USB Type-C: it seems almost magic. A cable that does everything – charge, high-speed data transfer, HDMI for video, Ethernet wired Internet connection, and a standard USB for everything else, all in one port. The power can flow in both directions, both to and from the port. It also has the ability to fry devices if used incorrectly.
USB Type-C is ultra fast. It has the ability to transfer data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps, or twice as fast as USB 3.0 (which operates at 5 Gbps), 20 times faster than USB 2.1 (at 480 Mbps) and an incredible 833 times faster than the original (and now obsolete) USB 1.1, which operated at a mere 12 Mbps.
These abilities are presenting new challenges, as the speed of the USB cable may be higher than the device is capable of handling, resulting in devices being fried and ruined through use of the wrong type of cable. Since the port is the same for various devices, it is common for users to use their cables interchangeably. More care needs to be taken in the world of USB Type-C.
Google engineer Benson Leung used generic USB Type-C cables to charge his Chromebook Pixel and literally destroyed the device. When he investigated, he found that the construction of the cables and their components differ across products, meaning they really are not interchangeable.
There are some ways to keep from destroying devices and still use the powerful USB Type-C cable. First, whenever possible, use the genuine cable/adapter/charger that came with the device. Check out reviews for any cables, adapters or chargers that you might be considering buying. Avoid cheap, off-lable charging cables and adapters from companies no one has heard of. Stick with well-known companies like Anker, Monoprice or Belkin.