Did you hear about the reported cases of headphones exploding?
It’s kinda scary learning about this…
Especially with how much you use and value your headphones.
Now, what can you do to prevent your headphones from blowing up?
Read on to find out:
- What can cause headphones to explode.
- 3 surprising facts about exploded headphones.
- How to stay safe and prevent headphones from exploding.
- And many more…
Can headphones explode?
Headphones can explode. A news article reported a woman who suffered burns because her headphones exploded during a flight. However, instances of exploding headphones are rare. And there are factors to consider when this happens.
What causes headphones to explode?
The main cause of headphones exploding is overheating. It can also be due to short-circuiting.
For one, wireless headphones have components that can explode.
It’s because they need batteries to work.
And that’s the hardware that can blow up in the device.
Now, overheating and short-circuiting in headphones happen when:
- They’re in direct sunlight.
- Their charger is faulty or broken.
- Their battery is old, damaged, or leaking.
As for wired headsets, they don’t explode. However, the chances of electric shocks are greater.
Exploded headphone – 3 surprising facts
#1: Lithium-Ion batteries in wireless headphones can overheat
As I mentioned before, wireless headphones are the ones reported to explode during use.
It’s because this type of headphones uses lithium-ion batteries.
Now, that battery is prone to overheating or short-circuiting.
And when that happens, the headphones can blow up.
But why would the battery malfunction and cause this kind of problem?
It could be due to misuse. Therefore causing the battery to malfunction.
Now, here’s how you might misuse your headset:
- Overcharging them.
- Forgetting to turn them off.
- Leaving them under direct sunlight.
- Charging them using substandard cables.
However, headphones exploding could also be due to a factory defect.
Take it from this study:
On the production of lithium-ion batteries…
There are different factors that can affect the battery’s quality. Those are:
- Trace water used.
- Impurities present during production.
- Varying amounts of the main elements used.
And though very rare, exploding wireless headphones are a possibility.
Warning: Purchasing a device with a lithium-ion battery has its risk. So, it’s advised for users to follow how the product should be used. Moreover, you must comply with product recalls, if there are any.
#2: Wired headphones can’t explode but can cause an electric shock
Wired headphones don’t need batteries…
So there’s nothing that can cause them to blow up.
Now, does that mean you’re safer using wired headphones?
Well, not quite.
You see, wired headphones can electrocute you if you’re not careful.
So here’s how you can be cautious around them:
- Avoid tangling or pressing the wires.
- Stay away from water when using them.
- Keep an eye for exposed wiring and broken cases.
Moreover, older headsets might have damaged wires you didn’t notice.
And it could be your charging cable or the headphone wire that’s broken.
Either way, these can electrocute you or someone else.
Note: Electrostatic shocks are common when using wired headphones. But there are still cases of fatal electrocutions caused by them.
Moreover, keep your eyes open for any damage to your earphone’s casing.
That’s because exposed wiring or metal can cause an electric shock too.
And, of course, the presence of water can also electrocute a person.
This is true for both wireless and wired headphones.
Check out: Are Wired Headphones Louder Than Wireless? 5 Facts Revealed
#3: They can explode or electrocute you when used while charging
Are you in the habit of using your devices while they’re charging?
Hmm… It’s better if you don’t, especially with your headphones.
Your Bluetooth headphones may allow you to use them while charging…
But that’s still risky.
Sure, it’s a one-in-a-million event…
However, there’s still a chance of your headphones overheating when you use them while charging.
In addition, plugging in a wired headset to a phone or laptop that’s charging can also electrocute you.
What are the chances of headphones exploding?
The chances of your headphones exploding are extremely low. However, it’s still best to stay on the safe side.
So, here are ways you can prevent your headphones from exploding:
#1: Keep wireless headphones at room temperature
If you’re not comfortable in direct sunlight…
So are your headphones.
That’s why it’s best to keep them between 32°F to 95°F.
You also shouldn’t keep them in your car, especially if you’re parked outside.
Why so?
Direct sunlight will turn your car into a hotbox.
And when devices are left unattended, they can overheat and blast in your car.
Warning: This isn’t limited to your headphones. Power banks and mobile phones have been reported to blow up in parked vehicles too.
#2: Keep headphones away from water
We have a ton of water-resistant technology these days…
But to be safe, you should keep your headphones dry.
And in the off-chance that you do get them wet, here’s what you should do:
Step 1: Remove the headphones from your ears.
Step 2: For wired headphones, unplug them from your device. For wireless headphones, disconnect them from your device and turn them off.
Step 4: Dry them off by one or a combination of the following:
- Letting them air dry.
- Blowing off excess water.
- Patting them dry with a cloth or tissue.
- Placing them in a bag with a silica gel.
Note: Only use them again when you’re sure they’re completely dry. And that may take a day or 2.
You may also ask: Do Wireless Headphones Last Longer Than Wired? 5 Scenarios
#3: Stash your headphones in a proper bag compartment when traveling
Music always makes traveling better.
So, when bringing your headphones for a trip…
Ensure that it doesn’t sit at the bottom of your bag.
Now, why is this important?
You see, the pressure from all those items can damage your headphones.
It might break the headphone’s casing and battery.
And a cracked battery might leak.
Therefore, leading to the device short-circuiting.
To add, being buried in a bag might overheat the headset.
So, a great solution to this is getting a protective case for your headphones.
This way, they’re cushioned throughout your trip.
#4: Don’t use your headphones while they’re charging
As I’ve mentioned earlier, using headphones while they’re charging isn’t advisable.
Not only does it damage the device’s battery…
But it could also overheat it.
So, next time you’re waiting for your headphones to charge fully…
You can enjoy and dance to your music out loud in the meantime.
#5: Don’t use broken or cheap charging cables and bricks
Do you still have those old charging cables with exposed wiring because it still “works”?
Well, it may be time to say goodbye to them.
That’s because using faulty charging sets can increase the chances of your headphones overheating.
Apart from that, malfunctioning chargers might not deliver the correct voltage to your headset.
And, charging your device with damaged equipment can hurt the battery.
Moreover, I advise avoiding cheap and no-name brands of charging bricks and cables.
This way, it’ll be safer for you and everyone around you.