We all know that official Apple accessories can be a little pricey, but recent studies show that settling for a cheaper third party alternative can be dangerous.
Trading Standards, a UK consumer authority, recently tested chargers masquerading as Apple approved equipment, which resulted in just 1% of the third party chargers passing the most basic safety tests. The tests were conducted due to the complaints from Apple regarding the large number of fake chargers being sold online. The test included 400 charges, sold in eight countries, out of which only three had the sufficient insulation to protect from electric shock.
Authorities have urged users to keep an eye out for genuine products by keeping an eye on how the pins fit into the socket, markings on the charger to indicate it passing regulatory inspections and other company logos.
Obviously buying an "Appel" or an "Appllee" charger over the original to save money might not be smart, but now it can also have dire consequences, including risks of fire, shock, damaged electronics among others.
