How to Extend the Life of Your inCharge Cable

Quick Answer

To extend the life of your inCharge cable, handle it gently, coil it properly, protect the connectors, and use the inCharge Life Extender to reduce strain on the port.

Steps to Extend Your inCharge Cable's Life

1. Coil the cable loosely: When storing your cable, coil it in a loose loop rather than wrapping it tightly around a device or using a tight twist tie. Tight wraps stress the internal wires and can cause breaks over time. Checkpoint: If you see kinks or bends in the cable, re-coil it more loosely.
2. Grip the connector, not the cable: When plugging or unplugging, always pull on the connector housing instead of the cable itself. Pulling the cable strains the joint where the cable meets the connector, a common failure point. Checkpoint: If the cable feels loose at the connector, it may be time to replace it.
3. Use the Life Extender for hard-to-reach ports: If you regularly plug your cable into a port that's awkward to reach, use the inCharge Life Extender as a permanent dock. This reduces the need to plug and unplug the cable, preserving the connector and the port. Checkpoint: Make sure the extender is rated for the same power and data speeds as your cable to avoid bottlenecks.
4. Avoid extreme temperatures and sharp bends: Keep your cable away from direct heat sources and avoid bending it at sharp angles, especially near the connectors. Extreme temperatures can degrade the insulation and internal components over time. Checkpoint: If the cable feels hot or shows any melting, stop using it immediately.
5. Clean the connectors periodically: Dust and lint can accumulate in the USB-C connector, causing poor contact and intermittent charging. Use a dry, soft brush or compressed air to gently clean the connector pins. Checkpoint: If cleaning doesn't restore a secure connection, the connector may be worn out.

Product Spotlight

• inCharge® Life Extender: The inCharge Life Extender is a female-to-female USB-C coupler that joins any two inCharge Life cables to add length, or keeps a connector permanently docked in a hard-to-reach port. Using it as a permanent dock reduces the need to repeatedly plug and unplug your cable, which is a common cause of connector wear.