The charger wire in my Apple charger shorted out a few months ago, in the process melting part of the plastic housing which dripped on to my bed spread. If I hadn't been sitting nearby and noticed, it could have easily started a fire.

This is the third Apple charger brick I have owned that has failed. It's always the charger wire that frays and fails. The cost does add up -- 3*$60 + new bed spread.