A new research conducted by a global independent safety firm has divulged that 99 percent of fake Apple chargers sold online are not safe and indeed, are unable to qualify even a basic safety test.
These tests were undertaken by Illinois-based global safety specialists UL and made according to the U.K.’s Trading Standards. Once high voltage was applied to the fake chargers as part of the insulation test, surprising results were obtained.
Only three out of counterfeit 400 chargers which were bought online from eight different countries, including the U.S., China, and Australia, had adequate insulation to ensure protection against electric shocks.
According to Leon Livermore, the chief executive of Chartered Trading Standards Institute, these fake chargers that are sold online are an “unknown entity”. He advised shoppers to buy electrical goods only from trusted suppliers.
It might cost a few pounds more, but counterfeit and second-hand goods are an unknown entity that could cost you your home or even your life, or the life of a loved-one.
The problem with selling fake products online has been acknowledged by the famous American electronic commerce company Amazon as well. Earlier this week, Amazon said that it had made fighting the fake products a “major goal” going forward. This announcement came after Apple filed a lawsuit last month against a company accusing it of selling fake power adapters and cables on Amazon.
According to Gillian Guy, chief executive of the U.K.’s Citizens Advice,
Counterfeit electrical goods are likely to be poor quality and in the worst cases unsafe. Look out for tell-tale signs of counterfeiting such as mistakes in brand names or logos, and check plugs for safety marks – all genuine electrical items made in the EU should have a CE mark on them.
Trading Standards has disseminated a press release slating out guidelines to help consumers in the EU spot a fake charger. Here are some safely advises by Trading Standards that that should be kept in mind:
- Check pin size before buying a charger
- Look for regulation markings, warnings and instructions on the product and its packing
- Refrain from over charging your appliances
- Do not cover devices while charging
- Do not use a charger with a cracked case or frayed cable.
Well, we are eagerly awaiting for Apple and Amazon to take the fight to counterfeit goods producers. Until that happens though, it is up to us to ensure our safety by sticking to genuine products.
