Unsafe travel adaptors sold online could expose holidaymakers to electric shock, charity warns
Thousands of UK holidaymakers could be putting themselves at risk by buying unsafe travel adaptors from online marketplaces, according to a new investigation by consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First.
The charity tested 14 travel adaptors bought from listings on AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace, eBay and TikTok Shop. Every product failed basic electrical safety assessments, with several presenting what Electrical Safety First described as a serious risk of electric shock or electrocution.
The investigation found that six of the eight universal travel adaptors allowed more than one set of plug pins to be exposed while connected to a power supply. This meant users could potentially come into contact with live electrical parts carrying up to 240 volts.
Engineers also discovered that several products advertised with “surge protection” contained no surge protection components. In addition, the plug pins on all eight universal adaptors failed required dimensional or strength standards, creating the possibility that pins could snap inside sockets and expose users to live electricity if removed incorrectly.
Customer reviews highlighted further concerns. One of the unsafe travel adaptors listed on Amazon Marketplace, which had accumulated almost 9,000 reviews, included reports of overheating and damaged electrical devices. Another sold through AliExpress attracted claims that it exploded during use.
Basic travel adaptors intended for individual destinations also showed multiple safety failings. Electrical Safety First identified missing safety shutters, missing fuses, oversized plug openings and designs that accepted three-pin plugs without providing an earth connection, removing an important layer of electrical protection.
Further laboratory testing examined the fire resistance of six adaptors. None passed the recognised glow wire test, with the plastic casings igniting instead of self-extinguishing, indicating they could contribute to the spread of a fire.
Electrical Safety First said the findings build on a similar investigation carried out last year, when the charity identified dangerous travel adaptors across several online marketplaces.
Product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna urged consumers to buy travel adaptors only from trusted retailers, warning that low-cost products purchased online could carry significant hidden risks at a time when many families are preparing for overseas holidays.
Have you come across unsafe electrical products bought online? Share your experience in the comments and follow EyeOnLondon for more consumer safety news.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
