Report warns 'potentially lethal' knock-off phone chargers sold on Amazon Haul, B&Q and e Bay can electrocute and even explode | Tech Radar
Overview
News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
Details
Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards.
Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
Report warns 'potentially lethal' knock-off phone chargers sold on Amazon Haul, B&Q and e Bay can electrocute and even explode
‘Potentially lethal’ phone chargers sold by major online retailers
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Which? discovers ‘potentially lethal’ phone chargers are being sold by major retailers
Cheap chargers pose serious risks of fire, electric shock and more
Consumer group demands stricter government regulation
British consumer watchdog Which? has revealed many of the third-party phone chargers available to consumers could present “potentially lethal” risks – and they’re often hidden in plain sight.
Nine of the 15 chargers tested by Which? posed serious electric shock risks, while eight also presented potential fire or explosion hazards, but more worryingly, many were available from popular and trustworthy high-street and online retailers like Amazon, B&Q and Debenhams.
The timeliness is also of note, because the findings come seven whole years after Which? first warned about dangerous counterfeit and low-quality chargers, suggesting the problem remains widespread despite repeated warnings.
These are the reasons cheap chargers can fail basic safety tests
According to the report, many of the chargers tested failed basic testing because the internal electrical components were positioned too close together, insulation was inadequate, high-voltage stress tests caused failures and plug pins did not meet British Standards requirements.
The most prevalent concern, then, was that the defective products could cause electrical arcing, where electricity jumps between components, leading to electric component failures in the best-off cases, but electric shocks, overheating, fire and explosions in the most severe cases.
‘Spicy pillows’ are the new hidden battery danger I found in my home — here’s how to dispose of them safely
Samsung Galaxy users warned against leaving their flashlights on accidentally following viral Tik Tok video
Among the examples given by the group was a counterfeit Apple USC-C 35W Power Adaptor sold for £11.99 – a not-at-all similar mock of Apple’s £59 charger. The researchers discovered arcing noises after just 10 seconds, and upon further investigation, found modelling clay inside the charger.
They believe it was added to make the device heavier, making it feel more ‘premium’. A second, separate model, sold via Debenhams, also included modelling clay within.
Besides suspiciously cheap chargers from Amazon (£2.99 and £3.99), e Bay (£2.10 and £2.80) and Ali Express (£1.30 and £5.69), Which? also found that a more expensive £10.99 charger sold via B&Q was subject to fire, electric shock and explosion risks.
And even the chargers that passed safety tests, including models sold via Temu and Shein, weren’t fully legitimate. They still lacked the required markings and importer details, making them illegal in the UK.
“Badly designed electricals like these can have life-altering - even fatal - consequences,” Head of Consumer Protection Policy Sue Davies commented.
I've chosen the best wireless chargers for different needs, after testing nearly 30 from all budget levels
Redditor warns they 'almost started a fire' with Steam Controller charger
Your stolen card details are being sold online for less than a fancy coffee
Which? calls for greater enforcement over online marketplaces
Which? argues that marketplace operators have now become a major route through which unsafe and illegal imports can reach UK consumers, because they often act as intermediaries for third-party sellers.
However, despite the implementation of the UK’s Product Regulation and Metrology Act in July 2025, the consumer group says implementation has been slow. Under the law, the government can place obligations on online marketplaces.
Which? is therefore advocating for stronger enforcement powers and greater accountability for third-party seller listings.
“By making 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’re being advised to buy from recognized brands and be wary of very cheap big-brand chargers. UK citizens should also look for the CE or UKCA marks and importer details.
Looking ahead, Which? has presented UK Department of Business and Trade Minister Kate Dearden a petition, with 150,000 signatories, calling for the government to regulate online marketplaces and fine them for breaches.
Follow Tech Radar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.
With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
1BT becomes first UK firm to join Anthropic Project Glasswing
2 Your pre-Prime Day audio roundup: 8 awesome portable hi-fi products
3 Why the shiny new i OS 27 Screen Time features won't matter without a major bug fix
4 Study shows many students are actually using AI for good — smashing the myth of cheating and laziness
5 Congratulations, Apple Intelligence can now effectively generate fake images just like all the other AI and I hope you're happy
Tech Radar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
Key Takeaways
- News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
- Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
- Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
- Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
- Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards
