger remains cool to the touch, it suggests that the problem lies within the charger itself, not the battery.

The Crucial Temperature Check:

To diagnose the problem, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Issue: Determine whether your device isn’t charging or is only charging very slowly.

2. Observe the Charger: Carefully touch the charger’s external casing. If it’s noticeably warm, this indicates active power transfer. If the charger feels cool, proceed with the next steps.

3. Assess the Battery (If Applicable): If you’re checking a device that uses a removable battery, check its temperature as well. A warm charger with a cool battery could be another symptom pointing to a faulty battery.

Interpreting the Results:

• Warm Charger: If the charger feels warm, the battery is likely the problem. Replace the battery, and if charging is still problematic, try a different charger. If it charges using the same charger, the battery was the problem.

• Cool Charger: If the charger feels cool, the issue is almost certainly within the charger itself. If possible, try charging a different device or a portable device with the charger to test the charger’s functionality with another device. If it still doesn’t work, it is time for a new charger.

Important Considerations:

• Duration of Charging: A very short charging period might not generate significant warmth. If you are not getting any charge, check for other issues, such as a damaged charging port on the device.

• Environment: Extreme temperatures (extremely hot or cold) can affect the heat signatures. Try charging the device in a moderate temperature environment.

• Charger Type: Some chargers, especially those that incorporate more advanced technologies, may generate less heat. This method works best for simpler chargers.

• Troubleshooting beyond the initial check: If both the charger and the battery are suspected, consider using a multimeter or a similar device to measure the voltage and current output to diagnose the problem further.

This simple temperature check offers a fast, accessible, and often reliable method for diagnosing charger and battery issues. By understanding the underlying principle of active power transfer and feeling the warmth, you can save time and money by quickly identifying the source of the problem.