An urgent warning has been issued to owners of Android or iPhone devices regarding the potential dangers of using unofficial chargers. With many new devices now only including a USB-C cable without a charger, consumers are faced with the choice of purchasing a charger separately. While official chargers from brands like Apple or Samsung can cost at least £20, cheaper alternatives can be found online for less than £8.
Consumer watchdog Which? conducted tests on chargers purchased from various online marketplaces, revealing concerning results. Nine chargers were found to have poor manufacturing standards, posing a risk of electric shock, while eight were identified as potential fire or explosion hazards. In one instance, a £11.99 plug resembling an Apple USB-C 35W Power Adapter was discovered to be a counterfeit product despite its packaging displaying Apple’s branding.
Further investigations uncovered chargers without mandatory UK safety markings and devices with unsafe internal circuitry that could lead to overheating, fires, or explosions. Which? emphasized that this is not the first time such safety concerns have been raised regarding electrical products sold on online platforms.
Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, emphasized the severe consequences of poorly designed electrical products and urged the government to enhance product safety laws for online marketplaces. In response, Amazon affirmed its commitment to customer safety, stating that all products on its platform must comply with regulations. The identified chargers have been removed, and Amazon actively monitors safety issues and recalls products when needed. B&Q also expressed a dedication to product safety on its Marketplace platform.
Consumers are advised to purchase chargers from official retailers or trusted brands like Apple, Belkin, Anker, or Samsung to avoid potential safety risks associated with cheaper alternatives. While these products may be pricier upfront, experts caution that the safety benefits outweigh the cost savings.