Should magnetic chargers carry warnings about pacemakers and cards?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: Yes, including a warning is sensible. Apple’s support page on medical device interference advises keeping iPhone and MagSafe accessories more than 6 inches (15 cm) from an implanted medical device, or more than 12 inches (30 cm) when wirelessly charging, and to consult the physician and device maker. The FDA also recommends at least 6 inches. Magnets can also affect cards with magnetic stripes and hotel key cards. Put this guidance in the manual and listing, and check required warnings with your compliance adviser.

Why the warning matters

Some implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, contain sensors that respond to strong magnets, switching into a special mode while a magnet is nearby. Magnetic chargers and accessories contain magnets, and wireless chargers also emit electromagnetic fields. The US FDA has published guidance on magnets in consumer electronics, and Apple has a support page on potential interference with medical devices.

What the guidance says

Apple advises keeping iPhone and MagSafe accessories more than 6 inches (15 cm) away from an implanted medical device, or more than 12 inches (30 cm) apart when wirelessly charging, and to consult the physician and medical device manufacturer for specific guidance. The FDA recommends keeping consumer electronics that may cause magnetic interference at least six inches away from implanted medical devices and not carrying them in a pocket over the device.

Suggested wording

A manual note could read: “This product contains magnets and emits electromagnetic fields. If you have an implanted medical device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, keep this product at least 15 cm (6 in) away, and at least 30 cm (12 in) while charging, and consult your physician and device manufacturer.” Adjust wording with your compliance adviser to fit your product and markets.

Cards and other items

Magnets can damage or erase cards that use magnetic stripes, such as some hotel key cards and older bank cards. Advise users not to place cards between the phone and charger, and to remove card wallets before charging.

Where to place the warning

The manual is the main place, with a short line on the listing and packaging. Staff should know the guidance so they can answer questions.

Confirm with Wecent the magnet type and warnings already included in each model’s manual; this is not medical or legal advice.

Where this answer says confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the standards bodies, regulators or device makers named in the text.