Trading standards officers have warned that thousands of potentially unsafe chargers for devices such as games consoles and mobile phones are flooding the UK.
The chargers, said to be imported from China, are believed to be available to purchase via the Internet and from retail stores. According to Trading Standard tests, the devices can cause electrocution and are at risk of overheating.
Late last week, Buckinghamshire Trading Standards issued a recall for non-branded gaming console chargers, and the problem is now believed to be more widespread. Trading Standards states that many of the chargers are carrying a CE-certified safety mark which is believed to be a fake.
The recall notice for non-branded gaming console chargers reads:
We are alerting consumers to potential electric shock and overheating problems we have found in certain non-branded gaming machine chargers imported from China and typically sold through on-line sites.
The chargers were supplied as accessories for charging Nintendo DS and DS Lite machines, although they could also be used to charge Gameboy machines.
One of the chargers causing concern can be identified by the product code: DE 62347066 which is marked on the black label attached. However, the other charger carries no identifying product code on the silver label and is simply called 'Travel Charger'. On the body of the 'Travel Charger' the abbreviation 'USB' is also visible.
Consumers who believe they're affected by the notice should contact Trading Standards for further advice.
