The charger will become very hot, and you will notice an inconsistency in the LEDs lighting up before the fire starts. Here is the photo documentary.
VERY hot charger plug. You will see the plastic is starting to melt
Even HOTTER. The plastic is starting to bubble and 'hiss'
Smoke begins to pour out. Look against the black background to see it, the photo doesn't do the amount of smoke justice.
After unplugging it after heavy smoking, I opened the case to see the damage inside
Look at the right hand side. You can see the black circuit board, and the browned plastic above it
Rotated view, look at the smoldered circuit board near the bottom... that USED to be a component
Another view, a little fuzzy
A good view of the plastic catching on fire, where it comes in contact with the circuit board
Another good view of the plastic catching on fire, where it comes in contact with the circuit board
Download MPG movie part 1 (16MB)
Download MPG movie part 2 (11MB)
A dark, but informative view of what the unit looks like as it is starting to burn. It's a shame I didn't have more light, or smell-o-vision.
Use caution with these new chargers, and make sure to DEMAND that sprint fix this problem before someone's home or hotel is burned down, putting many at risk!!
_Scott
I330 Headquarters
http://i330.nopdesign.com