Britons planning overseas trips this summer are being cautioned against purchasing “highly dangerous” travel adaptors that pose risks of electric shocks or even electrocution.
A recent examination by Electrical Safety First of 14 adapters from various platforms like Ali Express, eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and TikTok Shop revealed that all of them failed basic safety assessments. The charity raised concerns that over 10,000 of these hazardous adaptors may have already been distributed to unknowing consumers.
During the testing, it was discovered that multiple travel adaptors had exposed plug pins that could be live simultaneously. The charity warned that such a scenario could be fatal if the pins were touched with wet hands.
Furthermore, some adaptors had plug pins that could potentially break off inside a socket. Others were found lacking safety shutters or fuses, and some had oversized plug pin holes, increasing the risk of contact with live electrical components.
Giuseppe Capanna, a product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, emphasized the importance of being cautious while shopping for travel essentials: “Shopping for your holiday getaway should be an enjoyable experience, not one that puts you at serious risk.”
Capanna urged British travelers going abroad this summer to be mindful of their purchases and advised them to only buy travel adaptors from reputable retailers they trust to ensure a safe travel experience.
Following the findings, AliExpress, eBay, Amazon, and TikTok have taken action to remove the identified unsafe listings. Andrew McConnell, spokesman for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, echoed the importance of using trusted electrical products and accessories to minimize safety risks while traveling.
Travelers are reminded to exercise caution when buying electrical items for their trips, whether it’s a travel adaptor, power bank, or any other electronic device, to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
