Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: Cujef on 24/09/2007 20:25:09

Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: Cujef on 24/09/2007 20:25:09: I was forwarded multiple e-mails, and have heard stories in person of horrible things happening while someone is using their cell phone while they have it hooked up to the wall charging. One report was that a man here in the US had hooked up his cell phone to his charger, and received a call shortly after, and proceeded to use the phone while still attached to the charger. He then was struck with a surge of electricty and was unconcious with burns on his hand. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.

Has anyone heard any truth to this? I myself have used my cell phone while it is charging and the only thing I have ever noticed is that it will get very hot. I assume from the charging and the use that it is getting warm to the touch. Other than that, I don't know what to think.

Could this case I mentioned be a unique instance where there was faulty wiring in the electrical outlet he had his phone charger plugged into that could have caused the surge?

What do you all think?

-Jeff
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: Quantum_Vaccuum on 25/09/2007 00:02:45: I think a myth like this was proven to be fake on the Mythbuster show, but that is only what I recall, and I have no information to back my thought up. But it wouldn't make sense that an electrical surge would go through the cellphone to the human, because the battery, the phone speakers, and the buttons aren't completely linked, and unless the telephone short circuited, there wouldn't be anything to get a shock toward his/her skin.
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: kdlynn on 25/09/2007 00:55:34: i use mine every day while it's charging and i've never been shocked.
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 25/09/2007 16:31:29: Some of the texts I get are quite shocking [:D]
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: Quantum_Vaccuum on 26/09/2007 00:16:05: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 25/09/2007 16:31:29
Some of the texts I get are quite shocking [:D]
?
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: i am bored on 26/09/2007 03:43:28: the only thing that shocks me on the phone is chain texts
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 26/09/2007 11:39:05: Quote from: Nic_525 on 26/09/2007 03:43:28
the only thing that shocks me on the phone is chain texts

And the bill
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: Carolyn on 26/09/2007 14:58:14: Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 26/09/2007 11:39:05
Quote from: Nic_525 on 26/09/2007 03:43:28
the only thing that shocks me on the phone is chain texts

And the bill

His phone bill shocked the heck out of me this month!!! [:(!] [:o][:(!]
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: Quantum_Vaccuum on 27/09/2007 03:06:32: that would make more sense
Title: Using a charging cell phone
Post by: Cujef on 27/09/2007 15:53:25: I agree that this story was myth, and that poor guy may ahve had other factors involved. I myself use my cell phone while it is charging, but figured I'd bring this question to you all anyhow.

cheers,

Jeff