NFPA warns of Chromebook Challenge safety risks
Iain Hoey
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Experts warn of device damage and battery fire risk in viral Chromebook Challenge
The NFPA has reported that a social media trend known as the “Chromebook Challenge” has resulted in a number of fire-related incidents in the United States.
According to the NFPA, the trend involves inserting a paperclip or other metal object into a Chromebook USB port, causing a short circuit that can lead to sparking, smoke, or fire.
Brian O’Connor, senior engineer at the NFPA, explained that the presence of lithium-ion batteries increases the danger because the batteries can release toxic gases, ignite or even explode when damaged.
State fire officials confirm multiple incidents across Massachusetts
The State Fire Marshal of Massachusetts, Jon Davine, stated that more than a dozen incidents related to the trend have been reported by local fire departments since early May.
Davine added that he had issued a notification to fire chiefs across the state warning them about the issue.
He said: “We’ve received more than a dozen reports from Massachusetts fire departments of young people engaging in this behavior in less than a week.”
He continued: “There are probably many more that responsible adults haven’t heard of or officially reported.”
Davine added: “No matter how smart your kids or students might be, please impress upon them that the only thing you should place in a computer port is the appropriate cord.”
Safety concerns linked to battery chemistry and circuit abuse
O’Connor explained the technical risks in detail.
He said: “This trend is dangerous because it causes damage that results in a short circuit in the laptop, generating heat, sparks, and smoke that can cause a fire.”
He continued: “It’s important to note that laptops contain lithium-ion batteries, which, when heated too much, can lead to toxic gas generation, fire, and even explosions.”
O’Connor added: “If there is damage done to the laptop then there is an increased risk for that laptop to malfunction.”
He explained: “The malfunction can be minimal and almost unnoticeable, or it can be a major malfunction that can lead to heat generation, sparking, smoke generation, a potential fire and even a potential explosion if the battery is involved.”
Educators, parents and public safety advocates urged to intervene
According to the NFPA, these incidents are part of a broader pattern of hazardous online trends that have led to injuries and damage in the past.
The organisation said previous examples include a 2020 challenge where participants dropped coins onto partially inserted plug prongs, causing electrical fires.
The NFPA said it provides resources for public educators and caregivers to support conversations with students and families about the dangers of engaging in these behaviours.
Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, said: “Today’s electronic devices pack a lot of power into small containers, and tampering with them is dangerous.”
He added: “Almost all modern laptops are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can erupt in sparks and flames when damaged or abused.”
Kelleher continued: “An event like that will injure anyone close by. The fire can easily spread to clothing, bedding, upholstery, and furniture.”
Chromebook Challenge fire risk prompts US safety warnings: Summary
The NFPA has reported that a social media trend called the “Chromebook Challenge” involves inserting metal objects into Chromebook USB ports.
This action can cause short circuits that result in smoke, sparks, or fires.
The NFPA stated that lithium-ion batteries present in these devices increase the risk of toxic gas release, fire, or explosion.
Brian O’Connor of the NFPA provided a technical explanation of the dangers involved.
The State Fire Marshal of Massachusetts confirmed over a dozen reported incidents across the state since early May.
Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher warned about the risks of tampering with electronic devices.
The NFPA noted that similar trends have caused injuries and damage in the past.
Resources for educators and caregivers are available on the NFPA’s lithium-ion safety webpage.
