People like Benson Leung will always be part of what make the metaphorical tech world go round. Benson Leung is a Google Chromebook engineer who warns users not to buy OnePlus’ Type-C cables and adapters as they may damage the devices due to some potential fault. Less than two weeks back, Benson Leung embarked on a campaign to test each and every USB Type-C cable and adaptor he found listed on Amazon. Unfortunately, he discovered that majority of the items that are listed on Amazon are not up-to-spec. He then left ruthlessly honest reviews.

After conducting the test, he now says avoid buying the Type-C cable as it could damage your devices. He even presented a spreadsheet of the products that should be able to work with the Pixel C, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, and the OnePlus 2.

In a Google+ post, Benson says that one shouldn’t buy the cheap OnePlus USB Type-C adapter for Chromebook Pixel as well as Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X devices because it uses the wrong identifier resistor. He also warned users not to buy the OnePlus USB Type-C to Type-A or Type-C to microUSB cable. He further states that OnePlus accessories are not compliant to specifications.

Responding to a comment in the post, Benson writes, “Having a weaker than 3A charger is actually a risk factor because the device being charged will always try to charge at 3A and if the older adapter can’t handle 3A, that is when it might be damaged.”

Leung also wrote a review on Amazon and the review for the product states, “Using this charging cable,  the Chromebook Pixel will attempt to draw 3A of current over the cable, potentially damaging the USB hub or charger on the A side, which is not guaranteed to be rated at 3A.”

USB Type-C Could Damage Your Devices

Fundamentally, the USB Type-C 1.1 allows to deliver a power of up to 3A. But the devices such as the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are designed to draw that much power. The OnePlus’ Type-C adapter is meant to convert Type-A or micro/mini connectors to the new Type-C connector. But the Type-C adapter is unable to convert the power to 3A. So, the device will certainly try to draw 3A yet if the adapter is incapable of providing the 3A power. This could eventually increase the potential to damage the device.

Devices at Risk

• Nexus 5X
• Nexus 6P
• Chromebook Pixel

You could risk damaging the charger, hub, or USB port on your PC. OnePlus 2 USB Type-C cable is not spec compliant. However, he says that he is working with several vendors who are repairing their broken cables and adapters and will keep users posted as soon as the first one is available. He warns everyone not to use the cable for any device that supports fast charging, but preferably find another alternative.