Shock while charging

The other day I got a forward in my email which said that a person got a electric shock from his mobile when he touched it while his mobile was charging.

Is this true? Has this happened with anyone?

that sounds VERY odd... I haven't heard this story yet, but you need more details...like, say... was he standing in water? Was it an older phone?

Yeah, cell phones are definitely made safely enough that there should be no risk whatsoever of electric shock. I'd claim a hoax.

Oh, heck, I've been known to plug in the phone in the middle of a conversation--I had a freelance job that involved hours of talking with the customer, and my phone would frequently run out of juice while we were meticulously going over all the notations I was supposed to incorporate in the directory I was putting together for him. Never got a shock ever.

However, according to Snopes, there actually was one reported case of death by recharging cell phone. That page also points out that in general, the danger is slim to nonexistent.

Whenever I get an email forward warning me of this or that disaster, I do a search for the info at Snopes. Usually by the time the forward has gotten to me, it's gotten to Snopes too, and they do a good job identifying urban legends and hoaxes for what they are. Then I'll reply to the person who sent me the email with a link to the Snopes page debunking it.

(I don't get many people sending me email forwards anymore. I'm just no fun.)

__________________
Nicole

lives connect : gold and razor wire : precious contact

I saw a cool show on Mythbusters dealing with chatting on your phone at the gas station - there is a chance, VERY small, that you can set off the fumes with the electrical charge.

don't risk it!

Are you for real ! They did every thing you could to get a mobile to start a fire and there was no way it could happen. They even shorted out the battery and still no spark. The only way would have been through static electricty, and lots of things can give off a static spark. But as for a mobile, even in poor condition- no way.

And as for getting a shock from the phone charger-not realy possible. The end thay plugs into the wall converts AC currant to DC currant, the cord and plug that you plug into your phone is DC currant and there for CANNOT shock you! Most phones charge around 5V to 9V DC and you may get a "buzz" or a "tingle" if you were to put that end in your mouth, but not a "shock" that would hurt you. Dont believe me, go and touch the terminals on a car battery (12V DC). Not very shocking is it!

hey, I"m still seeing the warnings up at the gas station - busted or not, you want to try and remove ANY chance of a spark... and besides, you shouldn't be yakking on the phone anyway while dealing with a volutile fluid like gasoline!

If the charger was damaged, it's possible.

There have been cell phones that have actually blown up while charging...thse were people using off brand generic batteries, or generic charagers that were not safety approved. When you purchase batteries make sure they are put out my your cell phone maker and chargers have the "UL" logo on them for safety

Hi!

It is good to know all of these guys. When I looked at this thread, it made me think, is this for real? Well, why shouldn't I be afraid, my kids are the ones doing the charging of my phone and we never know that this electric shock thing might actually happen anytime, God forbids!

Anything concerning electricity could potentially cause a spark or a shock, but it is highly unlikely unless the wires or charger or phone was damaged. Perhaps somethign was wrong with the friend's wires.

maybe he walked across a carpet before picking up the phone.... don't laugh, it can happen!