- Which? Finds Major Retailers Selling ‘Potentially Lethal’ Phone Chargers
- Cheap chargers pose serious risks of fire, electric shock and more
- Consumer group demands stricter government regulation
The British consumer watchdog Which? has revealed that many of the third-party phone chargers available to consumers could pose “life-threatening” risks and are often hidden from view.
Nine of the 15 chargers tested by Which? posed serious electric shock risks, while eight also posed potential fire or explosion risks, but more worryingly, many were available from popular, trusted retailers and online stores such as Amazon, B&Q and Debenhams.
The punctuality is also notable, because the results arrive seven years after ¿Qué? warned for the first time about dangerous counterfeit and low-quality chargers, suggesting the problem remains widespread despite repeated warnings.
These are the reasons why cheap chargers may not pass basic safety tests
According to the report, many of the chargers tested failed basic tests because internal electrical components were placed too close together, insulation was inadequate, high-voltage stress tests caused failure and plug pins did not meet the requirements of British standards.
The most common concern, then, was that defective products could cause arcing, where electricity jumps between components, causing electrical component failure in the best cases, but electric shock, overheating, fires and explosions in the most serious cases.
Among the examples given by the group was a counterfeit Apple USC-C 35W power adapter which was sold for £11.99, a far cry from Apple’s £59 charger. Investigators discovered arcing noises after just 10 seconds and upon further investigation found modeling clay inside the charger.
They believe it was added to make the device heavier and make it feel more “premium.” A second stand-alone model, sold through Debenhams, also included clay.
Apart from the suspiciously cheap chargers from Amazon (£2.99 and £3.99), eBay (£2.10 and £2.80) and AliExpress (£1.30 and £5.69), which ones? It also found that a more expensive £10.99 charger sold through B&Q was subject to risks of fire, electric shock and explosion.
And even the chargers that passed safety testing, including models sold through Temu and Shein, were not completely legitimate. They still lacked the required markings and importer details, making them illegal in the UK.
“Poorly designed electrical systems like these can have life-altering, even fatal, consequences,” said Consumer Protection Policy Director Sue Davies.
Which? calls for greater law enforcement in online markets
Which? argues that market operators have now become an important route through which illegal and dangerous imports can reach UK consumers, because they often act as middlemen for third-party sellers.
However, despite the implementation of the UK Product Regulation and Metrology Act in July 2025, the consumer group says implementation has been slow. Under the law, the government can impose obligations on online marketplaces.
Which? It therefore advocates for stronger enforcement powers and greater liability for third-party seller listings.
“By holding online marketplaces legally responsible for unsafe products, the government can set a world-leading standard for product safety in the digital age,” Davies added.
As for consumers, they are recommended to buy from recognized brands and be careful with very cheap big brand chargers. UK citizens should also look for CE or UKCA markings and importer details.
Looking to the future, which one? has submitted a petition to UK Business and Trade Minister Kate Dearden, with 150,000 signatories, calling on the government to regulate online marketplaces and fine them for breaches.
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