PSA: Some USB-C Cables Are So Poorly Made, They Could Damage Your Hardware

Very few phones have the new USB Type-C cables just yet, but there are enough that manufacturers have jumped on the accessory train. Be careful when you buy, though. Some are so poorly made, they’re actually damaging hardware.

USB-C is the name for the new style of USB cable that’s coming to most phones in the near future. It’s a thankfully-reversible plug (so no more fumbling in the dark) that supports the USB 3.1 spec, which can transfer tons of data over your cables. Generally, it’s a good thing. The one major downside is that you’ll need to buy all new cables.

Some cable manufacturers, in their rush to capitalize on this massive new market, have made some units that are vastly out-of-spec. Google engineer Benson Leung has been reviewing USB-C cables for some time to highlight the ones that are not following the proper specs to build a cable, but he’s now found at least one that fried his $1,500 Chromebook Pixel.

If you’re in the market for a USB-C cable, take extra care when reading reviews (particularly Benson’s) to make sure that it’s safe. There are a few cables out there that are compliant with the new spec and shouldn’t damage your hardware. Unfortunately, cable manufacturers can fudge the details and still sell directly to consumers, which could leave you with a very costly cheap cable.

Google Engineer Benson Leung Finds A USB Type C Cable That Isn’t Just Dangerous On Paper — It Allegedly Fried His Hardware | Android Police

Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

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