USB cables are a vital part of our electronic lives. We use them to connect our phones, computers, and other devices to the internet and to each other.
USB cables have evolved into essentials for everything device-related, including data transfer, power delivery, and charging.
But Do USB cables wear out and if they do, what is the reason and how do you prevent it?
Yes, Any cable will eventually wear out and will lose its efficiency over time. Standard USB has a minimum rated lifetime of 1,500 cycles of insertion and removal whereas the rated minimum lifetime for micro-USB and USB-C is 10,000 cycles.
In this blog post, we will further discuss why USB cables wear out. We’ll also provide some tips on extending your USB cables’ life.
Why Do USB Cables Wear out
USB cables Wear out for a variety of reasons. Usually, when a USB cable is physically harmed, it stops working (internal wires get bent or broken).
The most common reasons for USB cables wearing out are:
Cheap quality
USB cables are like anything else in that you get what you pay for. In most cases the less you spend on a USB cable, the more likely it is to wear out quickly.
Cheaper cables often have inferior construction and materials, so they will normally last less time than more expensive cables.
Not to mention cheaper cables are usually made from thin wires which are not capable of withstanding repeated bending and wear out easily.
Rough handling
This is the most common reason USB cables wear out. Even though most USB cables are quite durable and are designed to withstand a certain amount of bending.
But, USB cables are not indestructible and can be easily damaged if not handled with care. If you often find yourself accidentally yanking or pulling on your USB cables, then it’s only a matter of time before they start to wear out.
Repeatedly bending, folding, or pulling can break the inside wire and once that happens the USB cable is as good as dead.
Cable is old
There might be nothing wrong with how you handle your USB cable, but it’s still possible for it to wear out over time.
Just like any other electronic device, USB cables have a limited lifespan. Even if you take good care of your USB cables and don’t damage them, they will eventually wear out.
As mentioned above USB cables have a minimum rated lifetime of 1500 cycles of insertion and removal with modern USB-C and micro USB having a minimum of 10000.
How to prevent the cable from wearing out
Even though the average USB cable has a lifespan of around three to five years but let’s be real we have to end up replacing them more often than that.
USB cables are not expensive, but it’s still annoying to have to keep buying new ones all the time.
Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your USB cables:
Handling properly
The most important thing you can do to prevent your USB cables from wearing out is to handle them properly.
Most of us wrap them too tightly, which causes the cable to be internally damaged by being bent at an excessively acute angle. Repeated pulling and yanking, especially close to the cable’s ends, can cause some of the interior wires to break.
If you handle the cable properly a good quality cable will last you a long time without any problem.
Invest in quality
As we mentioned earlier, USB cables are like anything else in that you get what you pay for. Cheap cables typically degrade quite quickly.
They are made up of thin wires and also not very durable which causes them to wear out easily.
If you want a USB cable that will last, then it’s worth investing in a quality cable from a reputable brand. These cables are made from thicker, more durable wires and will not break easily.
USB cables are not expensive, so it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a quality cable that will last you much longer. Higher-quality USB cables may cost a bit more, but they will last longer and save you money in the long run.
How to know if the USB is cheaply made
It’s quite easy to tell if a USB cable is cheaply made.
- They don’t have any kind of specification mentioned on them.
- They lack adequate overload protection and are not properly rated.
- If you start noticing your phone screen start acting weird or ghost touches start happening this can be because of a worn-out cable.
Using wire protector
This is one of the most effective ways to prevent your USB cables from wearing out. Wire protectors are available in various sizes and shapes. They are made of different materials like PVC, silicon, or rubber.
They fit snugly around the USB cable and provide a layer of protection against bends, kinks, and scratches.
USB cables with wire protectors are also more durable and last longer than those without them.
How to know that the USB had worn out
The easiest way to check if the USB had worn out is by physically inspecting it. If you see a lot of cuts, fraying, or kinks in the cable, then it’s time to replace it.
If you notice that it is taking more time to charge your smartphone than before, then it is also a sign that the USB cable has worn out and it is time to replace it.
Conclusion
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. USB cables are not indestructible, and they will eventually wear out.
However, you can extend their lifespan by handling them properly and investing in quality cables.