Testing by an independent safety firm shows that an astounding 99% of all fake Apple chargers sold online fail basic safety testing. The tests were financed by the U.K.’s Trading Standards.
BBC:
The Trading Standards tests were performed by safety specialists UL.
They applied a high voltage to the chargers, which were bought online from eight different countries, including the US, China and Australia, to test for sufficient insulation.
Only three out of 400 counterfeit chargers were found to have enough insulation to protect against electric shocks. Leon Livermore, chief executive of Chartered Trading Standards Institute, urged 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,” he said.
Last month saw Apple filed a lawsuit against a company they say is selling counterfeit chargers, power adapters and cables on Amazon. Apple conducted its own tests, and found that nearly 90% of “genuine” Apple products it purchased on Amazon over a nine month period were fakes.
Earlier this week, Amazon announced it is stepping its battle against vendors who are selling fake goods on their site, saying it is a “major goal” going forward.
How to spot a dangerous fake charger
- Plug pins – Plug the charger into a socket, but don’t switch it on or connect to a device. If the charger does not fit easily, the pins may be the wrong size. There should be at least 9.5mm (0.3in) between the edge of the pins and the edge of the charger
- Markings – Look for a manufacturers’ brand name or logo, model and batch number. Check for the “CE” safety mark, but be aware it can be easily forged
- Warnings and instructions – User instructions should include conditions and limitations of use, how to operate the charger safely, basic electric safety guidance and details of safe disposal
Source: Trading Standards
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. When buying “genuine” iPhone, iPad, and Mac chargers and accessories, if the price is way below retail, take a closer look.
