Brits have been warned about dangerous energy-saving plugs bought from online marketplaces after two exploded during testing. Electrical Safety First, a charity working to reduce deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents, found that all 13 devices purchased from AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace, and TikTok Shop failed basic safety tests.
The warning comes as energy bills hit a three-year high, with Ofgem’s energy price cap rising by 4% on Thursday. Forecasters predict a further significant hike from January 1, prompting people to look for ways to cut costs.
Devices fail to deliver promised savings
The devices claim to save electricity and reduce energy bills by stabilising voltage in a home simply by plugging into a socket. However, the charity found that none of the devices contained components capable of delivering the energy savings claimed by sellers and would actually cost users money to run.
The plug pins on all 13 devices failed to meet required dimensional and mechanical strength requirements. Some had no fuse or other suitable protection inside, increasing the risk of fire and electric shock. Others contained a glass fuse in the mains circuit, which does not meet safety requirements and could shatter, risking fire and serious electric shock.
Thousands of devices may have been sold
UK households have been urged to be aware, as it is believed that tens of thousands of the devices may have already been sold to Brits.
Electrical Safety First product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna said: “Unscrupulous third-party sellers on online marketplaces are exploiting the financial pressures facing households, promoting bogus products that prey on people’s understandable desire to save money on their energy bills.”
He added: “At a time when household budgets are already being squeezed, consumers should be able to trust that products being sold to them are safe and do what they claim. But our investigation exposes these so-called energy-saving devices for what they really are: worthless products that deliver no savings while potentially putting people at serious risk of electric shock or fire.”
Online marketplaces respond
Capanna also said: “Shopping through online marketplaces in the UK is currently far too dangerous. Time and time again, our investigations uncover dangerous products being sold on these platforms, despite their claims that customer safety is a priority. We need bold and robust, legally enforceable measures that make platforms responsible for the safety of products sold on their sites. Without urgent action, dangerous products will continue to put consumers’ lives at risk.”
AliExpress said: “Product safety is our top priority at AliExpress. We have removed the five listings identified by Electrical Safety First and are contacting affected customers to initiate a recall through our established channels. We are also reviewing the broader category for enhanced controls. We welcome detailed findings like these and remain committed to ensuring a safe online shopping environment.”
Amazon and TikTok said the products flagged in the investigation had been removed from sale.
