- Electrical Safety First tested 14 travel adaptors from various online marketplaces including AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace, eBay, and TikTok Shop.
- The charity found that all tested adaptors failed to meet UK safety requirements, posing a risk of serious electric shock or electrocution.
- Warnings have been issued to UK holidaymakers about the risks of electrocution from these unsafe travel adaptors.
- Major online platforms including AliExpress, eBay, and Amazon have removed the unsafe adaptors from sale following the investigation.
- More than 10,000 unsafe adaptors may have already been sold to shoppers, according to information available online.
- Six of the eight tested universal travel adaptors posed a serious shock risk, as multiple sets of live pins could be exposed simultaneously while in use.
- Defects in the adaptors significantly increase the risk of electric shock and fires, as well as making it easier to come into contact with live electrical parts.
Electrical Safety First (ESF) has issued a stark warning to UK holidaymakers regarding the sale of 10,000 dangerous travel adaptors online, which could lead to serious electric shock or even electrocution. The charity tested 14 products from platforms including AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace, eBay, and TikTok Shop, all of which failed to meet UK safety standards.1
In their findings, six of the eight universal travel adaptors tested posed a significant risk, as multiple sets of live pins could be exposed simultaneously while in use. This could expose users to up to 240 volts of electricity, increasing the risk of electric shock, especially if someone touches the pins with wet hands.
The testing revealed that none of the adaptors met the required dimensions and mechanical strength, with some pins snapping off under force. Additionally, the six basic travel adaptors presented fire safety concerns, including missing safety shutters and oversized pin holes, which could lead to contact with live electrical parts.
Giuseppe Capanna, a product safety engineer at ESF, stated, “Shopping for your holiday getaway should be an enjoyable experience, not one that puts you at serious risk.” Following the alarming results, major online marketplaces have removed the unsafe adaptors from their sites. A spokeswoman for AliExpress confirmed, “We have removed the three travel adapter listings identified by Electrical Safety First.” Meanwhile, eBay and Amazon also stated they have taken similar actions to protect consumers.
The charity urges the government to take stronger measures against online sellers to ensure consumer safety.
“Electrical Safety First's investigation revealed that all 14 tested adaptors failed basic safety tests, with multiple live pins exposed simultaneously in six of eight universal adaptors. Giuseppe Capanna emphasized the need for consumers to purchase from reputable retailers to avoid potentially dangerous devices while traveling.”
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