An urgent warning has been issued for owners of Android or iPhone devices regarding the dangers associated with using unofficial chargers. With many new devices now shipping without chargers, consumers are often left to purchase adapters separately, with prices starting at £20.
While the appeal of cheaper alternatives is understandable, consumer watchdog Which? has raised concerns about the safety of unofficial chargers. Testing various chargers bought from online platforms like Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, and others, Which? discovered that a significant number failed safety standards, with some posing risks of electric shock or fire hazards.
One particularly alarming find was a counterfeit Apple USB-C 35W Power Adapter that closely resembled the genuine product but failed safety tests. The investigation also revealed chargers lacking essential UK safety markings and devices with hazardous internal circuitry that could lead to overheating, fires, or explosions.
This isn’t the first time Which? has highlighted the risks of unsafe electrical products sold online. Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, emphasized the life-threatening consequences poorly designed electrical items can have and called for stricter product safety laws for online marketplaces.
Responding to the concerns, Amazon assured that customer safety is a priority and stated that all products on its platform must comply with regulations. Amazon removed the identified chargers and continues to monitor for safety issues. B&Q also reiterated its commitment to product safety on its Marketplace platform.
For consumers, the advice is clear: opt for chargers from reputable retailers or trusted brands like Apple, Belkin, Anker, or Samsung to avoid potential safety hazards associated with cheaper alternatives. While official products may be more expensive, experts caution that the risks of using substandard chargers outweigh any cost savings.