Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Other Longer cable means longer charging time?
- Thread starter novetan
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
There is no other thread/double post.
Yes, it can be true. A longer cable causes more voltage drop, and that can affect charging speed. Google around and some have done tests showing that it is true.
Yes, it can be true. A longer cable causes more voltage drop, and that can affect charging speed. Google around and some have done tests showing that it is true.
As long as you have a heavy duty wall plug, shouldn't matter. I have a 60w Anker 6 port charger and I can't tell the difference if I use an Anker 6ft or 3ft cable.
Cheap no-name brand cables (non-mfi certified) definitely cap out at under 1 amp in my experience.
Cheap no-name brand cables (non-mfi certified) definitely cap out at under 1 amp in my experience.
Simple Googling:
- https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2545497
- http://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1yoe2a/lpt_know_why_your_smartphone_is_charging_slowly/
The fact is that anything faster than the basic 500mA rate of regular USB has strict requirements on the wiring. Adding a few extra feet of wire can and does change those requirements, often out of tolerance than the higher charging speeds require.
- https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2545497
- http://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1yoe2a/lpt_know_why_your_smartphone_is_charging_slowly/
The fact is that anything faster than the basic 500mA rate of regular USB has strict requirements on the wiring. Adding a few extra feet of wire can and does change those requirements, often out of tolerance than the higher charging speeds require.
Last edited by a moderator:
Unless you're being sarcastic or joking, you need a new cable. Even if there was a difference, no way it would be that significant.
I'm serious and have used the cable for over a year now and plugging in for an overnite charge. I've always had good luck with batteries and prefer a slower charge. On those rare occasions I need a quicker charge during the day the oem 3 footer charges about twice as quick by my estimation. Nothing wrong with the cable or slow charging. If there was I'd have certainly had issues by now. I only commented because I thought the OP might be interested in hearing about it.
Tks all for replies. Interesting abt the positive constructive argument here
[doublepost=1515728857][/doublepost]
Tks for the link. Both seems to be well researched.
However, most normal electrical stores simply carried a tonne of cables without any spec and those are very affordable. So does it means to have a reliable cable without getting quick breakdown, is to purchase fr Apple itself or very reliable specialist shop which obviously will burn a hole in our pocket. Perhaps getting a cheap cable and change it when necceasry is more worthwhile.
[doublepost=1515728857][/doublepost]
Tks for the link. Both seems to be well researched.
However, most normal electrical stores simply carried a tonne of cables without any spec and those are very affordable. So does it means to have a reliable cable without getting quick breakdown, is to purchase fr Apple itself or very reliable specialist shop which obviously will burn a hole in our pocket. Perhaps getting a cheap cable and change it when necceasry is more worthwhile.
Last edited by a moderator:
Higher resistance due to poor quality or damaged cable will increase charging times. For a QUALITY cable length wont matter assuming we are talking reasonable lengths.
If you notice a significant difference in charging time than replace the cable. Also inspect the pins on the ends, if any are burnt/discolored/corroded replace the cable. If the cable works on in one direction again replace it. Cable can actually increase stress on components and/or damage the charging port of the iPhone. Not worth the risk.
[doublepost=1515729956][/doublepost]
Just get MFi certified Lightning cables. Amazonbasic cables are fairly afforded and are certified from Apple. While they feel a little cheap the only failures I've had with them have been my fault. I have yet to wear the cable out like I do with Apples own cables.
If you notice a significant difference in charging time than replace the cable. Also inspect the pins on the ends, if any are burnt/discolored/corroded replace the cable. If the cable works on in one direction again replace it. Cable can actually increase stress on components and/or damage the charging port of the iPhone. Not worth the risk.
[doublepost=1515729956][/doublepost]
Just get MFi certified Lightning cables. Amazonbasic cables are fairly afforded and are certified from Apple. While they feel a little cheap the only failures I've had with them have been my fault. I have yet to wear the cable out like I do with Apples own cables.
The Anker brand of cables deliver the same power-load over all their lengths, and they are cheaper than anything Apple sells. Sold on Amazon. Hear good things about Monoprice. I also use Amazon Basics and have been happy with them.
That said, I have a 6ft cable from some no-name company and it too can charge my phone quickly on a 12w 2.4A charger (about 1:20 for 0-100%).
To extend the topic, will fast charger damage the battery? I read some articles and appears there are 2 camps. May not hv read enough. I hv asked Apple this q an its obvious their answer is No.
I believed Apple has a fast charger which is 29W as against the stock socket which is abt 5W. Whats your opinion if I get a charger higher than 29W . Not sure whether is it available though. Sorry am not tech savvy.
The internal circuitry prevents over current. So it will only use so much power as it needs without damaging itself.
Technically speaking, heating a battery up isn't great for it and sometimes high wattage chargers will do that. Effect on battery health would probably be negligible though.
Personally I wouldn't worry to much about it. Just avoid doing dumb stuff like using frayed and burnt cables and junky chargers.
Just want to add, that it's important to make sure that any offbrand of cable used for any iOS device is MFI certified. If it's not, they can be problematic In providing inconsistency with charging.
Last edited:
This.
When I said "no name" t was some brand other than the usual suspects, but, was labeled as MFi and bought from reputable store (Home Depot).
"Research" isn't really necessary - it's physics. Voltage drops occur over distances. The thinner the wire, the more it drops.
For all of our education, I would like to hear from an actual electrical engineer about this because your physics understanding is different than mine. My limited electrical knowledge tells me that DC voltage only drops over great distances (which is why the future of the distance power grid will likely involve cross-country DC high-voltage transmission lines). And, if a cable that is being used over only a few feet has enough resistance to cause a charging difference, then this would generate heat that could be really dangerous and cause a fire.
Therefore, I guess what I am saying is that with a quality cable (with a suitable conductor size and quality), I can't imgaine that a few feet can make any difference at all. However, with a cheap cable, anything is possible including cable heating or even damage to the device due to inferrior circutry.
Blog discussing this subject.
As the above article discusses, the wiring does have a resistance that affects charging rate. You can check the resistance yourself using this resistance calculator. The trick is finding the size of the wiring used in a cable.
As the above article discusses, the wiring does have a resistance that affects charging rate. You can check the resistance yourself using this resistance calculator. The trick is finding the size of the wiring used in a cable.