Phone chargers sold on major online marketplaces can shock users, catch fire, and even explode, according to a new Which? investigation that should alarm anyone buying cheap electronics online.
Quick Take
- Which? tested 15 USB phone chargers from seven online marketplaces and found nine were badly made enough to risk electric shock.[1]
- Eight of the chargers also posed fire or explosion risks, which raises serious safety concerns for families.[1]
- The chargers came from Amazon, including Amazon Haul, B&Q Marketplace, eBay, AliExpress, and Debenhams Marketplace.[1]
- All 15 chargers were missing key information that should have kept them from being legally sold in the United Kingdom.[1]
What Which? Found
Which? bought 15 USB phone chargers from seven online marketplaces and tested them for safety and legal compliance in the United Kingdom.[1] Nine chargers were so poorly made that users could face electric shock, and eight also carried fire or explosion risks.[1] The watchdog said all 15 lacked key packaging, product, or document details that should have blocked legal sale.[1]
The worst examples came from familiar names that many shoppers trust. Which? said two unbranded eBay chargers bought for only £2.10 and £2.80 both posed risks of fire, explosion, and electrocution.[1] A USB-C charger sold through Amazon Haul for £6.99 failed electrical safety tests and was judged a shock and fire risk.[1] A 2-in-1 Super Fast Charger from B&Q Marketplace also failed and could explode, catch fire, or shock the user.[1]
Why Cheap Chargers Turn Dangerous
The danger is not just about price. The problem is weak design, missing safety parts, and poor control over what third-party sellers list online.[1] Which? said the chargers it tested were badly manufactured, and some failed in ways that created arcing, which can spark a fire or electric shock.[2] That is the kind of defect that should never pass as a safe household product.[2]
This report fits a wider safety pattern seen in uncertified charging gear. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission said every uncertified USB charger model it tested failed multiple safety checks, and it warned these products can create fire and electric shock hazards.[1] Electrical Safety First says certified USB devices are generally very safe when used correctly, which shows the real issue is not all chargers, but the bad ones flooding the market.[4]
Why Marketplace Oversight Matters
For shoppers, the lesson is simple: a familiar website does not guarantee a safe product.[1] Which?’s findings suggest marketplace screens are not catching dangerous third-party listings before they reach buyers.[1] That matters because families often buy chargers as low-cost, everyday items and expect them to work safely the moment they are plugged in.[1]
⚠️ Warning for online shoppers: Phone chargers sold on major marketplaces including Amazon, eBay and B&Q could pose serious safety risks.
A Which? investigation found 9 out of 15 USB chargers tested were so poorly made they could give users an electric shock, while 8 also posed… pic.twitter.com/hbdQzntD0m
— Radio News Hub (@radionewshub) June 10, 2026
The watchdog is now pressing for stronger rules so online marketplaces cannot hide behind seller listings while dangerous goods slip through.[3] For conservative readers, this is another example of basic consumer protection failing where common sense should have been enough. A charger should power a phone, not threaten a home, and buyers should not need to become safety inspectors just to charge a device.
Sources:
[1] Web – Phone chargers sold by Amazon, B&Q and eBay can electrocute and …
[2] Web – [PDF] Letter to UL on AC and USB Chargers Nov 2018 Signed.pdf
[3] Web – [PDF] Safety Testing for USB Charger Direct Plug-in Units – Theseus
[4] Web – More power, faster: A look at charging cable safety issues
