Before You Plug In Abroad: Why Cheap Travel Adapters Could Be a Shocking Risk

British holidaymakers heading abroad this summer are being urged to think twice before buying a cheap travel adapter online. A new investigation by Electrical Safety First (ESF) tested 14 adapters from AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace, eBay and TikTok Shop — and every single one failed UK safety standards. Some posed serious risks of electric shock, electrocution or fire. All four platforms say they’ve removed the flagged products and treat safety as a top priority, but ESF warns that thousands of dangerous adapters may still be for sale.

The biggest red flag? Universal adapters that let multiple sets of pins extend at the same time. ESF found six out of eight universal models had this flaw, making it easy to accidentally touch live parts. Basic adapters also lacked safety shutters, had missing fuses or oversized holes that could expose internal wiring. In one Amazon review, a buyer said the device “fell apart in their hands” and they “could have been electrocuted.” A review on AliExpress claimed an adapter exploded while in use. The platforms say they use technology and monitoring to catch unsafe items, but ESF argues the government needs to hold online marketplaces legally responsible for what’s sold on their sites.

So how can you stay safe? First, avoid any universal adapter that lets you push out more than one set of pins at once — that’s a clear sign of danger. Second, check the socket holes: if you can see internal parts through them, the adapter lacks safety shutters. Third, look for spelling or grammar mistakes on the packaging — ESF says that’s often a sign the manufacturer cut corners. The safest bet is to buy adapters from trusted high-street retailers or well-known brands. As ESF’s Giuseppe Capanna puts it: “What looks like a bargain could come at a much higher cost.”