ALERT: People warned not to use phone chargers that 'should not be sold' in Ireland

The competition and consumer protection commission (CCPC) are urging people to only use phone and laptop chargers that are safe and comply with the European Union (Low Voltage Electrical Equipment) Regulations 2016. 

Unsafe electrical chargers and other electrical appliances have been the cause of almost one in five fatal fires in Ireland, according to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

The CCPC have said it is vital to make sure that electrical chargers and similar devices that people use in their homes are safe. Dublin Fire Brigade have also issued warnings about chargers or unsafe use of electrical chargers.

Electrical chargers are devices that are plugged in to a mains socket at the wall and they convert the mains current into a current which can recharge the battery in an electrical or electronic appliance or device.

Electrical chargers are also known as plug adapters, power adapters, USB chargers, wall chargers, plug chargers, plug transformers, AC/DC adapters, power supply adapters or a plug in power supply.

Some of the tips the CCPC have listed for buying safe charging products include: Buying electrical chargers from a reputable retailer, checking that the electrical charger has the CE mark and all electrical chargers must be suitable for use in a standard three pin wall socket. If it has a two pin plug, it should not be sold to a consumer in Ireland so you should not buy it.