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Shropshire Repair Shop Warns: Cold Storage Destroys Devices

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shropshire Phone Repairs in Wem warned customers not to place phones or tablets in fridges or freezers during June’s heatwave.
Owner Jamie Farnell said the shop was flooded with moisture-damaged devices after people used cold-storage tricks.
He reported an iPad with a swollen lithium-ion battery that burst into flames.
Farnell explained rapid temperature changes cause internal condensation that can corrode parts, short-circuit boards and lead to costly repairs.

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Story summary

Shropshire Phone Repairs in Wem warned customers not to place phones or tablets in fridges or freezers during June’s heatwave.
Owner Jamie Farnell said the shop was flooded with moisture-damaged devices after people used cold-storage tricks.
He reported an iPad with a swollen lithium-ion battery that burst into flames.
Farnell explained rapid temperature changes cause internal condensation that can corrode parts, short-circuit boards and lead to costly repairs.