Phone chargers sold by major online retailers including Amazon, B&Q, and eBay can electrocute users and explode, a watchdog has warned. Which? purchased 15 USB phone chargers from seven online marketplaces and tested them for safety and legality in the UK. The investigation revealed that nine chargers were so poorly manufactured that anyone using them risked receiving an electric shock.
Dangerous Findings
The nine unsafe chargers were bought from Amazon (including Amazon Haul), AliExpress, B&Q Marketplace, Debenhams Marketplace, and eBay. Eight of these also posed fire and explosion risks. All 15 chargers lacked key information on packaging, the charger itself, or in documentation, making them illegal for sale in the UK.
Fake Apple Charger
One charger, sold as an "Apple" USB-C 35W Power Adaptor for £11.99 on eBay and bearing the Apple logo, was found to be a dangerous counterfeit. Which? researchers heard arcing sounds—indicating a current jumping between circuit parts—after just 10 seconds of an electrical strength test. This could cause fire, explosion, or electric shock. Inside the charger, they discovered a lump of modelling clay, likely added to give it a heavier, more genuine feel. A customer who bought the charger reported that it overloaded and ruined their iPad and phone, both of which stopped charging.
Other Risky Chargers
Two unbranded chargers from eBay sellers, costing £2.10 and £2.80, posed risks of fire, explosion, and electrocution. A USB-C charger from Amazon Haul for £6.99 failed electrical safety tests, presenting shock and fire hazards. The 2-1 Super Fast Charger (£10.99) from a B&Q Marketplace seller also failed safety tests and could explode, cause fire, or shock users. A Dual Port 35W charger (£9.99) from Debenhams marketplace failed all tests and contained modelling clay.
AliExpress and Others
Two chargers from AliExpress sellers (£1.30 and £5.69) had multiple failings that could cause explosion, fire, or electric shock. Chargers from Temu and Shein passed safety tests but lacked required markings, including details of the UK importer.
Expert Warnings
Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer protection policy, said: "Badly designed electricals like these can have life-altering—even fatal—consequences. Online marketplaces have known about the danger of knock-off chargers for the better part of a decade, but consumers continue to be placed at risk." She urged the government to use powers under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act to impose a legal duty on online marketplaces for product safety, with tough enforcement.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, said: "Counterfeiting is a very intentional act... Our own research into counterfeit Apple chargers found criminals filling them with metal weights to mimic the feel of genuine products. This introduced a serious risk of electric shock." She called for a clear legal duty of care on online marketplaces, backed by robust enforcement and meaningful penalties.
Retailer Responses
All retailers involved said they had removed the listings in question, either proactively or following Which?'s findings, and stated that customer safety is a priority.
