● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 negative
Dangerous Travel Adaptors Found Online Pose Electric Shock and Fire Risks
Key points
- ESF tested 14 adaptors from AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, and TikTok Shop.
- All tested products failed UK safety requirements.
- Defects included exposed live parts, poor mechanical strength, and missing safety features.
- Online marketplaces removed flagged products; ESF advises caution for consumers.
Investigation Uncovers Unsafe Travel Adaptors
Electrical Safety First (ESF) conducted an investigation into travel adaptors sold online, purchasing 14 products from AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace, eBay, and TikTok Shop. The tests revealed that all these adaptors failed to comply with UK safety requirements, presenting potential dangers to users.
Identified Safety Hazards
The investigation found several critical safety flaws. Six out of eight universal adaptors allowed multiple sets of pins to be exposed simultaneously, and none met required dimensions or mechanical strength, with some pins breaking during tests. The six basic travel adaptors had fire safety concerns, including missing safety shutters, absent fuses, and oversized pin holes. These defects could lead to electric shock, electrocution, or fire.
Marketplace Response and Consumer Warning
AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, and TikTok stated they removed the specific products flagged by ESF and emphasized their commitment to product safety. However, Giuseppe Capanna, ESF product safety engineer, advised consumers traveling abroad to purchase adaptors from trusted retailers to ensure safety and avoid potential risks associated with cheaper, non-compliant products.
Regulatory Concerns and Past Recalls
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has previously noted similar concerns, issuing alerts and ordering recalls for travel adaptors lacking safety shutters or failing to meet UK plug dimension requirements. Online reviews also indicated widespread purchase and use of potentially dangerous devices, with one user reporting an adaptor falling apart during use.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
An investigation by Electrical Safety First (ESF) found that 14 travel adaptors purchased from major online marketplaces failed to meet UK safety standards, posing risks of electric shock and fire. ESF urged consumers to buy adaptors from trusted retailers to avoid potential hazards.