Non-Official Apple Products

[gemz4the1]

We have all seen in the news at least one article about an electrical shock or other damage caused by non-official products being used with Apple devices.

However I am confused as to whether it is the USB cable, the plug, or both that can be dangerous?

[Anonymous]

Picture ?

[Anonymous]

They only had black or pink when I ordered. I've already got a deep pink Radley purse so black will make a change.

And give me an excuse to buy something else in the next sale...

[gemz4the1]

Radley Skies The Limit iPhone 5 cover - blue.

I love the balloon animal

[Anonymous]

The black looks boring now!

[gemz4the1]

I don't think that picture helps as it's not even that shade - it's more green.

[gemz4the1]

I think this needs to be moved to off-topic......

[adamtemp64 · Accepted solution]

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@gemz4the1 wrote:

However I am confused as to whether it is the USB cable, the plug, or both that can be dangerous?

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If the charger is fake and faulty the risk is that it will not be 5v 1a dc being produced and the risk of electrocution is higher eg 240 v ac being delivered to the usb socket.

The cables if plugged in to an official charger will obviously only be getting 5v dc +/- the allowed .5v (if i remember correctly) but the poor construction and non use of correct cable (low smoke etc) can lead to the fire hazard we saw.

So worst for risk of death etc is the charger, the leads if on an official charger should pose little risk of death. But combine the 2 and there is the real danger.

I have non apple chargers but all are correctly approved and recognised brands that came with other devices that use usb or 1 5 way usb 5 amp multi charger that outputs correct current for ipad and 4 other usb devices from 1 mains plug.

I have a meter that I can put inline of any usb device with socket a that will tell me output voltage and current drawn by the device. Very handy to find the best usb leads to charge at max curent the device needs.

(I have a hobby that involves electronics and radio waves hence my knowledge)

[gemz4the1]

Thanks for the info.

I always get confused with the voltage, not just with Apple products.

I tend to use the same usb cable and plug for my iPhone and iPad as for some reason everytime I get a new product, within a few weeks I end up breaking the cable (the square usb end snaps).  It's an official Apple cable

[Anonymous]

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@gemz4the1 wrote:

Thanks for the info.

I always get confused with the voltage, not just with Apple products.

I tend to use the same usb cable and plug for my iPhone and iPad as for some reason everytime I get a new product, within a few weeks I end up breaking the cable (the square usb end snaps).  It's an official Apple cable

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No need for confusion.Just stick with official.

If your official apple accessory fails then go to your most local apple store for a replacement.

[gemz4the1]

Is the volt the same for iPhone as it is with iPad?