IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE – COUNTERFEIT USB POWER ADAPTERS (CHARGERS)

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading wishes to make the public and local retailers aware of potentially dangerous counterfeit Emerson Network Power USB power adapters (chargers) that are on the market.

There are a number of different designs but features indicating that they are counterfeit include:-

• Wording as to where the product was designed and by who is omitted

• Misspelling of words such as model or safety

• Use of a lowercase ‘p’ in “Emerson Network power”

• Safety Mark number ends in incorrect numbers or letters such as TJ (genuine is 11)

• No Safety Mark number

• Lack of packaging and/or instructions

There have been reports in the UK of these counterfeit adapters (chargers) exploding in use.

In general, counterfeit electrical goods will not have been subjected to stringent safety tests and will not comply with safety standards. They present a risk of fire or electrocution and may irreparably damage any device to which they are connected.

Consumers who have purchased one of these adapters (chargers) locally or otherwise, e.g. online, should stop using it immediately and contact Trading Standards (tel. no. 686520) for further advice.

Local retailers who have any of these adapters (chargers) in stock should remove them from sale immediately and contact Trading Standards (tel. no. 686520) for further advice.

Photographs attached:-

• Counterfeit adapters (chargers)

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• Text on a counterfeit adapter (charger)

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• Text on a genuine adapter (charger)

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Mr David Quirk MHK, Chairman of the OFT said:

“Consumers should only purchase electrical accessories like these from reputable sources to avoid the risk of buying counterfeit and potentially dangerous products. Genuine products will generally be packaged with safety instructions. Check any text on accessories for misspellings. What looks like a bargain could actually be a potential death trap.”