An urgent warning has been issued to owners of Android and iPhone devices, emphasizing the critical nature of the message. The cautionary notice arises from ongoing worries regarding the use of unofficial power packs to charge batteries. With the current trend of new devices being supplied solely with a USB-C cable, sans chargers, consumers may find themselves needing to spend a minimum of £20 to procure a suitable adapter.
Recognizing the considerable expense, many users are inclined to seek more economical options. Unbranded chargers are readily available on various online platforms like Amazon, priced at under £8—almost half the cost of chargers directly from reputable manufacturers such as Apple or Samsung. Nonetheless, consumer advocacy group Which? is sounding the alarm on these budget-friendly alternatives, citing potential safety hazards.
In a recent investigation, Which? acquired a selection of chargers from online marketplaces like Amazon, AliExpress, B&Q Marketplace, Debenhams Marketplace, and eBay. Results from testing were alarming, revealing that nine chargers posed risks of electric shock due to subpar manufacturing, while eight were flagged as potential fire or explosion threats.
Shockingly, one plug closely resembled an Apple USB-C 35W Power Adapter, priced at £11.99 and even packaged with Apple branding. However, Which? discovered that this product was a counterfeit charger that failed safety assessments.
Further scrutiny exposed chargers lacking mandatory UK safety markings and devices with hazardous internal circuitry that could escalate the likelihood of overheating, fires, or explosions.
This isn’t the first instance of Which? raising concerns about unsafe electrical products being sold through online platforms.
Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, emphasized the severe consequences poorly designed electrical items could have, including life-altering or fatal outcomes. She urged the government to leverage new powers under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act to fortify product safety regulations and impose clear legal responsibilities on online marketplaces, reinforced by robust enforcement measures.
Responding to the concerns, Amazon reiterated its commitment to customer safety and highlighted its collaboration with Electrical Safety First to advocate safe charging practices. The company affirmed that all products on its platform must adhere to relevant laws and regulations and assured that the chargers identified by Which? had been removed. Amazon stated that it actively monitors safety issues, recalls affected products, and reaches out to customers as necessary.
B&Q echoed these assurances, stating its dedication to product safety and proactive efforts to ensure recalled items are not listed for sale on its Marketplace platform.
For consumers, the advice is straightforward: opt for chargers from official retailers or reputable brands like Apple, Belkin, Anker, and Samsung. Despite the higher initial cost, experts caution that the safety risks associated with cheaper alternatives far outweigh any potential savings.
