Third-party chargers may be much cheaper and easier to buy compare to those available on the shelves in your local Apple Store. A new study suggests that smartphone users should not use third-party chargers because a majority of those are unsafe. Fake chargers don't have the same quality as the original made.
Cheap iPhone Chargers Are Dangerous
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), a UK association that represents trading standards professionals, tested some 400 counterfeit chargers for Apple products as part of the study. The adapters are from eight different countries including Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Thailand and the US.
Express reported that out of the 400 third-party chargers tested in the study, only three charger's were insulated well enough to protect against electric shocks. Another test by the CTSI looked to test second-hand goods in local shops. It discovered that 15 percent of the 3,019 electrical goods tested were non-compliant with UK standards.
"Only buy second-hand electrical goods that have been tested and only buy online electrical goods from trusted suppliers," said Leon Livermore, CTSI Chief Executive, from the report of Science World. "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."
Official Says...
According to TNW, Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe from the Department of Business, Energy and Industry says: "The Government is committed to promoting consumer awareness of the dangers of buying counterfeit goods and encouraging consumers to choose legitimate goods and services, which helps honest traders."
As of the moment, the CTSI release the following tips for safeguarding your home and personal belongings if you feel you’re using a charger that might not be authentic.
- Only using a genuine charger made and licensed for use with your product.
- Don’t over charge your product, once it is charged disconnect it and turn the charger off.
- Never cover your device while its being charged, don’t put it under a pillow at night or in contact with bedding.
- Never use a damaged charger with a cracked case or frayed cable or one that is not working properly.
