Half unsafe USB chargers

brussels - USB chargers, often used as a cheap alternative to your original telephone cable, often do not work.

In half the chances are that you get an electric shock, or even fire. This is the conclusion of the Belgian Consumers' Association Test-purchase.

They bought 51 chargers and put them on the test bench. 'We found the largest number of unsafe chargers in the Apple category: about four out of five of the cheap chargers were found to be out of order,' says Simon November of Test-Aankoop at Het Nieuwsblad.

'But 40 percent of the universal chargers did not meet safety standards. In the Samsung category, that was still one in four. '

The (unbranded) specimens under ten euros were the least acceptable: 17 of the 26 were perilous.

The CE logo on the chargers does not say anything. 'In addition, the web shops, whether or not through false reviews or misleading claims, turn the consumer's eyes', says Test-Aankoop.

This way you avoid problems:

- Only charge your devices during the day, then you notice when the charger smolts

- Make sure you recharge on an incombustible surface and never cover the device

- Remove the plug from the socket after use

- Regularly check the cable and the housing of the charger and replace if necessary

- Preferably buy an original charger from the official brand or choose a universal charger from more famous brands

- The online supply is, certainly in the cheaper range, not very reliable

- Buy your charger preferably in a physical store: the chance that that counterfeit offers is small and if you have problems you know where to go