Don't use the OnePlus 2's USB Type-C charging cable on anything else besides the OnePlus 2. Otherwise, it may cause damage to another device.

The USB Type-C specifications require a 56 k-ohm resistor, but OnePlus made a mistake and used a 10 k-ohm resistor in its OnePlus 2 charging cable.

"This could result in damage to the power source (third-party charger, USB port, etc.) if the device and power source do not have an internal mechanism to self-regulate the amount of power flowing to or from them," OnePlus cofounder, Carl Pei, admits in the company's forums.

The flaw was discovered by Google Engineer Benson Leung who's worked on the Pixel C laptop (which, of course, also incorporates the USB Type-C standard). Previously, Leung took to Amazon to call out substandard and potentially dangerous third-party USB Type-C cables on the online retail store and gave it bad reviews.

Now, his most recent revelation surrounding OnePlus' cable has prompted the company to offer refunds for its own USB Type-C cable. However, there are some notable exceptions. First, OnePlus' refund only applies to customers who bought the cable separately — it will not replace the cable that came with the OnePlus 2.

"Please rest assured that this cable and adapter are safe to use with the OnePlus 2," Pei further explains.

The company reasons that the cable provided with its handset does as it's supposed to — charge the OnePlus 2. In that, the cable is not flawed. Sold separately, however, with the intention of being used for other devices, the company admits fault and will refund the product.

It's still quite a bummer that something as universal as a USB cable can't be used with other devices especially when we're already used to using cables for multiple devices. It should be a good thing then that the OnePlus 2 cable is bright red so it'll be difficult to mistake it for use with another device.

Unfortunately there is a deadline to apply for the OnePlus' refund; customers have until the last day of the year to get their money back. OnePlus has also started upgrading the said products to industry standard specifications.

Photo: Eliseo Ocampos | Flickr