Consumer safety group Electrical Safety First found that 14 travel adaptors tested from major online marketplaces failed to meet UK safety standards.

Electrical Safety First (ESF) has issued a warning to travelers regarding dangerous plug adaptors sold on platforms including AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, and TikTok Shop. An investigation by the group found that 14 tested products failed to meet UK safety requirements, with some posing risks of electric shock or fire. The platforms involved have stated they removed the flagged items and are reviewing their safety controls.

Safety Failures Identified in Testing

ESF tested six regular travel adaptors and eight universal adaptors. The universal models frequently failed because multiple sets of pins could be exposed simultaneously, or because they lacked the required mechanical strength and dimensions. Some pins snapped off during testing, creating a risk of electrocution if a user attempted to remove a broken piece from a socket. The six basic travel adaptors also presented fire safety risks. These units were found to be missing essential safety shutters, which protect users from live internal parts, as well as missing fuses and having oversized pin holes.

Marketplace Responses and Regulatory Calls

Representatives from Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, and TikTok stated that they prioritize product safety and have removed the specific items identified by ESF. AliExpress noted it is contacting affected customers for a recall and restricting listings that show multiple pins extended at once. Despite these actions, ESF product safety engineer Giuseppe Capanna argued that online platforms are failing to prevent dangerous goods from reaching the public. The group is calling for the government to make online marketplaces legally responsible for the products sold on their sites.