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OnePlus responds to USB Type-C cable confusion: offers refunds
Goolger Benson Leung has been calling out a lot of USB Type-C adapter cable manufacturers lately for not correctly sticking to the official specifications and potentially causing damage to older charging hardware. One of the companies caught out was OnePlus, which supplies a USB Type-C cable and adapter to charge up its OnePlus 2 flagship. OnePlus has now issued a response to the complaint.
OnePlus has restated that its charger is perfectly suitable to power up its OnePlus 2 smartphone from its charger, but also acknowledges that its cable does not correctly meet the USB Type-C standard to ensure that the adapter works with third party devices powered by a variety of power sources.
“Recently it has come to our attention that two of our products, the OnePlus Type-C cable and the OnePlus USB Type-C adapter, are using a resistor that may not be fully compatible with some third-party devices. Please rest assured that this cable and adapter are safe to use with the OnePlus 2.” – OnePlus’ Carl Pei
OnePlus previously stated that its USB Type-C cable was complaint with the Type-C 1.0 standard, but the company now acknowledges that it is using the incorrect resistor value for supporting older USB charger types. The Oneplus cable uses a 10kΩ instead of a 56kΩ resistor, which is a common problem. OnePlus has already begun work on a replacement cable that includes the correct resistor value.
So what does this all mean? Well, OnePlus’ cable is safe to use for Type-C to Type-C charging and for use with the OnePlus 2. However, other devices may draw too much current from other power charging ports that don’t offer their own regulation, potentially causing damage to them. To help clarify the situation, OnePlus has issued this overview:
OnePlus also recommends that you check that your charger has been certified by the CE, CCC or UL, and to look for the logo. As this means that the charger should have its own self-regulation circuit that should prevent any damage.
If you’re not satisfied, OnePlus is also offering customers refunds on the cable before December 31st 2015. North American and European customers can ask for a refund through this website, which will be processed through PayPal. Chinese and Indian consumers should take their cable to the nearest OnePlus repair center for their refund.