Exploding Chargers

Trading Standards Services in the Northwest have recently been receiving complaints regarding exploding phone, ipod and Kindle chargers. Reported incidents involve the pins and base of the unit remaining seated in the wall socket and the top of the unit becoming a projectile, leaving wires exposed. This highlights the risks that people take when they buy cheaper, unbranded and possibly counterfeit products of this type online from traders they do not know.

Advice for Online shoppers

• know who you are dealing with check the trader's details on their website, including their geographic and email addresses
• don't assume 'UK' addresses mean the seller is based in the UK
• follow the manufacturers' guidelines in connection with add-on accessories
• always be wary of low cost bargains

If you have experienced any similar problems with chargers please let us know by emailing trading.standards@cumbria.gov.uk.  
For general advice on product safety or to report other problems contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06