Unsafe plug-in energy-saving devices sold online fail UK electrical safety tests
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Electrical safety risks identified in energy-saving devices sold online
An investigation by consumer organisation Which? has found that multiple plug-in “energy-saving” devices sold on popular online platforms fail basic electrical safety checks.
The Guardian reported that Which? tested eight devices purchased from Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Shein and Temu and found none of them performed as claimed.
According to Which?, the tested devices not only failed to deliver energy savings but also presented safety hazards including poor soldering, excessive lead levels and general non-compliance with UK safety regulations.
Products pose fire and electrocution risks
According to the investigation, these devices are illegal under current UK safety regulations and pose risks of fire and electric shock.
Warnings regarding plug-in devices making energy-saving claims have circulated for years.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards previously issued product recalls after identifying “a serious risk” from similar products.
Which? said its latest findings show that many of the devices use misleading language to describe how they work, such as “voltage stabilisation” and “current balancing”, with no credible supporting evidence.
Online platforms remove listings following alert
Which? said all platforms contacted during the investigation had removed the relevant product listings.
An eBay spokesperson told The Guardian: “We used a number of our own measures aimed at preventing unsafe and prohibited listings, and as a result had removed the listings in question before Which? notified us.”
Shein stated: “Upon learning of any claims, Shein immediately removes the item(s) from its site as a precaution while the company investigates.”
Temu said that its internal monitoring system had already flagged and removed the product before Which? made contact.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “We require all products to comply with applicable laws and regulations. These products have been removed.”
AliExpress also confirmed removal of the product listings following Which?’s tests.
Calls for stronger legislation to ensure product safety
Which? said its findings point to the need for stricter legislation to hold online marketplaces accountable for products sold through their platforms.
The government’s product regulation and metrology bill is currently progressing through parliament.
Which? called for the bill to introduce “clear legal responsibilities” for online marketplaces, along with “tough enforcement, including heavy fines” when unsafe products are found on their platforms.
A spokesperson said: “More concerningly, they failed basic electrical safety standards, meaning they are illegal and potentially dangerous.”
Unsafe plug-in energy-saving devices sold online fail UK electrical safety tests: Summary
Which? has reported that plug-in devices marketed as “energy-saving” tools and sold on major online platforms in the UK are failing basic electrical safety checks.
Devices tested from Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Shein and Temu were found to be unsafe and did not deliver on their energy-saving claims.
The products were found to contain poor soldering and excessive lead, and did not meet UK legal safety standards.
The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards previously recalled similar devices due to fire and electric shock hazards.
Which? called for stronger legal measures as the product regulation and metrology bill moves through parliament.
All named online marketplaces stated they had removed the identified products from sale.
