Travelers heading abroad this summer are being urged to exercise caution when purchasing plug adaptors after a safety investigation revealed that several products sold on major online platforms fail to meet UK safety standards. The charity Electrical Safety First (ESF) tested 14 different adaptors sourced from Amazon Marketplace, AliExpress, eBay, and TikTok Shop, finding that every single item failed to comply with essential safety requirements.

The testing process highlighted significant hazards, including the risk of electric shock, electrocution, and fire. Among the universal adaptors tested, six out of eight allowed multiple sets of pins to be exposed simultaneously, a design flaw that poses a severe safety risk. Furthermore, none of the universal models met the necessary mechanical strength standards, with some pins breaking off during use. Basic travel adaptors also showed critical defects, such as missing safety shutters, the absence of required fuses, and oversized pin holes.

Giuseppe Capanna, a product safety engineer at ESF, warned that consumers should prioritize buying from trusted retailers rather than seeking out potential bargains that could carry life-altering risks. The charity has called for legislative changes that would make online marketplaces legally accountable for the safety of products sold through their platforms.

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In response to the findings, the retailers involved confirmed that the specific products flagged by the investigation have been removed from their sites. Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, and TikTok all stated that they prioritize consumer safety and utilize various monitoring systems to prevent the sale of hazardous goods. However, consumer advocacy groups like Which? have echoed the concerns, noting that dangerous electrical items continue to reach the public despite repeated warnings.

To identify potentially unsafe adaptors, experts advise consumers to look for three warning signs: the ability to extend multiple sets of pins at once, visible internal components through socket holes, and poor spelling or grammar on packaging, which may indicate a lack of manufacturing quality control.

Source: BBC News