Charge mobile phone at work: is this allowed?

Charging your cell phone illegally at work can have painful consequences in an emergency. We explain to you when it is allowed and when you should better supply your smartphone with new juice at home.

Charge your mobile phone at work: reason for termination or trivial?

• According to § 248c StGB, the unauthorized charging of electrical devices such as cell phones on a third-party power source, such as at work, is a criminal offense.
• Lawyers then speak of "unauthorized withdrawal of electrical energy". It is - in layman's terms - electricity theft.
• Charging the mobile phone is permitted if it is a working device, for example if you can use it to reach the employer and customers on the go.
• Even if your boss expressly allows charging, you are authorized under § 248c StGB to charge your cell phone.
• If in doubt, if the charging of mobile phones has so far been tacitly tolerated, ask your employer again.
• Charging the cell phone is rarely a reason for termination, but it can easily lead to a warning.

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