Dangerous devices flood UK online markets
Households already stretched by rising energy bills are being lured by a flood of plug‑in “energy‑saving” gadgets advertised as miracle savers. A new investigation by the consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First (ESF) has uncovered a stark reality: all 13 devices purchased from major online marketplaces – including AliExpress, Amazon Marketplace and TikTok Shop – fail basic safety tests and deliver no genuine energy savings.
The warning comes as the UK energy price cap rose by 4 % on Thursday, 1 October 2026, pushing average household bills to a three‑year high. Surging wholesale costs, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, have left many families desperate for any way to cut expenses, making them vulnerable to deceptive marketing.
Explosive failures and safety flaws
During laboratory testing, two of the devices exploded when subjected to standard short‑circuit tests, sending bursts of hot metal fragments into the air. The plug pins on every unit were too weak to meet required strength standards, meaning they could snap off inside a socket. Moreover, several of the gadgets lacked any fuse or protective circuitry, dramatically increasing the risk of fire and electric shock.
ESF’s product safety engineer, Giuseppe Capanna, highlighted the danger: “At a time when household budgets are already being squeezed, consumers should be able to trust that products being sold to them are safe and do what they claim. But our investigation exposes these so‑called energy‑saving devices for what they really are: worthless products that deliver no savings while potentially putting people at serious risk of electric shock or fire.”
Testing also confirmed that none of the devices contain components capable of lowering energy usage. Instead, they simply draw power, adding to bills rather than reducing them. Product listings suggest tens of thousands of these units have already reached UK shoppers, despite buyer reviews describing them as a “complete scam”, “a genuine fire hazard”, and “a plastic box with wires stuck in”.
A growing risk in homes and fire services
The danger is not confined to these newly discovered items. Four near‑identical “energy‑saving” products were recalled by safety regulators in 2022 after posing serious shock and fire hazards, yet dangerous versions of the same design continue to appear on major platforms four years later. In a separate analysis of 24 000 electrical listings, ESF found that one in 18 displayed clear indicators of non‑compliance with UK safety laws.
Earlier this year, ESF testing revealed that every travel adaptor purchased from major marketplaces failed basic safety standards, while e‑bike batteries subject to official government recall notices remained available for sale. Lithium‑ion battery incidents are now one of the fastest‑growing fire risks in London, according to the London Fire Brigade. A recent blaze in Catford, caused by an e‑bike battery explosion, left a family home devastated.
The current legal framework means online marketplaces are not recognised as part of the traditional retail supply chain, shielding them from direct liability for third‑party products sold on their sites. Ministers are now considering mandatory legal duties for tech platforms, backed by enforcement penalties, to block dangerous listings.
Calls for stronger regulation and consumer protection
Following the investigation, AliExpress and TikTok told The Independent they have removed the identified listings and are committed to ensuring that products sold on their platforms meet safety requirements. Amazon told the charity the flagged items have been taken down, and the publication has contacted the company for further comment.
“Shopping through online marketplaces in the UK is currently far too dangerous,” Mr Capanna added. “Time and time again, our investigations uncover dangerous products being sold on these platforms, despite their claims that customer safety is a priority. The government’s response to its consultation on product safety legislation is a crucial opportunity to finally hold online marketplaces to account. Without urgent action, dangerous products will continue to put consumers’ lives at risk.”
Why it Matters
The proliferation of unsafe “energy‑saving” gadgets is more than a consumer fraud; it is a public safety crisis that threatens lives and homes across the UK. As families grapple with soaring energy costs, the temptation to seek cheap fixes makes them easy targets for unscrupulous sellers. This story underscores the urgent need for robust regulation, clearer accountability for online platforms, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect vulnerable households. The government’s forthcoming response to the product safety consultation could set a precedent that either safeguards the public or leaves millions exposed to preventable harm.
